Dental instrument with light source and optical diffusion assembly and method of using same

Abstract

Dental instruments with light sources and methods of using such dental instruments are provided. The dental instrument may be configured to illuminate an oral cavity of a patient's mouth with diffused light, and may include a handle portion enabling the dental instrument to be manipulated, and a head portion at one longitudinal end of the elongate member. The head may include a reflective layer including a diffused light guide channel; the top of the shell for limiting the light source receiving cavity is open; the light source is received in the light source receiving cavity; and an optical diffusing assembly overlaid on the light source and disposed below the diffused light guide channel, the optical diffusing assembly configured to diffuse light emitted by the light source.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The technical field relates generally to lighting devices and systems. In particular, the technical field relates to dental instruments comprising light sources for illuminating an oral cavity. BACKGROUND

[0002] It can be challenging for a medical care provider, such as a dentist or dental hygienist, to have a direct line of sight into a patient’s mouth to perform a dental examination or other dental procedure. An intraoral mirror, also referred to as a dental mirror, is often used by such medical care providers to facilitate viewing of biological structures, including teeth and gums, located within the oral cavity of a patient’s mouth by being able to observe a reflection of the biological structures of interest on a reflective surface of the dental mirror.

[0003] Nonetheless, the oral cavity of a patient’s mouth is often an environment that lacks sufficient illumination for proper viewing of the biological structures of interest. Therefore, to improve visibility within the oral cavity of a patient’s mouth, an external light source can be directed towards the oral cavity. For example, a bright external light source, such as a light source focused by one or more reflective and / or lens elements, can be mounted on a multi-position armature to enable the medical care provider to selectively position the external light source at a desired angle towards the oral cavity to provide illumination for a given region within the oral cavity of the patient’s mouth.

[0004] However, such external light sources can have various drawbacks, such as being unable to adequately illuminate a given region or biological structure within the oral cavity of a patient’s mouth.

[0005] Therefore, there remain many challenges in the field of dental instruments. SUMMARY

[0006] According to an aspect, the present invention provides a dental instrument for illuminating an oral cavity of a patient’s mouth with diffuse light, the dental instrument comprising:

[0007] a handle portion comprising an elongated member for enabling the dental instrument to be manipulated; and

[0008] a head portion at one longitudinal end of the elongated member, the head portion comprising:

[0009] a top open housing comprising a housing bottom wall, a housing side wall having a housing side wall outer surface, the housing bottom wall and the housing side wall together defining a light source receiving cavity;

[0010] a plurality of light sources received within the light source receiving cavity and configured to emit light, the light sources being spaced apart from each other and positioned according to a light source distribution; and

[0011] The optical diffusion component is stacked on the light source and extends outwardly beyond the outermost light source in a direction away from the center of the light source receiving cavity. The optical diffusion component is configured to diffuse the light emitted by the light source and generate diffused light.

[0012] In some embodiments, the optical diffuser assembly includes an optical diffuser assembly sidewall having an outwardly oriented outer surface, the optical diffuser assembly sidewall and the housing sidewall together defining a head portion sidewall, and wherein the optical diffuser assembly is configured such that at least a portion of the diffused light propagates away from the outwardly oriented outer surface in a direction normal thereto.

[0013] In some embodiments, the optical diffuser assembly includes:

[0014] an intermediate diffuser layer; and

[0015] an outer diffuser layer comprising an outwardly oriented outer surface of the optical diffuser assembly, the outer diffuser layer being disposed furthest from the light source compared to the intermediate diffuser layer;

[0016] The intermediate diffusion layer and the outer diffusion layer are configured such that light emitted from the light source propagates sequentially from the light source, the intermediate diffusion layer, and the outer diffusion layer.

[0017] In some embodiments, the outer diffuser layer is an annular outer diffuser layer.

[0018] In some embodiments, the intermediate diffuser layer has an intermediate diffuser layer surface area, and the outer diffuser layer has an outer diffuser layer surface area, the outer diffuser layer surface area being smaller than the intermediate diffuser layer surface area.

[0019] In some embodiments, the outer diffuser layer is disposed overlying the intermediate layer to define a gap therebetween.

[0020] In some embodiments, the outer diffuser layer is made of one or more of polystyrene, polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate, and polypropylene.

[0021] In some embodiments, the intermediate diffuser layer is made of one or more of polystyrene, polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate, and polypropylene.

[0022] In some embodiments, the housing sidewall and the optical diffuser assembly sidewall are substantially aligned with one another to form a substantially continuous head portion sidewall.

[0023] In some embodiments, the shell sidewall is substantially cylindrical, the shell bottom wall has a substantially circular surface area, and the light sources are distributed as a circumferential light source distribution, wherein at least some of the light sources are arranged along a circular profile concentric with the substantially circular surface area of ​​the shell with an open top.

[0024] In some embodiments, the light sources are arranged at regular intervals from each other.

[0025] In some embodiments, the upper portion of the optical diffuser assembly includes a convex surface and a concave surface that together define an inwardly protruding edge.

[0026] In some embodiments, the head portion further includes a reflective layer overlying a portion of the optical diffuser assembly, the reflective layer having an outwardly oriented reflective surface.

[0027] In some embodiments, the inwardly protruding edge is sized and configured to define a channel between the reflective layer and the inwardly protruding edge.

[0028] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional width of the channel increases or remains constant from the lowest point of the channel to the top of the channel.

[0029] In some embodiments, the reflective layer and at least a portion of the optical diffuser assembly are configured to be removable from the head portion as a subassembly.

[0030] In some embodiments, the head portion further includes a printed circuit board containing the light source.

[0031] In some embodiments, the head portion further comprises an optical detector configured to:

[0032] detecting at least one of illuminance and color temperature;

[0033] Compare at least one of the following:

[0034] The detected illuminance and the target illuminance, and

[0035] The detected color temperature and the target color temperature; and

[0036] The light output of the light source is adjusted based on the at least one comparison.

[0037] In some embodiments, the light source comprises a light emitting diode.

[0038] In some embodiments, the head portion further comprises an additional optical diffusion component, the additional optical diffusion component comprising:

[0039] Additional light sources; and

[0040] An additional optical diffuser component defines at least a portion of the open-top housing.

[0041] In some embodiments, the additional optical diffuser assembly includes a diffuser layer received in a diffuser layer opening defined in the bottom wall of the housing.

[0042] In some embodiments, the second plurality of light sources includes light emitting diodes.

[0043] According to another aspect, there is provided a dental appliance for illuminating an oral cavity of a patient's mouth with diffuse light, the dental appliance comprising:

[0044] a handle portion comprising an elongated member that enables the dental instrument to be manipulated; and

[0045] a head portion at one longitudinal end of the elongated member, the head portion comprising:

[0046] a reflective layer having an outwardly oriented reflective surface;

[0047] A housing with an open top, comprising: a housing bottom wall including an opening for a diffusion layer; a housing side wall having a housing side wall outer surface, the housing bottom wall and the housing side wall together defining a light source receiving cavity;

[0048] a light source received in the light source receiving cavity and configured to emit light in a direction opposite to the outwardly directed reflective surface of the reflective layer, the light sources being spaced apart from each other and positioned according to a light source distribution; and

[0049] An optical diffuser layer has an inwardly oriented surface facing the light source and is received in the diffuser layer opening of the bottom wall of the housing, the optical diffuser layer being configured to diffuse light emitted by the light source and generate diffused light.

[0050] In some embodiments, the optically diffuse layer is made of one or more of polystyrene, polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate, and polypropylene.

[0051] In some embodiments, the shell sidewall is substantially cylindrical, the shell bottom wall has a substantially circular surface area, and the light sources are distributed as a circumferential light source distribution, wherein at least some of the light sources are arranged along a circular profile concentric with the substantially circular surface area of ​​the shell with an open top.

[0052] In some embodiments, the optical diffuser layer includes a first optical diffuser layer and a second optical diffuser layer, and both the first optical diffuser layer and the second optical diffuser layer are dome-shaped.

[0053] In some embodiments, the light sources are arranged at regular intervals from each other.

[0054] In some embodiments, the head portion further includes a printed circuit board containing the light source.

[0055] In some embodiments, the head portion further comprises an optical detector configured to:

[0056] detecting at least one of illuminance and color temperature;

[0057] Compare at least one of the following:

[0058] the detected illuminance and the target illuminance, and

[0059] the detected color temperature and the target color temperature; and

[0060] adjusting the light output of the light source based on at least one of the comparisons.

[0061] In some embodiments, the light source comprises a light emitting diode.

[0062] According to another aspect, there is provided a dental instrument for illuminating an oral cavity of a patient's mouth with diffuse light, the dental instrument comprising:

[0063] a handle portion comprising an elongate member for enabling the dental instrument to be manipulated; and

[0064] a head portion at one longitudinal end of the elongate member, the head portion comprising:

[0065] a reflective layer having a peripheral wall and an outwardly directed reflective surface defined within the peripheral wall;

[0066] a top open housing comprising a housing bottom wall comprising a diffuse layer opening, a housing side wall having a housing side wall outer surface, the housing bottom wall and the housing side wall together defining a light source receiving cavity;

[0067] a light source received within the light source receiving cavity and configured to emit light, the light sources being spaced apart from each other and positioned according to a light source distribution such that at least the outermost light sources are disposed inwardly from the peripheral wall; and

[0068] an optical diffuse assembly overlying the light sources and extending outwardly from the peripheral wall of the reflective layer, the optical diffuse assembly being configured to diffuse the light emitted by the light sources and produce diffuse light.

[0069] According to another aspect, there is provided a dental instrument for illuminating an oral cavity of a patient's mouth with diffuse light, the dental instrument comprising:

[0070] a handle portion comprising an elongate member for enabling the dental instrument to be manipulated; and

[0071] a head portion at one longitudinal end of the elongate member, the head portion comprising:

[0072] a top open housing comprising a housing bottom wall and a housing side wall having a housing side wall outer surface, the housing bottom wall and the housing side wall together defining a light source receiving cavity;

[0073] a light source received within the light source receiving cavity and configured to emit light, the light sources being spaced apart from each other and distributed over an inwardly directed surface area of the top open housing; and

[0074] an optical diffusing assembly extending at least between the light sources and the outer surface of the side wall of the housing, the optical diffusing assembly being configured to diffuse light emitted by the light sources and to produce diffused light.

[0075] According to another aspect, there is provided a dental instrument for illuminating an oral cavity of a patient's mouth with diffused light, the dental instrument comprising:

[0076] a handle portion comprising an elongate member for enabling the dental instrument to be manipulated; and

[0077] a head portion at one longitudinal end of the elongate member, the head portion comprising:

[0078] a reflective layer having a peripheral wall and an outwardly directed reflective surface defined within the peripheral wall;

[0079] an open-topped housing comprising a housing bottom wall, a housing side wall having a housing side wall outer surface, the housing bottom wall and the housing side wall together defining a light source receiving cavity;

[0080] light sources received within the light source receiving cavity and configured to emit light, the light sources being spaced apart from one another; and

[0081] an optical diffusing assembly superposed on the light sources and extending outwardly from the peripheral wall of the reflective layer, the optical diffusing assembly being configured to diffuse light emitted by the light sources and to produce diffused light.

[0082] According to another aspect, there is provided a dental instrument for illuminating an oral cavity of a patient's mouth with diffused light, the dental instrument comprising:

[0083] a handle portion comprising an elongate member for enabling the dental instrument to be manipulated; and

[0084] a head portion at one longitudinal end of the elongate member, the head portion comprising:

[0085] a reflective layer having an outwardly directed reflective surface;

[0086] an open-topped housing comprising a housing bottom wall, a housing side wall having a housing side wall outer surface, the housing bottom wall and the housing side wall together defining a light source receiving cavity;

[0087] light sources received within the light source receiving cavity and configured to emit light in a direction opposite to the outwardly directed reflective surface of the reflective layer, the light sources being spaced apart from one another and positioned in accordance with a light source distribution.

[0088] According to another aspect, there is provided a dental instrument for illuminating an oral cavity of a patient's mouth with diffused light, the dental instrument comprising:

[0089] a handle portion comprising an elongated member that enables the dental instrument to be manipulated; and

[0090] a head portion at one longitudinal end of the elongated member, the head portion comprising:

[0091] a reflective layer having a peripheral wall and an outwardly directed reflective surface defined within the peripheral wall;

[0092] A housing with an open top, the housing comprising: a housing bottom wall including an opening of a diffusion layer, a housing side wall having a housing side wall outer surface, the housing bottom wall and the housing side wall together defining a light source receiving cavity;

[0093] a light source received in the light source receiving cavity and configured to emit light, the light sources being spaced apart from one another and positioned according to a light source distribution such that outermost light sources are at least partially disposed outwardly from a peripheral wall of the reflective layer; and

[0094] The optical diffusion component is directly stacked on the light source and extends outward from the peripheral wall of the reflective layer. The optical diffusion component is configured to diffuse the light emitted by the light source and generate diffused light.

[0095] According to another aspect, there is provided a dental appliance for illuminating an oral cavity of a patient's mouth with diffuse light, the dental appliance comprising:

[0096] a handle portion comprising an elongated member for enabling the dental instrument to be manipulated; and

[0097] a head portion located at one longitudinal end of the elongated member, the head portion comprising:

[0098] a reflective layer having a peripheral wall and an outwardly directed reflective surface defined within the peripheral wall;

[0099] A housing with an open top, comprising a housing bottom wall and a housing side wall having a housing side wall outer surface, wherein the housing bottom wall and the housing side wall together define a light source receiving cavity;

[0100] light sources received in the light source receiving cavity and configured to emit light, the light sources being spaced apart from one another; and

[0101] The optical diffusion component is directly stacked on the light source and extends outward from the peripheral wall of the reflective layer, and is configured to diffuse the light emitted by the light source and generate diffused light.

[0102] According to another embodiment, there is provided a dental appliance for illuminating an oral cavity of a patient's mouth with diffuse light, the dental appliance comprising:

[0103] a handle portion comprising an elongated member for enabling the dental instrument to be manipulated; and

[0104] a head portion located at one longitudinal end of the elongated member, the head portion comprising:

[0105] a reflective layer having a peripheral wall and including a diffuse light directing channel extending peripherally along and inwardly therefrom;

[0106] A housing with an open top, comprising a housing bottom wall and a housing side wall, wherein the housing bottom wall and the housing side wall together define a light source receiving cavity;

[0107] a light source received in the light source receiving cavity and configured to emit light; and

[0108] The optical diffusion component is stacked on the light source and disposed below the diffused light guiding channel. The optical diffusion component is configured to diffuse the light emitted by the light source and generate diffused light.

[0109] In some embodiments, the light sources are spaced apart from each other and positioned according to a light source distribution.

[0110] In some embodiments, the shell sidewall is substantially cylindrical, the shell bottom wall has a substantially circular surface area, and the light sources are distributed as a circumferential light source distribution, wherein at least some of the light sources are arranged along a circular profile concentric with the substantially circular surface area of ​​the shell with an open top.

[0111] In some embodiments, the light sources are arranged at regular intervals from each other.

[0112] In some embodiments, the head portion further includes a printed circuit board containing the light source.

[0113] In some embodiments, the light source comprises a light emitting diode.

[0114] In some embodiments, the optical diffuser assembly is directly superimposed on the light source, and the diffuse light guiding channel of the reflective layer is directly superimposed on the optical diffuser assembly, so that the light source and the diffuse light guiding channel share a corresponding common transverse axis that extends perpendicularly through the optical diffuser assembly relative to the bottom wall of the shell.

[0115] In some embodiments, the reflective layer includes a transparent layer and a reflective surface located below the transparent layer, and the optical diffuser component is located closest to the reflective surface.

[0116] In some embodiments, the optical diffuser component includes a single diffuser layer.

[0117] In some embodiments, the optical diffuser assembly includes multiple diffuser layers.

[0118] In some embodiments, the optical diffuser component is sized to be contained within the perimeter defined by the peripheral wall of the reflective layer.

[0119] In some embodiments, the diffuse light guide channel coincides with a periphery defined by the peripheral wall.

[0120] In some embodiments, the diffuse light guide channel is disposed at a distance from the periphery defined by the peripheral wall, thereby defining a gap therebetween.

[0121] In some embodiments, the diffuse light guide channel extends continuously at least from a 1 o'clock position to an 11 o'clock position.

[0122] In some embodiments, the reflective layer further defines an optical detector opening at a 12 o'clock position.

[0123] In some embodiments, the optical detector is configured to:

[0124] detect at least one of an illuminance and a color temperature;

[0125] compare at least one of:

[0126] the detected illuminance to a target illuminance, and

[0127] the detected color temperature to a target color temperature; and

[0128] adjust a light output of the light source based on the at least one comparison.

[0129] In some embodiments, the optical diffuse assembly is substantially circular.

[0130] In some embodiments, the optical diffuse assembly is annular and defines a diffuse layer opening.

[0131] In some embodiments, the dental instrument further comprises an additional layer configured to be received in the diffuse layer opening.

[0132] In some embodiments, the optical diffuse assembly defines an additional layer receiving surface configured to receive the additional layer thereon.

[0133] In some embodiments, the additional layer is a heating layer.

[0134] In some embodiments, the additional layer has a reduced ability to transmit light emitted by the light source as compared to a remainder of the optical diffuse assembly.

[0135] In some embodiments, the additional layer is made of a light blocking material.

[0136] In some embodiments, the additional layer is made of a reflective material.

[0137] In some embodiments, the optical diffuse assembly defines a fastener opening configured to receive a fastener therein to secure the optical diffuse assembly to the housing bottom wall.

[0138] In some embodiments, the optical diffuser component is made of a diffuser material including one or more of polystyrene, polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate, and polypropylene.

[0139] In some embodiments, the diffusing material is configured to transmit 25% to 90% of light having a wavelength between 400 nm and 800 nm.

[0140] In some embodiments, the density of the diffuser material is in the range of 1000 kg / m 3 About 1300kg / m 3 between.

[0141] In some embodiments, the half-power angle of the optical diffuser component ranges from about 1° to about 55°.

[0142] In some embodiments, the optical diffuser component has a diffuser layer thickness ranging from about 0.5 mm to about 7 mm.

[0143] In some embodiments, the optical diffuser component has a diffuser layer thickness of about 1 mm, and the half-power angle of the optical diffuser component is between about 1° and about 5°.

[0144] In some embodiments, the optical diffuser component has a diffuser layer thickness of about 2 mm, and the half-power angle of the optical diffuser component is between about 18° and about 30°.

[0145] In some embodiments, the optical diffuser component has a diffuser layer thickness of about 3 mm, and the half-power angle of the optical diffuser component is between about 30° and about 45°.

[0146] In some embodiments, the optical diffuser component has a diffuser layer thickness of about 4 mm, and the half-power angle of the optical diffuser component is between about 40° and about 55°.

[0147] In some embodiments, the head portion further comprises a head portion ring engageable with the open-top housing.

[0148] In some embodiments, the head portion ring is threadable onto threads defined on the side wall of the housing.

[0149] In some embodiments, the head portion ring includes an inwardly extending protrusion defining a reflective layer engagement surface for engaging a peripheral wall of the reflective layer.

[0150] In some embodiments, the reflective layer is shaped as a frusto-conical reflective layer defining an outwardly extending sloped surface configured to abut an inwardly extending raised reflective layer engagement surface of the head portion ring.

[0151] In some embodiments, the dental instrument further comprises a gasket disposed on a top edge of the housing sidewall that is compressible when subjected to a downward force to seal components of the dental instrument disposed in the top open housing when the head portion ring is engaged with the top open housing.

[0152] In some embodiments, the head portion ring and the reflective layer, and optionally the gasket, are configured to be removable from the head portion as a subassembly.

[0153] In some embodiments, the reflective layer is a replaceable reflective layer.

[0154] In some embodiments, the head portion further comprises an additional optical diffusion assembly comprising:

[0155] an additional light source oriented opposite the light source; and

[0156] an additional optical diffusion assembly defining at least a portion of a housing bottom wall of the top open housing.

[0157] In some embodiments, the additional optical diffusion assembly comprises a diffusion layer received within a diffusion layer opening defined in the housing bottom wall.

[0158] In some embodiments, the additional light source comprises a light emitting diode.

[0159] In some embodiments, the housing bottom wall defines a reflective layer receiving cavity, and the head portion further comprises a bottom reflective layer received in the reflective layer receiving cavity.

[0160] In some embodiments, the housing bottom wall defines a stepped change at a transition between the housing bottom wall outward of the bottom reflective layer and the reflective layer receiving cavity.

[0161] In some embodiments, the dental instrument further comprises a gasket between a peripheral wall of the bottom reflective layer and the stepped change defined in the housing bottom wall.

[0162] According to another aspect, there is provided a dental instrument for illuminating an oral cavity of a patient's mouth with diffused light, the dental instrument comprising:

[0163] a handle portion comprising an elongate member for enabling the dental instrument to be manipulated; and

[0164] a head portion at one longitudinal end of the elongate member, the head portion comprising:

[0165] a reflective layer having a reflective surface oriented outwardly;

[0166] A housing with an open top, comprising a housing bottom wall and a housing side wall defining an opening of the diffusion layer, wherein the housing bottom wall and the housing side wall together define a light source receiving cavity;

[0167] a light source received within the light source receiving cavity and configured to emit light in a direction opposite the outwardly directed reflective surface of the reflective layer; and

[0168] An optical diffuser layer has an inwardly oriented surface facing the light source and is received in the diffuser layer opening of the bottom wall of the housing, the optical diffuser layer being configured to diffuse light emitted by the light source and generate diffused light.

[0169] In some embodiments, the light sources are spaced apart from each other and positioned according to a light source distribution.

[0170] In some embodiments, the shell sidewall is substantially cylindrical, the shell bottom wall has a substantially circular surface area, and the light sources are distributed as a circumferential light source distribution, wherein at least some of the light sources are arranged along a circular profile concentric with the substantially circular surface area of ​​the shell with an open top.

[0171] In some embodiments, the optical diffuser layer includes a first optical diffuser layer and a second optical diffuser layer, and the diffuser layer opening includes a first diffuser layer opening and a second diffuser layer opening, the first optical diffuser layer is received in the first diffuser layer opening, the second optical diffuser layer is received in the second diffuser layer opening, and the first and second optical diffuser layers are shaped as semicircular optical diffuser layers.

[0172] In some embodiments, the head portion further includes a printed circuit board containing the light source.

[0173] In some embodiments, the light source comprises a light emitting diode.

[0174] In some embodiments, the optical diffuser component is made of a diffuser material including one or more of polystyrene, polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate, and polypropylene.

[0175] In some embodiments, the diffusing material is configured to transmit 25% to 90% of light having a wavelength between 400 nm and 800 nm.

[0176] In some embodiments, the density of the diffuser material is in the range of 1000 kg / m 3 About 1300kg / m 3 between.

[0177] In some embodiments, the half-power angle of the optical diffuser component ranges from about 1° to about 55°.

[0178] In some embodiments, the optical diffuser component has a diffuser layer thickness ranging from about 0.5 mm to about 7 mm.

[0179] In some embodiments, the optical diffuser component has a diffuser layer thickness of about 1 mm, and the half-power angle of the optical diffuser component is between about 1° and about 5°.

[0180] In some embodiments, the optical diffuser component has a diffuser layer thickness of about 2 mm, and the half-power angle of the optical diffuser component is between about 18° and about 30°.

[0181] In some embodiments, the optical diffuser component has a diffuser layer thickness of about 3 mm, and the half-power angle of the optical diffuser component is between about 30° and about 45°.

[0182] In some embodiments, the optical diffuser component has a diffuser layer thickness of about 4 mm, and the half-power angle of the optical diffuser component is between about 40° and about 55°.

[0183] In some embodiments, the head portion further comprises an optical detector configured to:

[0184] detecting at least one of illuminance and color temperature;

[0185] Compare at least one of the following:

[0186] The detected illuminance and the target illuminance, and

[0187] The detected color temperature and the target color temperature; and

[0188] The light output of the light source is adjusted based on the at least one comparison.

[0189] In some embodiments, the housing bottom wall defines a reflective layer receiving cavity, and the head portion further includes a bottom reflective layer received in the reflective layer receiving cavity.

[0190] In some embodiments, the housing bottom wall defines a step-like change at a transition between the housing bottom wall located outward from the bottom reflective layer and the reflective layer receiving cavity.

[0191] In some embodiments, the dental appliance further comprises a spacer positioned between the peripheral wall of the bottom reflective layer and the step-like change defined in the bottom wall of the housing.

[0192] According to another aspect, there is provided a system for use with a head portion of a dental instrument, the system comprising:

[0193] A reflective layer comprising:

[0194] a frustoconical transparent layer including a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a peripheral wall defining an outwardly extending inclined surface; and

[0195] a reflective surface adjacent to the transparent layer;

[0196] wherein the peripheral wall of the reflective layer is configured to abut an inwardly extending ledge of the head portion ring, the head portion ring being removably engageable with the top open housing of the head portion, the reflective layer engagement surface and the outwardly extending ramp having complementary angles.

[0197] In some embodiments, the reflective layer includes a diffuse light guiding channel extending inwardly therefrom along the peripheral wall of the transparent layer, the diffuse light guiding channel being configured to enable passage of diffuse light therefrom.

[0198] In some embodiments, the system further includes a gasket positionable beneath the reflective layer and configured to seal the remaining components of the head portion upon application of downward pressure to the reflective layer.

[0199] In some embodiments, the gasket is a compressible gasket.

[0200] According to another aspect, there is provided a dental instrument for illuminating an oral cavity of a patient's mouth with diffuse light, the dental instrument comprising:

[0201] a handle portion including an elongate member enabling the dental instrument to be manipulated; and

[0202] a head portion at one longitudinal end of the elongate member, the head portion including:

[0203] a top open housing including a housing bottom wall and a housing side wall defining a reflective layer receiving cavity, the housing side wall and the housing bottom wall together defining a housing cavity;

[0204] a top reflective layer at least partially received within the top open housing; and

[0205] a bottom reflective layer received within the reflective layer receiving cavity;

[0206] wherein the top reflective layer and the bottom reflective layer are configured such that their respective reflective surfaces oppose one another.

[0207] In some embodiments, the housing bottom wall defines a stepped change at a location between the housing bottom wall and the reflective layer receiving cavity outwardly of the bottom reflective layer.

[0208] In some embodiments, the dental instrument further includes a gasket between the peripheral wall of the bottom reflective layer and the stepped change defined in the housing bottom wall.

[0209] In some embodiments, the top reflective layer includes:

[0210] a frustoconical transparent layer including a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a peripheral wall defining an outwardly extending inclined surface; and

[0211] A reflective surface adjacent to a transparent layer.

[0212] In some embodiments, the head portion includes a head portion ring configured to be removably engageable with the open-top housing.

[0213] In some embodiments, the head portion ring includes an inwardly extending protrusion that defines a reflective layer engagement surface for engaging a peripheral wall of the top reflective layer.

[0214] In some embodiments, the peripheral wall of the top reflective layer is configured to abut an inwardly extending raised reflective layer engagement surface of the head portion ring, the reflective layer engagement surface having a complementary angle to the outwardly extending beveled surface.

[0215] In some embodiments, the top reflective layer includes a diffuse light guiding channel extending inwardly therefrom along a peripheral wall of the transparent layer, the diffuse light guiding channel being configured to enable diffuse light to pass therethrough.

[0216] In some embodiments, the system further includes a gasket positionable below the top reflective layer and configured to seal against remaining components of the head portion when downward pressure is applied to the top reflective layer.

[0217] In some embodiments, the gasket is a compressible gasket.

[0218] According to another aspect, there is provided a dental appliance for illuminating an oral cavity of a patient's mouth with diffuse light, the dental appliance comprising:

[0219] a handle portion including an elongated member that enables the dental instrument to be manipulated; and

[0220] a head portion located at one longitudinal end of the elongated member, the head portion comprising:

[0221] A housing with an open top, the housing comprising a housing bottom wall and a housing side wall, the housing bottom wall and the housing side wall together defining a light source receiving cavity;

[0222] a light source received in the light source receiving cavity and configured to emit light; and

[0223] a reflective layer having a peripheral wall and comprising a diffuse light guiding channel superimposed on the light source and extending peripherally inwardly along and from the peripheral wall, the diffuse light guiding channel comprising:

[0224] The optical diffusion component is configured to diffuse the light emitted by the light source and generate diffused light. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0225] The accompanying drawings illustrate various features, aspects, and implementations of the technology described herein.

[0226] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a dental instrument including a head portion and a handle according to an embodiment.

[0227] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A top view of the head portion of a dental instrument is shown.

[0228] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A bottom view of the head portion of the dental instrument is shown.

[0229] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional perspective view of the head portion of a dental instrument is shown.

[0230] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional side view of an enlarged section of a head portion of a dental instrument is shown.

[0231] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional elevational view of the head portion of a dental instrument is shown.

[0232] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the open-top housing of the dental instrument head portion is shown.

[0233] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Another perspective view of the housing shown with the top open.

[0234] Figure 9 yes Figure 7 A cross-sectional side view of the open-top housing is shown.

[0235] Figure 10 Is receivable in Figure 1 A top perspective view of a printed circuit board within the open-top housing of a dental instrument head portion is shown.

[0236] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A top plan view of the printed circuit board is shown.

[0237] Figure 12 yes Figure 10 A bottom perspective view of the printed circuit board is shown.

[0238] Figure 13 yes Figure 10 Bottom plan view of the printed circuit board shown.

[0239] Figure 14 yes Figure 1 A top perspective view of the intermediate diffusing layer of the dental appliance is shown.

[0240] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 A top plan view of the intermediate diffuser layer is shown.

[0241] Figure 16 yes Figure 14 Bottom perspective view of the intermediate diffuser layer shown.

[0242] Figure 17 yes Figure 14 Bottom plan view of the intermediate diffuser layer shown.

[0243] Figure 18 yes Figure 1 A top perspective view of the outer diffusing layer of the dental appliance is shown.

[0244] Figure 19 yes Figure 18 A cross-sectional perspective view of the outer diffuser layer is shown.

[0245] Figure 20 yes Figure 18 A top plan view of the outer diffuser layer is shown.

[0246] Figure 21 yes Figure 18 Bottom plan view of the outer diffuser layer shown.

[0247] Figure 22 is a perspective view of an optical diffuser layer configured to receive Figure 1 The dental instrument head portion is shown in a diffusion layer opening defined in a bottom wall of an open-top housing.

[0248] Figure 23 yes Figure 1 A partially exploded, partially cross-sectional perspective view of a head portion of a dental instrument is shown with the outer diffusing layer and the reflective layer shown separated from the head portion.

[0249] Figure 24 yes Figure 23 A perspective view of a head portion is shown along with a tool configured to facilitate separation of the outer diffusing layer and the reflective layer from the head portion.

[0250] Figure 25 is a perspective view of a dental instrument including a head portion and a handle portion according to another embodiment.

[0251] Figure 26 yes Figure 25 A front perspective view of the dental appliance shown.

[0252] Figure 27 is a top perspective view of the dental instrument shown in FIG. 1. Figure 25

[0253] Figure 28 is a cross-sectional view of the head portion of the dental instrument shown in FIG. 1 taken along line A-A. Figure 26 Figure 25

[0254] Figure 29 Figure 28

[0255] Figure 30 Figure 27 Figure 25

[0256] Figure 31 Figure 30

[0257] Figure 32 Figure 25

[0258] Figure 33 Figure 25 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0259] ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The technology described herein relates to systems, devices, and methods for illuminating the oral cavity of a patient's mouth with diffuse light, for example, in the context of various procedures performed by a healthcare provider, such as dental exams, cavity restoration, and the like. Illuminating the patient's mouth with diffuse light can be achieved using the dental instrument described herein. The dental instrument can be manipulated by a healthcare provider, and a portion of the dental instrument can be configured for introduction into the oral cavity of the patient's mouth. More specifically, the dental instrument can include an elongated member that enables manipulation by the healthcare provider, and a head portion located at one longitudinal end of the elongated member and configured for introduction into the oral cavity of the patient's mouth. The head portion can include an open-top housing, a light source, and an optical diffuser assembly for generating diffuse light. The open-top housing includes a housing bottom wall and a housing sidewall having a housing sidewall outer surface. The housing bottom wall and the housing sidewall together define a light source receiving cavity. The light source is received within the light source receiving cavity and is configured to emit light. The light sources are spaced apart from each other and positioned according to a light source distribution. The optical diffuser assembly is superimposed on the light source. In some embodiments, the optical diffuser assembly can be configured to extend outwardly beyond the outermost light source in a direction away from the center of the light source receiving cavity. The optical diffuser assembly, at least due to its manufacturing material, is configured to diffuse the light emitted by the light source and produce diffused light.

[0260] In some embodiments, the dental instrument may further include a reflective layer, such as a reflective mirror, so that the dental instrument can be used as a dental mirror. Healthcare providers, such as dentists and dental hygienists, are trained to work with indirect observation of an area of ​​interest within the oral cavity while operating a surgical light located outside the patient's mouth. Operating a surgical light located outside the patient's mouth requires the healthcare provider to interrupt the ongoing procedure to adjust the positioning of the surgical light, thereby increasing the procedure time. In addition, a surgical light located outside the patient's mouth may not be able to effectively illuminate the area of ​​interest. In addition, although dental mirrors with discrete light sources distributed around the mirror surface can be used, such dental mirrors have some disadvantages, such as producing a strong and uneven light spot, which may distract the healthcare provider, cause glare, and fail to effectively illuminate the area of ​​interest. Providing a dental instrument (e.g., a dental mirror) as described herein, which produces diffuse light to illuminate the area of ​​interest within the oral cavity, provides multiple advantages over surgical lights located outside the patient's mouth and may not be suitable for adequately illuminating the area of ​​interest. The dental instrument may include one or more optical diffuser components. When there is one optical diffuser component, the optical diffuser component can be located at the front of the dental instrument head portion or at the rear of the dental instrument head portion. When there are two optical diffuser components, the first optical diffuser component can be located at the front of the dental instrument head portion and the second optical diffuser component can be located at the rear of the dental instrument head portion.

[0261] Alternatively, the dental instrument may not include a reflective layer and may otherwise include another type of instrument at the longitudinal end of the elongated member, or the dental instrument may function as a light source without any other additional instrument.

[0262] In some embodiments, a light source disposed within a head portion of a dental instrument can be configured to automatically adjust its light output based on a detected lighting level. For example, the dental instrument can include an optical detector, and the detector can be configured to detect illuminance and / or color temperature and adjust the light output based on a comparison of the detected illuminance and / or color temperature with one or more target values.

[0263] It is important to note that while the systems, devices, and methods described herein are presented in the context of dental instruments that can be used during dental procedures typically performed on humans, it should be understood that these systems, devices, and methods can alternatively be used in the context of veterinary treatment. Furthermore, the systems, devices, and methods described herein can also be used in other contexts involving illumination of non-oral biological cavities or illumination of cavities that are not biological cavities.

[0264] Various embodiments and features of the dental instruments and related methods are described in more detail in the following paragraphs.

[0265] Dental Instruments Overview

[0266] refer to Figures 1 to 9 and Figures 25 to 33 , shows an embodiment of a dental instrument 10. The dental instrument 10 includes a handle portion 200 including an elongated member 202 having a first longitudinal end 204 and a second longitudinal end 206, the second longitudinal end 206 being located opposite the first longitudinal end 204. The dental instrument 10 also includes a head portion 100 located at or near the first longitudinal end 204 of the elongated member 202. In the illustrated embodiment, the head portion 100 of the dental instrument 10 includes a reflective layer 120 having a reflective surface 122. The reflective layer 120 can be, for example, a mirror or other type of wave reflector. The reflective surface 122 can be located on the back side (e.g., forming a back-silvered reflector) or the front side (e.g., forming a front-silvered reflector). When the dental instrument includes a reflective layer 120, a healthcare provider can grasp the elongated member 202 of the handle portion 200 to manipulate the position of the head portion 100 relative to various biological structures of interest within the oral cavity (e.g., within the oral cavity of a patient's mouth) to indirectly observe a given area reflected by the reflective surface 122 of the reflective layer 120. In some embodiments, the reflective layer 120 can be omitted and replaced with a non-reflective layer to achieve a configuration similar to the head portion 100 described herein, but without the reflective surface.

[0267] The head portion 100 includes a top-open housing 110. Referring to Figures 7 to 9 , Figure 32 and Figure 33 more particularly, the top-open housing 110 includes a housing sidewall 102 and a housing bottom wall 104. The housing sidewall 102 includes a housing sidewall outer surface 108. The combination of the housing sidewall 102 and the housing bottom wall 104 together define a light source receiving cavity 106. In the illustrated embodiment, Figures 7 to 9 the top-open housing 110 includes an elongate member engagement bar 115 for engaging the head portion 100 with the elongate member 202 of the handle portion 200 at a given relative angle. The elongate member engagement bar 115 can be integral with the top-open housing 110, such as in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 9 . In other embodiments, the elongate member engagement bar 115 can be removably engageable with the head portion 100, or connected to the top-open housing in any other suitable manner. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, Figures 1 to 9 the elongate member engagement bar 115 includes a pair of bar wings 116 disposed on each side thereof to reinforce the connection between the elongate member engagement bar 115 and the top-open housing 110. It should be appreciated that these bar wings 116 are optional and can be omitted, such as in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 25 to 33 .

[0268] In the illustrated embodiment, the housing sidewall 102 is substantially cylindrical in shape, with the housing bottom wall 104 having a substantially circular surface area. This combination of the housing sidewall 102 and the housing bottom wall 104 shapes the top-open housing 110 to resemble a cup or a dish, with the housing sidewall 102 being curved inwardly such that the diameter of the housing bottom wall 104 is less than the diameter of the top-open housing 110 at the top. In other embodiments, the housing sidewall 102 can be substantially straight such that the diameter of the housing bottom wall 104 is substantially similar to the diameter of the top-open housing 110 at the top. It should be appreciated that the housing sidewall 102 and the housing bottom wall 104 can have shapes other than those exemplified in Figures 1 to 9 and Figures 25 to 33 , depending on, for example, the configuration of the rest of the dental instrument 10 and its intended use. In embodiments in which the dental instrument 10 is intended for use in illuminating the oral cavity of a patient's mouth, providing the top-open housing 110 with a rimless or curved housing sidewall 102 can help improve the comfort of the patient after the head portion 100 is introduced into the oral cavity.

[0269] Referring to Figures 4 to 6 , Figure 29 , Figure 31 and Figure 33The head portion 100 includes a light source 133 received within the light source receiving cavity 106 of the open-top housing 110. The light source 133 is configured to emit light. The light sources 133 are spaced apart from each other and positioned according to a light source distribution. More details about the light source distribution will be provided below.

[0270] The light source 133 is configured and oriented to emit light upward and away from the bottom wall 104 of the housing, for example, when the reflective layer 120 is present, to emit light toward the underside of the reflective layer 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the light source 133 is provided as a component of a printed circuit board (PCB) 130 received within the light source receiving cavity 106. The printed circuit board 130 also includes an additional light source 135 disposed on a lower surface 134 of the printed circuit board 130. In some embodiments, the light source 133 and the additional light source 135 may include light emitting diodes (LEDs). In other embodiments, any other type of light source configured to emit light may also be suitable. In addition, although in Figures 10 to 12 33 , no light source is shown in the central region of the printed circuit board 130 , but in other embodiments, the light source may be present in the central region of the printed circuit board 130 .

[0271] The head portion 100 further includes an optical diffuser assembly 118. The optical diffuser assembly 118 is disposed between the printed circuit board 130 and the reflective layer 102 and is thus partially received within the light source receiving cavity 106 of the housing 110 having the top open.

[0272] In some embodiments, as Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the optical diffuser assembly 118 includes an outer diffuser layer 140 and an intermediate diffuser layer 150. The intermediate diffuser layer 150 is disposed closest to the light source 133 and is thus "sandwiched" between the outer diffuser layer 140 and the light source 133. The optical diffuser assembly 118 includes an optical diffuser assembly sidewall 154 having an outer surface 156 directed outward. Therefore, when the optical diffuser assembly 118 includes the outer diffuser layer 140 and the intermediate diffuser layer 150, light emitted from the light source 133 can be transmitted from the light source 133, the intermediate diffuser layer 150, and the outer diffuser layer 140 in sequence. Figures 4 to 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the outer diffusion layer 140 is superposed on the intermediate diffusion layer 150 to define a gap therebetween. Note that in other embodiments, the gap may be omitted such that the outer diffusion layer 140 directly contacts the intermediate diffusion layer 150.

[0273] For example, Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the combination of the housing sidewall 102 and the optical diffuser assembly sidewall 154 together form the sidewall of the head portion 100, namely the head portion sidewall 158. Figures 4 to 6In the illustrated embodiment, the combination of the housing sidewall 102 and the optical diffuser assembly sidewall 154 is shown such that the housing sidewall outer surface 108 and the outwardly oriented outer surface 156, respectively, are substantially aligned with one another. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the housing sidewall 102 and the optical diffuser assembly sidewall 154 can be configured to be offset from one another, with the optical diffuser assembly sidewall 154 disposed inwardly or outwardly relative to the housing sidewall 102.

[0274] refer to Figures 25 to 33 In other embodiments, the optical diffuser component 118 itself may represent a single diffuser layer disposed between the light source 133 and the reflective layer 102, and the optical diffuser component 118 may be at least partially received within the light source receiving cavity 106 of the open-top housing 110. Alternatively, the optical diffuser component 118 may include a plurality of diffuser layers configured as follows: Figures 4 to 6 As shown, or configure with Figures 4 to 6 The examples are different.

[0275] exist Figures 25 to 33 In the illustrated embodiment, the optical diffuser component 118 is positioned below the reflective layer 120 such that the periphery 172 of the optical diffuser component 118 is sized to be contained within the periphery defined by the peripheral wall 124 of the reflective layer 120. In other words, the width of the optical diffuser component 118, or the diameter when the optical diffuser component 118 is circular, is equal to or less than the width of the reflective layer 120. In such an embodiment, and as Figures 31 to 33 More specifically, the reflective layer 120 includes a diffuse light guiding channel 174 positioned inward from the peripheral wall 124 of the reflective layer 120. The diffuse light guiding channel 174 extends peripherally along the peripheral wall 124, or circumferentially along the peripheral wall 124 when the reflective layer 120 is circular. Thus, the diffuse light guiding channel 174 can follow the same contour as the peripheral wall 124 of the reflective layer 120 and, when the reflective layer 120 is circular, can be substantially circular. It should be understood that when the reflective layer 120 includes the diffuse light guiding channel 174, the width of the optical diffuser assembly 118 can be greater than the width of the reflective layer 120 and, therefore, can extend outward beyond the peripheral wall 124 of the reflective layer 120 depending on the location of the remaining components of the head portion 100 of the dental instrument 10.

[0276] exist Figures 25 to 33In the illustrated embodiment, diffuse light guiding channel 174 is discontinuous at a position corresponding to approximately 12 o'clock on reflective layer 102, defining an optical detector opening 176 at this location. Thus, in this embodiment, diffuse light guiding channel 174 can be described as extending continuously from at least the 1 o'clock position to the 11 o'clock position. Optical detector opening 176 can be configured to enable an optical detector located within light source receiving cavity 106 to capture an image through optical detector opening 176. Thus, when an optical detector is present, one or more of light sources 133 can be omitted in the location of the optical detector. Figure 29 An example of an optical detector 178 received in the light source receiving cavity 106 is shown. In other embodiments, the diffuse light guiding channel 174 may also be discontinuous at other locations to form a plurality of arcs.

[0277] In the illustrated embodiment, the diffuse light guiding channel 174 extends outwardly to the peripheral wall 124 of the reflective layer 120, such that the diffuse light guiding channel 174 substantially coincides with the periphery of the peripheral wall 124 of the reflective layer 120. The width of the diffuse light guiding channel 174 can be selected to allow sufficient diffuse light to propagate out of the reflective layer 120 and illuminate the interior of the oral cavity as desired by the healthcare provider. In other embodiments, a gap can exist between the peripheral wall 124 of the reflective layer 120 and the periphery of the diffuse light guiding channel 174.

[0278] In embodiments where the reflective layer 120 includes diffuse light guiding channels 174, the reflective layer 120 may include a transparent layer 177 made of a transparent material (e.g., glass or sapphire) and a reflective surface 122 disposed in a central region of the reflective layer 120. The diffuse light guiding channels 174 may be defined by the thickness of the transparent layer 177 and may be bounded inwardly by the contours of the reflective surface 122. Thus, diffuse light from the optical diffuser component 118 may exit the optical diffuser component 118 and propagate upward through the thickness of the transparent layer 177. In some embodiments, diffuse light may be generated by the optical diffuser component 118 and propagate out of the reflective layer 120 through the diffuse light guiding channels 174 without being substantially further diffused. In the illustrated embodiment, the reflective surface 122 is disposed below the transparent layer 177, but other configurations are possible. In alternative embodiments, the diffuse light guiding channels 174 may also be configured to further diffuse the diffuse light from the optical diffuser component 118. Further details regarding the configuration of diffuse light guiding channels 174 when diffuse light guiding channels 174 are configured to diffuse light will be provided below.

[0279] The optical diffusing assembly 118 is configured to diffuse light emitted by the light source 133 and produce diffused light. To this end, the optical diffusing assembly 118 can be made of a diffusing material configured to scatter light (e.g., collimated light) from the light source 133, thereby emitting soft, substantially uniform, and clear light, as opposed to many discrete "point sources" that the light source 133 would otherwise emit without the optical diffusing assembly 118. In other words, the optical diffusing assembly 118 can be made of a diffusing material configured to scatter light such that its spatial coherence is greatly reduced. Such a multitude of light discrete "point sources" can be undesirable as they can distract the attention of the medical care provider manipulating the dental instrument 10, create glare, and also provide uneven illumination to the area of interest within the oral cavity. In some embodiments, the optical diffusing assembly 118 is configured to cause Lambertian scattering, in which radiance is independent of angle. Thus, the optical diffusing assembly 118 can be made of any suitable diffusing material, such as a translucent polymer.

[0280] In this specification, the term "transparent" refers to the ability of a material to allow electromagnetic radiation within a particular spectral region to pass therethrough without significant scattering. The term "translucent" refers to the ability of a material to allow electromagnetic radiation within a particular spectral region to pass therethrough with significant scattering. As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the diffusing material can be made of a translucent polymer. In some embodiments, the diffusing material can be one or more of, for example, polystyrene, polymethyl methacrylate, acrylic, glass, polycarbonate, and polypropylene. In some embodiments, the diffusing material can be made of polysiloxane, polymethylsilsesquioxane, or silicone. It should be appreciated that any material having the ability to diffuse light (i.e., scatter light) can be a suitable material for the optical diffusing assembly 118.

[0281] In some embodiments, the optical diffusing assembly 118 can be made of a diffusing material having a density ranging from 1000 kg / m 3 to about 1300 kg / m 3 .

[0282] In some embodiments, when the optical diffusing assembly 118 is in the form of a single diffusing layer, it can have a diffusing layer thickness ranging from about 0.5 mm to about 7 mm.

[0283] In some embodiments, the optical diffusing assembly 118 can be made of a diffusing material configured to transmit between 25% and 90% of light having a wavelength between 400 nm and 800 nm.

[0284] In some embodiments, the optical diffuser assembly 118 may be made of a diffuse material that is configured to diffuse light such that light transmitted through the optical diffuser assembly 118 is scattered according to a half-power angle in the range of about 1° to about 55°. The half-power angle is a measure that can be used to evaluate the degree of scattering of light passing through a diffuser, such as the optical diffuser assembly described herein. To measure the half-power angle, collimated light is directed to one side of the sample and the light intensity (brightness) is measured as a function of angle on the other side of the sample. When the brightness is plotted as a function of angle, a narrow beam spread can be interpreted as corresponding to lower diffusion, while a wide beam spread can be interpreted as corresponding to higher diffusion. The half-power angle is the angle at which the light intensity is reduced to half of its maximum value. A similar approach is used when measuring the full width at half maximum (FWHM), which corresponds to twice the half-power angle.

[0285] In some embodiments, the optical diffuser component may have a diffusion layer thickness of approximately 1 mm, and the half-power angle may be between approximately 1° and 5°. In some embodiments, the optical diffuser component may have a diffusion layer thickness of approximately 2 mm, and the half-power angle may be between approximately 18° and approximately 30°. In some embodiments, the optical diffuser component may have a diffusion layer thickness of approximately 3 mm, and the half-power angle may be between approximately 30° and approximately 45°. In some embodiments, the optical diffuser component may have a diffusion layer thickness of approximately 4 mm, and the half-power angle may be between approximately 40° and approximately 55°.

[0286] refer to Figure 32 and 33When the optical diffusing assembly 118 is present as a single diffusing layer, the optical diffusing assembly 118 can be substantially circular and made entirely of the same diffusing material. In the illustrated embodiment, the optical diffusing assembly 118 defines an additional layer receiving surface 179. In some embodiments, the additional layer receiving surface 179 can be configured to receive thereon a heating layer 182 that extends between the optical diffusing assembly 118 and the reflective layer 120. It is noted that other types of layers can also be received on the additional layer receiving surface 179. In some embodiments, the additional layer can be an additional layer made of a material having different optical properties as compared to the rest of the optical diffusing assembly 118. For example, it can be a layer made of a material that has a significantly reduced transmittance capability for the light emitted by the light source 133 as compared to the rest of the optical diffusing assembly 118. In some embodiments, examples of such material can include a light blocking material. In some embodiments, the additional layer can be made of a reflective material. In some embodiments, the additional layer can be made of a reflective material that blocks light. Providing such an additional layer can help direct the diffused light produced by the optical diffusing assembly 118 towards the diffused light guide channel 174, rather than having portions of the diffused light "lost" towards the central region of the reflective layer 120. When the additional layer is made of a reflective material, the reflective material can block portions of the diffused light from passing therethrough by reflecting (e.g., in a preferred direction).

[0287] As mentioned above, in Figure 32 and 33 , the optical diffusing assembly 118 can be substantially circular. In other embodiments, the optical diffusing assembly 118 can be shaped as a ring that is configured to be placed against the diffused light guide channel 174. In other words, the central region of the optical diffusing assembly 118 that can optionally include the additional layer receiving surface can be omitted.

[0288] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 29 and 31 , the light source 133 can be positioned directly below the diffused light guide channel 174 with the optical diffusing assembly 118 in between, such that the light emitted from the light source 133 can successively propagate directly through the optical diffusing assembly 118 and through the diffused light guide channel 174. In other words, the light source 133 and the diffused light guide channel 174 share a corresponding common transverse axis 189 that extends perpendicularly through the optical diffusing assembly 118 with respect to the housing bottom wall 104. Figure 31An example of such a common horizontal axis 189 is shown, which is shown extending upwardly from one of the light sources 133, through the optical diffusing assembly 118, and then through the thickness of the transparent layer 177 within the diffuse light guide channel 174. Such a configuration can be advantageous when compared to a light source disposed in the central region of the head portion 100 and thus must propagate outwardly toward the reflective layer 1200 outwardly to reach the diffuse light guide channel 174. It will be appreciated that although the diffuse light guide channel 174 is shown as being substantially straight, i.e., having boundaries on each side, for ease of illustration, the diffuse light can still propagate outwardly, particularly when the width of the diffuse light guide channel 174 is defined by a reflective surface disposed on the backside of the transparent layer, for example, as Figure 33 shown.

[0289] In some embodiments, the optical diffusing assembly 118 can be made of a single piece of diffusing material, for example, as Figure 32 and 33 shown. In other embodiments, the optical diffusing assembly 118 can be annular, i.e., ring shaped, and can define a diffuse layer opening in its central region. In such embodiments, the optical diffusing layer can be coupled with an additional layer received within the diffuse layer opening of the optical diffusing assembly. The additional layer and the annular optical diffusing assembly can be coupled together with glue or there can be coupling features between the two, for example, male-female coupling. In such embodiments, the additional layer can function similarly to that described above, i.e., when the additional layer is received on the additional layer receiving surface 179, i.e., to facilitate, concentrate, or direct the diffuse light to propagate toward the diffuse light guide channel 174 of the reflective layer 120 and not toward the central region of the reflective layer 120, which can help limit light loss.

[0290] Referring to Figure 33 , in the present example embodiment, the optical diffusing assembly 118 also defines a fastener opening 184 that is receivable therein with a fastener 186. The fastener 186 can be used to secure the optical diffusing assembly 118 to the housing bottom wall 104. Figure 4 , 7 and 9 show an example of a threaded hole defined in the housing bottom wall 104 that is receivable with a fastener.

[0291] In embodiments where the optical diffuser assembly 118 includes an outer diffuser layer 140 and an intermediate diffuser layer 150, the outer diffuser layer 140 can be made of an outer diffuser material, and the intermediate diffuser layer 150 can be made of an intermediate diffuser material. The outer diffuser material and the intermediate diffuser material can be the same or different. In embodiments where the intermediate diffuser material is different from the outer diffuser material, one of the intermediate diffuser material and the outer diffuser material can be less diffusive than the other, for example, to facilitate the propagation of light emitted by the light source 133 while maintaining the intensity of the emitted light passing therethrough. Thus, the diffused light that propagates through the intermediate diffuser layer 150 for a first pass can still have a relatively strong intensity, and the diffused light of the first pass can then pass through the outer diffuser material to produce the diffused light of a second pass.

[0292] Therefore, in Figures 4 to 6 In the example shown, light emitted from the light source 133 encounters the lower surface of the intermediate diffuser layer 150, and at least a portion of the light is transmitted through the intermediate diffuser layer 150. At least a portion of the transmitted light exits the intermediate diffuser layer 150 through the upper surface of the intermediate diffuser layer 150. The light exiting the upper surface of the intermediate diffuser layer 150 encounters the lower surface of the outer diffuser layer 140, and at least a portion of the light is transmitted through the outer diffuser layer 150. At least a portion of the transmitted light then exits the outer diffuser layer 140 through the outer surface of the outer diffuser layer 140 (including the outwardly directed outer surface 156 of the optical diffuser assembly sidewall 154) as diffused light. It should be understood that the terms "upper" and "lower" as used herein are relative terms. For ease of description, for reference purposes, in the figures, the intermediate diffuser layer 150 is considered to be positioned lower than the outer diffuser layer 140.

[0293] Despite Figures 25 to 33 Not shown in the illustrated embodiment, but understood, the optical diffuser assembly 118 of this example embodiment may also include multiple stacked diffuser layers, as described above.

[0294] exist Figures 25 to 33In the illustrated embodiment, light emitted by the light source 133 encounters the lower surface of the optical diffusing assembly 118 and at least a portion of the light is transmitted through the optical diffusing assembly 118. At least a portion of the light transmitted through the optical diffusing assembly 118 exits the optical diffusing assembly 118 in the form of diffuse light through the upper surface of the optical diffusing assembly 118. The diffuse light then passes through the diffuse light guide channel 174 defined in the reflective layer 120. As noted above, the diffuse light guide channel 174 is defined through the thickness of the transparent layer 177 of the reflective layer 120, and the transparent layer 177 can be made of a transparent material, such as glass or sapphire. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the transparent material of the diffuse light guide channel 174 does not participate in the production of diffuse light, but rather the diffuse light produced by the optical diffusing assembly 118 passes through the transparent material without being further diffused. In other embodiments, as discussed in further detail below, the diffuse light guide channel 174 can be configured to produce diffuse light. The optical diffusing assembly 118 described herein, whether integrated in the reflective layer 120 or provided as an additional component in the dental instrument head portion 100, is present for the purpose of producing diffuse light, which would not be produced by the mere presence of the transparent material.

[0295] Returning to Figures 4 to 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the optical diffusing assembly 118 includes an upper portion 148 having an arcuate profile defined by an outwardly oriented outer surface 156. More particularly, in embodiments in which the optical diffusing assembly 118 includes an intermediate diffusing layer 140 and an outer diffusing layer 150, the outer diffusing layer 150 can include an upper portion 148 having an arcuate profile defined by an outwardly oriented outer surface 156. Providing such an arcuate profile can help to provide more diffuse illumination. In other words, in the illustrated embodiment, the outwardly oriented outer surface 156 of the upper portion 148 of the outer diffusing layer 150 is convex. The upper portion 148 can further be defined by a concave surface 155 that curves inwardly (i.e., toward the center of the head portion 100). Thus, this concave surface 155 can be referred to as an inwardly oriented concave surface. The convex outwardly oriented outer surface 156 in combination with the inwardly oriented concave surface defines an inwardly projecting edge 152.

[0296] In turn, the reflective layer 120 (more particularly, the peripheral wall 124 of the reflective layer 120) in combination with the inwardly projecting edge 152 defines a channel 180 having a width W G As Figures 4 to 6 illustrated, the width W GThe width W of the channel 180 increases from the lowest point of the channel 180 to the top of the channel 180. Thus, the channel 180 has no overhang and / or undercut. This configuration of the channel 180 can provide a variety of benefits, for example, by eliminating undercut areas that can otherwise create shadows that prevent UV light from reaching certain areas of the inwardly directed concave surface 155, it can facilitate the use of ultraviolet (UV) light (e.g., UV-C light) to sterilize the head portion 100 by allowing the UV light to contact almost the entire surface of the inwardly directed concave surface 155. Thus, this configuration of the channel 180 can allow for a reduction in the time required to perform sterilization of the head portion 100, and / or can allow for a reduction in (or elimination of) the need for positional adjustments of the head portion 100 within the UV-C chamber during a sterilization cycle.

[0297] It should be appreciated that although in Figures 4 to 6 the width W of the channel 180 G is shown to increase from the lowest point of the channel 180 to the top of the channel 180, in other embodiments, the width W of the channel 180 G may remain substantially constant.

[0298] Referring to Figure 3 , 7 and 22, the housing bottom wall 104 includes a diffuser layer opening 112 configured to receive a corresponding optical diffuser layer 160 therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing bottom wall 104 includes two diffuser layer openings 112 and two optical diffuser layers 160. Thus, in this embodiment, the housing bottom wall 104 is partially defined by the optical diffuser layers 160. The optical diffuser layers 160 are configured to diffuse light emitted by the additional light sources 135. In some embodiments, the optical diffuser layers 160 can be made of a translucent diffuser material. In some embodiments, the optical diffuser layers 160 can be made of one or more of, for example, polystyrene, polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate, and polypropylene.

[0299] Light source distribution

[0300] Referring now to Figures 10 to 13 and 33, further details regarding the light sources and light source distribution will be provided.

[0301] As used herein, the expression “light source distribution” refers to the distribution of light sources within the light source receiving cavity of the head portion. An example of a light source distribution is a circumferential light source distribution or a peripheral light source distribution, which are detailed below. In other embodiments, the light source distribution can refer to a random distribution of light sources. In yet other embodiments, the light source distribution can refer to a distribution of light sources according to a given light source pattern.

[0302] Figures 10 to 13and 33 illustrates an example of light sources 133 that can be received in the light source receiving cavity 116 of the top-open housing 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the light sources 133 are components of a printed circuit board (PCB) 130. In this particular example, the printed circuit board 130 includes the light sources 133 described above disposed on an upper surface 132 of the printed circuit board 130, and further includes additional light sources 135 disposed on a lower surface 134 of the printed circuit board 130. It is noted that the additional light sources 135 can be optional. The additional light sources 135 can include LEDs, while in other embodiments, any other type of light source configured to emit light can be suitable.

[0303] In the illustrated embodiment, the light sources 133 are distributed according to a light source distribution that can be referred to as a circumferential light source distribution, in which at least some of the light sources 133 are arranged along a circular profile that is concentric with a substantially circular surface area of the housing bottom wall 104 of the top-open housing 110. In the circumferential light source distribution, the light sources 133 can optionally be distributed inwardly from the peripheral wall 124 of the reflective layer 120, as Figures 4 to 6 , 29, and 31. In the illustrated embodiment, the light sources 133 are spaced apart from one another, and adjacent light sources 133 are disposed at regular intervals from one another. In the illustrated example, the circumferential light source distribution includes twenty-four (24) light sources 133. It can be appreciated that more or fewer light sources can be included depending on the selection of light sources, their lighting performance, other constraints within the top-open housing 110 and the optical diffusion assembly 118, and the intended use of the dental instrument, among other factors. Thus, when the expression “circumferential light source distribution” is used, it is intended to mean that at least some of the light sources 133 are distributed along a circular profile that is concentric with a substantially circular surface area of the housing bottom wall 104 of the top-open housing 110, but there can be additional light sources, either inwardly from the circular profile or outwardly from the circular profile, or both inwardly and outwardly from the circular profile. Further, the expression “circumferential light source distribution” is used in the context of a substantially cylindrical top-open housing 110, in which the housing bottom wall 104 has a substantially circular surface area. It is to be appreciated that when the top-open housing has a different shape, the expression “circumferential light source distribution” can be modified to “peripheral light source distribution”.

[0304] Referring again to Figures 4 to 6 , 29, and 31, the light sources 133 of the circumferential light source distribution can be distributed to be positioned inwardly from the peripheral wall 124 of the reflective layer 120. According to this circumferential light source distribution example, the light sources 133 are thus located below the reflective layer 120. When the light sources 133 are located below the reflective layer 120 and the configuration of the optical diffusion assembly 118 is, for example, as Figures 4 to 6As shown, the diffuse light can propagate outward from the peripheral wall 124 of the reflective layer 120, that is, toward the outside of the reflective layer 120. Alternatively, when the light source 133 is located below the reflective layer 120 and the configuration of the optical diffuser component 118 is, for example, as shown in FIG. Figures 25 to 33 As shown, especially Figure 29 and 31 As shown, diffuse light may propagate through diffuse light directing channels 174 defined in the reflective layer 120 , inwardly from the peripheral wall 124 of the reflective layer 120 .

[0305] In other embodiments, the circumferential light source distribution can include inward light sources disposed within the periphery of a circular outline defined by the outermost light sources 133 (not shown). The inward light sources can be distributed according to a given pattern, or they can be randomly distributed. Providing the inward light sources can help increase the intensity of the emitted light that propagates outward to the optical diffuser assembly 118. In addition, although adjacent light sources 133 are shown as being disposed at regular intervals from one another, in other embodiments, the light sources 133 can be arranged in two or more groups of light sources 133, wherein each group of light sources 133 is disposed at a given distance from one another. In some embodiments, the configuration of the light sources 133 disposed on the upper surface 132 of the printed circuit board 130 can be similar to the configuration of the additional light sources 135 disposed on the lower surface 134 of the printed circuit board 130.

[0306] Furthermore, while the circumferential light source distribution with the outermost light sources 133 positioned inward from the peripheral wall 124 of the reflective layer 120 as described above may have various benefits, it should be understood that in other embodiments, some or all of the light sources 133 may be positioned outward from the peripheral wall 124 of the reflective layer 120 .

[0307] refer to Figure 12 and 13 And as mentioned above, the printed circuit board 130 may further include additional light sources 135 disposed on the lower surface 134 of the printed circuit board 130. In the embodiment shown, the additional light sources 135 are arranged as a first group of additional light sources 135 and a second group of additional light sources 135. The first group of additional light sources 135 and the second group of additional light sources 135 are arranged along a circular profile that is concentric with the substantially circular surface area of ​​the shell bottom wall 104 of the top-open shell 110. Therefore, the optical diffusion layer 160 is shaped as a semicircular optical diffusion layer. The additional light sources 135 are configured to emit light in a direction opposite to the outwardly directed reflective surface 122 of the reflective layer 120. In other words, the additional light sources 135 are configured to emit light away from the shell bottom wall 104 of the top-open shell 110 (i.e., outward). Figure 12 、 13In the example shown in FIGS. 32, light emitted by the additional light source 135 thus encounters the upper surface of the corresponding optical diffusing layer 160, and at least a portion of the light is transmitted through the corresponding optical diffusing layer 160 and exits the corresponding optical diffusing layer 160 in the form of diffused light through its outer surface. While sixteen (16) additional light sources 135 are shown in the illustrated embodiment, it will be appreciated that more or fewer additional light sources 135 can be provided in one or more alternative embodiments.

[0308] The presence of the additional light source 135 can provide a variety of benefits, for example, a medical care provider can use the dental instrument 10 to pull the inner cheek of a patient’s mouth by bringing the reflective surface 122 of the reflective layer 120 into contact with the inner cheek, thereby exposing the housing bottom wall 104 and the associated optical diffusing layer 160 received in the diffusing layer opening 112, so that diffused light from the additional light source 135 can illuminate the patient’s mouth.

[0309] It is noted that in alternative embodiments (not shown), the head portion can be configured to provide a light source in the light source receiving cavity and the light source is positioned to illuminate in a direction opposite the outwardly directed reflective surface of the reflective layer, without the need for a diffusing layer opening and an optical diffusing layer, while still providing light in the oral cavity of the patient’s mouth when a medical care provider uses the dental instrument to pull the inner cheek of the patient’s mouth by bringing the reflective surface of the reflective layer into contact with the inner cheek.

[0310] Additional features of the optical diffusing assembly

[0311] Reference Figures 14 to 21 Further details will be provided regarding the optical diffusing assembly including an intermediate diffusing layer and an outer diffusing layer.

[0312] Figures 14 to 16 An example of an intermediate diffusing layer 150 is shown, which can form part of the optical diffusing assembly 118 described herein. The intermediate diffusing layer 150 is illustrated as being substantially circular and includes slots 159 distributed along the circular profile. The sidewall of the intermediate diffusing layer 150, which forms part of the sidewall 154 of the optical diffusing assembly, includes a shoulder 166.

[0313] Figures 17 to 21 An example of an outer diffusing layer 140 is shown, which can form part of the optical diffusing assembly 118 described herein. The outer diffusing layer 140 is illustrated as being substantially annular. As described above, the outer diffusing layer 140 includes a convex, outwardly directed outer surface 156 and an inwardly directed concave surface, which together define the inwardly projecting rim 152. The outer diffusing layer 140 also includes a reflective layer receiving surface 168, which is configured to receive the reflective layer 120 thereon, as Figures 4 to 6The outer diffuser layer 140 also includes a downwardly projecting rim 170. When the outer diffuser layer 140 is positioned to overlie the intermediate diffuser layer 150, the downwardly projecting rim 170 is configured to abut the shoulder 166 of the intermediate diffuser layer 150, as shown. Thus, the outer diffuser layer 140 and the intermediate diffuser layer 150 can have complementary shapes to facilitate their overlying, while enabling a gap to be formed therebetween, if desired. Figures 4 to 6 The outer diffuser layer 140 also includes a downwardly projecting rim 170. When the outer diffuser layer 140 is positioned to overlie the intermediate diffuser layer 150, the downwardly projecting rim 170 is configured to abut the shoulder 166 of the intermediate diffuser layer 150, as shown. Thus, the outer diffuser layer 140 and the intermediate diffuser layer 150 can have complementary shapes to facilitate their overlying, while enabling a gap to be formed therebetween, if desired.

[0314] The intermediate diffuser layer 150 has an intermediate diffuser layer surface area, and the outer diffuser layer 104 has an outer diffuser layer surface area, which is less than the intermediate diffuser layer surface area. In the illustrated embodiment, the intermediate diffuser layer surface area is greater than the circular profile along which the light sources 133 are distributed. Thus, the intermediate diffuser layer surface area extends beyond the peripheral wall 124 of the reflector 120. Also in the illustrated embodiment, the intermediate diffuser layer surface area is small enough at its greatest extent to enable the intermediate diffuser layer 150 to be at least partially received in the light source receiving cavity 116.

[0315] In contrast, the outer diffuser layer surface area can be large enough at its greatest extent to extend outwardly so that the outer diffuser layer 140 outwardly oriented outer surface 156 coincides with the housing sidewall outer surface 108. This configuration helps to avoid the formation of a shoulder or a peak near the head portion sidewall 158, which in turn has benefits when using ultraviolet light to sterilize dental equipment. The outer diffuser layer 140 has an outer diffuser layer surface area that is large enough to define at least a portion of the head portion sidewall 158 so that the head portion sidewall 158 is substantially continuous.

[0316] Thus, Figures 4 to 6The optical diffusion assembly 118 shown in the embodiment illustrated herein includes an intermediate diffusion layer 150 and an outer diffusion layer 140 that is stacked over the light sources 133 and extends outwardly beyond the outermost light sources 133 in a direction away from the center of the light source receiving cavity 116 to diffuse light emitted by the light sources 133 and produce a diffuse light. This configuration of the optical diffusion assembly 118, and the presence of the optical diffusion assembly sidewall 154 that forms a portion of the head portion sidewall 158, can cause light emitted by the light sources 133 to propagate upwardly and outwardly through the portion of the optical diffusion assembly 118 that extends between the peripheral wall 124 of the reflective layer 120 and the housing sidewall 102 to provide diffuse light over a 180° range from one side of the head portion 100 to the other side of the head portion 100. In some embodiments, this configuration of the optical diffusion assembly 118 can produce a diffuse light halo around and outwardly from the reflective layer 120 that appears substantially uniform in appearance from any location of the optical diffusion assembly 118. As a result, the diffuse light can propagate in a direction normal to the outwardly oriented outer surface 156. In some embodiments, this effect can also be achieved when the optical diffusion assembly 116 is considered to extend at least between the light sources 133 (i.e., outwardly from the light sources 133) and the housing sidewall outer surface 108.

[0317] The outer diffusion layer 140 also includes a downwardly extending retaining tab 149 that is configured to engage with a slot 159 defined in the intermediate diffusion layer 150. In the example shown, the downwardly extending retaining tab 149 of the outer diffusion layer 140 is configured to engage with the complementary slot 159 of the intermediate diffusion layer 140 in a "press-fit" manner. As a result, in the embodiment shown, the outer diffusion layer 140 is configured to be releasably engageable with the intermediate diffusion layer 150. This arrangement can provide various benefits, such as enabling the reflective layer 120 and the outer diffusion layer 140 to be removed from the head portion 100 as a subassembly 190. It should be noted that other types of engagement are suitable for coupling the outer diffusion layer 140 and the intermediate diffusion layer 150 together.

[0318] It should be appreciated that although the optical diffusion assembly 118 described herein and shown in the illustrated embodiments is disposed in an upper portion of the head portion 100, in other embodiments, the optical diffusion assembly 118 can be disposed in a lower portion of the head portion 100 that is configured in an opposite manner to the optical diffusion assembly 118 disposed in the upper portion of the head portion 100. As a result, the head portion 100 can include first and second optical diffusion assemblies 118 described herein, or alternatively, the head portion 100 can include a single optical diffusion assembly 118 in a lower portion thereof. When the head portion 100 includes a single optical diffusion assembly 118 in a lower portion thereof, the optical diffusion layer 160 described herein can be disposed in an upper portion of the head portion 100.

[0319] In some embodiments, the thickness of either or both of the outer diffuser layer 140 and the intermediate diffuser layer 150 can be modified to achieve a desired degree of diffused light. In some embodiments, the outer diffuser layer 140 can be thinner than the intermediate diffuser layer 150 in the region overlapping the intermediate diffuser layer 150, e.g., Figure 6 In other embodiments, the thickness of the outer diffuser layer 140 in the region overlapping the intermediate diffuser layer 150 can be thicker than the intermediate diffuser layer 150. In some embodiments, the thickness of either or both of the outer diffuser layer 140 and the intermediate diffuser layer 150 can be determined at least in part by the depth of the open-top housing 110 and the remaining space available once other components are introduced into the open-top housing 110.

[0320] As mentioned above and with reference Figures 25 to 33 , the optical diffuser component 118 may also refer to a single diffuser layer made of a diffuse material, which is superimposed on the light source and located below the reflective layer 120 to produce diffused light, which can propagate through the diffuse light guiding channels 174 defined in the reflective layer. Therefore, the term "component" used herein can be understood to mean that the optical diffuser component can include at least one diffuser layer, although this expression can also be used to refer to an optical diffuser component integrated into a reflective layer, as described in further detail below.

[0321] Alternative embodiments of optical diffuser components

[0322] In some embodiments, the optical diffusion component may be integrated into the reflective layer 120, and thus the optical diffusion layer may be omitted. In such embodiments, the reflective layer 120 may be configured to produce diffuse light. To achieve this, the reflective layer 120 may include a portion having modified optical properties compared to the optical properties of the remainder of the reflective layer 120, so that light emitted from the light source can be scattered (i.e., diffused) when passing therethrough. When the reflective layer 120 is substantially circular, the portion of the reflective layer 120 configured to diffuse light may be annular and may extend circumferentially along the peripheral wall 124 of the reflective layer 120. In some embodiments, the portion of the reflective layer 120 capable of diffusing light may correspond to the diffuse light guiding channel 174. In other words, when the optical diffusion component does not include a portion corresponding to the optical diffusion layer (e.g., Figures 1 to 33 When different components (described in the foregoing) are used, the optical properties of the portion of the reflective layer 120 corresponding to the diffuse light guiding channel 174 can be modified compared to the optical properties of the remaining portion of the reflective layer 120 (especially the transparent layer 177) so that the light emitted from the light source can be directly diffused (i.e., scattered) through the diffuse light guiding channel 174.

[0323] Various techniques can be used to modify the optical properties of the reflective layer 120 at the determined location of the diffuse light guiding channel 174 and achieve the generation of diffuse light. In some embodiments, the portion of the reflective layer 120 where the diffuse light guiding channel 174 is expected to be located can be surface treated. The surface treatment can be performed on the top surface of the transparent layer and / or the bottom surface of the transparent layer. An example of surface treatment can include mechanically sandblasting the glass surface, for example using sand, glass beads, or other abrasive materials, to erode the glass surface so that light passing through the surface is scattered. Alternatively, a chemical product such as acid can be used to erode the glass and produce a similar effect. Another example of surface treatment can include applying a diffuse coating to the top surface of the transparent layer and / or the bottom surface of the transparent layer at the location of the diffuse light guiding channel 174. In other embodiments, the reflective layer 120 can be made of multiple layers of glass arranged in an alternating configuration, with one or more interlayers of diffuse material at the location where the diffuse light guiding channel 174 is expected to be located. In still other embodiments, the reflective layer 120 may include light diffusing agents such as nano-barium sulfate, calcium carbonate, and silicon dioxide at the locations of the diffuse light guiding channels 174. It should be understood that any technology capable of scattering light through the diffuse light guiding channels 174 is also applicable.

[0324] In some embodiments, the diffuse light guiding channel 174 and the reflective layer 120 can be integral with one another, and the change in the optical properties of the reflective layer 120 at a desired location can result in the creation of the diffuse light guiding channel 174 near the peripheral wall 124 of the reflective layer 120. In other embodiments, the reflective layer 120 and the diffuse light guiding channel 174 can be coupled to one another, for example, using an adhesive or any other suitable technique that enables the diffuse light guiding channel 174 to be held in place relative to the rest of the reflective layer 120.

[0325] Additional features of dental instruments

[0326] More details will now be provided regarding the additional features of the dental instruments.

[0327] In some embodiments, the head portion 100 may include an optical detector, such as a camera, configured to detect characteristics of diffuse light or ambient light. For example, the characteristics of diffuse light may include illuminance, color temperature, color gradient, etc.

[0328] refer to Figure 23 In embodiments where both an optical detector and a reflective layer are present, at least a portion 121 of the reflective layer 120 may be a one-way mirror. A one-way mirror is a reciprocal mirror with one side being reflective and the other side being transparent. This at least a portion 121 of the reflective layer may be strategically positioned to overlie the optical detector, which in turn may be positioned on the printed circuit board 130.

[0329] When an optical detector is present and configured to detect characteristics of diffuse light or characteristics of ambient light, the detected characteristics of diffuse light or the detected characteristics of ambient light can be compared with corresponding target values, and the light source 133 and / or the additional light source 135 can be configured to adjust the light output based on the comparison.

[0330] For example, in Figure 10 、 11 In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 33, the printed circuit board 130 includes a logic chip 139 that is configured to monitor the characteristics of the diffuse light or the characteristics of the ambient light and automatically adjust the output of the light source 133 and / or the additional light source 135 to promote the target illumination and / or color temperature within the oral cavity of the patient's mouth.

[0331] Figure 23 FIG. 1 is a partially exploded, partially cross-sectional perspective view of the head portion 100 of the dental instrument 10 described herein, with the outer diffuser layer 140 and the reflective layer 120 shown separated from the head portion 100. Figure 23 As shown, the outer diffuser layer 140 , reflective layer 120 , and spacer 101 may be configured as described above to be removable from the head portion 100 as a subassembly 190 .

[0332] Figure 24 FIG2 is a perspective view of the head portion 100 described herein, and a tool 20 configured to facilitate separation of a subassembly 190 comprising an outer diffusing layer 140, a reflective layer 120, and a spacer 101 from the head portion 100. The tool 20 is configured to facilitate removal of the subassembly 190 from the head portion 100. This configuration can provide various benefits, such as allowing for replacement of at least the reflective layer 120. Indeed, such reflective layers used in dental procedures can become scratched or damaged, and therefore, being able to easily replace damaged components of the head portion 100 without having to replace the entire head portion 100 can save costs and time.

[0333] The tool 20 includes subassembly engaging jaws 22 configured to grasp the subassembly 190 .

[0334] refer to Figures 25 to 33 In some embodiments, the reflective layer 120 can be removably coupled to the remaining components of the head portion 100 of the dental instrument 10. More specifically, referring to Figure 29 、 31 33, the removable engagement of the reflective layer 120 with the remaining components of the head portion 100 of the dental instrument 10 can be achieved by a head portion ring 192. The head portion ring 192 can be screwed onto threads defined on the housing sidewall 102, but other types of engagement are also suitable. For example, the head portion ring 192 can be removably engaged with the open-top housing 110 by a snap fit or a press fit. Figure 29and 31 As shown, the head portion ring 192 can include an inwardly extending protrusion 194 that defines a reflective layer engagement surface 196 for engaging the peripheral wall 124 of the reflective layer 120. In turn, the reflective layer 120 can be shaped as a frustum of a cone, that is, the reflective layer can be a frustoconical reflective layer (or the transparent layer 177 can be a frustoconical transparent layer) with an outwardly extending beveled surface 198 having an angle complementary to the angle of the inwardly extending protrusion of the head portion ring, such that the outwardly extending beveled surface 198 can abut the reflective layer engagement surface 196. Thus, the peripheral wall 124 of the reflective layer 120 can be configured to abut the reflective layer engagement surface 196 of the inwardly extending protrusion 194 of the head portion ring 194 that is removably engageable with the head portion 100, the reflective layer engagement surface 196 and the outwardly extending beveled surface 198 having complementary angles.

[0335] When the reflective layer is placed over the optical diffuser assembly 118, the head portion ring can be superimposed thereon, and through a rotational motion, the inwardly extending protrusions will eventually apply downward pressure to the outwardly extending inclined surfaces of the reflective layer. This engagement of the head portion ring 192 with the reflective layer 120 can help lock the reflective layer 120 in place on the optical diffuser assembly 118 and with the remaining components of the head portion 100. Although in the illustrated embodiment, the interaction between the peripheral wall 124 of the reflective layer 120 and the head portion ring 192 is achieved through the complementary angles of the outwardly extending inclined surfaces 198 and the inwardly extending protrusions 194, it should be understood that other types of interactions that can secure the reflective layer 120 to the head portion 100 are also suitable. In the illustrated embodiment, a gasket 199 (e.g., a compressible gasket) can be provided on the top edge of the housing sidewall 102 such that when the head portion ring 192 is screwed in, the reflective layer 120 can be pressed downwardly against the gasket 199, thereby sealing the components of the dental appliance 10 disposed in the open-top housing 110. In other words, the gasket 199 can be compressible such that when a downward force is applied when the head portion ring 192 is engaged with the open-top housing 110, the components of the dental appliance 10 disposed in the open-top housing 110 can be sealed within the open-top housing 110. Thus, the gasket 199 can provide a waterproof and moisture-proof seal to prevent damage to the components of the head portion 100 during, for example, steam sterilization. Again, depending on the interaction between the head portion ring 192 and the reflective layer 120, other alternatives for providing waterproof and moisture-proofing to the components of the dental appliance 10 disposed in the open-top housing 110 are also contemplated.

[0336] In such an embodiment, the subassembly 190 can thus include the head portion ring 192 and the reflective layer 120, and optionally the heating layer (if coupled to the reflective layer 120). When it is determined that the top surface of the reflective layer has been damaged and the healthcare provider wishes to replace the reflective layer 120, the head portion ring 192 can be disengaged from the housing sidewall 120 of the open-top housing 110, and the reflective layer 120 can be discarded. A replacement reflective layer can then be applied and placed on the optical diffuser assembly 118, and the head portion ring 192 can then be screwed back onto the open-top housing 110 or engaged with the open-top housing 110 in another manner. In some embodiments, it may also be desirable to replace the gasket 199, if necessary, which can be done simultaneously with the replacement of the reflective layer 120. Similarly, in some embodiments, it may also be desirable to replace the optical diffuser assembly 118, if necessary, which can also be done simultaneously with the replacement of the reflective layer 120. In some embodiments, the gasket 199 can be resilient to facilitate its disengagement from the open-top housing 110.

[0337] With this configuration of the open-top housing 110, the head portion ring 192, and the gasket 199, the head portion 100 of the dental instrument 10, as well as other portions of the dental instrument 10 not discussed in further detail herein, can be steam sterilized, such as in an autoclave, without moisture and water penetrating into the head portion 100 or the pressurized steam damaging components of the head portion 100.

[0338] Figure 33 FIG. 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of the head portion 100 of the dental instrument 10 described herein, with the optical diffuser assembly 118 and the reflective layer 120 shown separated from the head portion 100. Figure 33 As shown, the optical diffuser assembly 118, the reflective layer 120, and optionally the spacer 199, can be configured as described above to be removable from the head portion 100 as a subassembly 190.

[0339] refer to Figure 29 and 31 In some embodiments, the open-top housing 110 can include a bottom reflective layer 195 coupled to the housing bottom wall 104. In such embodiments, the housing bottom wall 104 can include a reflective layer receiving cavity 193 configured to receive the bottom reflective layer 195 therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom reflective layer 195 is inserted into the reflective layer receiving cavity 193 such that an outer surface of the bottom reflective layer is substantially flush with the housing bottom wall 104 located outward from the bottom reflective layer 195. Thus, the housing bottom wall 104 can include a step-like change at the transition between the housing bottom wall 104 located outward from the bottom reflective layer 195 and the reflective layer receiving cavity 193.

[0340] In some embodiments, the bottom reflective layer 193 can be glued to the housing bottom wall 104, and a gasket 191 can be positioned between the peripheral wall of the bottom reflective layer 195 and the step-shaped change defined in the housing bottom wall 104. As described above with respect to gasket 199, this gasket 191 can also provide a waterproof and moisture-proof seal to prevent damage to components of the head portion 100, such as during steam sterilization. Thus, the bottom reflective layer 195 can be inserted into the reflective layer receiving cavity 193 to compress the gasket 191 against the step-shaped change in the housing bottom wall 104. Thus, the dental instrument 10 described herein can include two reflective layers, one on each side of the head portion 100.

[0341] It should be understood that for simplicity and clarity of description, where appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated in the figures to indicate corresponding or similar elements. In addition, in order to provide a thorough understanding of the example embodiments described herein, many specific details are set forth. However, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the example embodiments described herein can be implemented without these specific details. In other cases, well-known methods, procedures, and components are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the example embodiments described herein. In addition, this description should not be considered to limit the scope of the example embodiments described herein.

[0342] As used herein, the term "and / or" is intended to mean an inclusive "or." That is, "X and / or Y" is intended to mean, for example, X or Y or both. As another example, "X, Y and / or Z" is intended to mean X or Y or Z or any combination thereof.

[0343] Although the above description describes the features of the example embodiments, it should be understood that certain features and / or functions of the embodiments may be modified without departing from the spirit and operating principles of the embodiments. For example, the various features described by the embodiments or examples may be selectively combined with each other. Therefore, the above description is intended to illustrate the concepts claimed and is not restrictive. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that other variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments and examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the entire specification.

Claims

1. A dental appliance for illuminating an oral cavity of a patient's mouth with diffuse light, the dental appliance comprising: a handle portion comprising an elongated member for enabling the dental instrument to be manipulated; as well as a head portion located at one longitudinal end of the elongated member, the head portion comprising: a reflective layer having a peripheral wall and including a diffuse light directing channel extending peripherally along and inwardly therefrom; A housing with an open top, the housing comprising a housing bottom wall and a housing side wall, the housing bottom wall and the housing side wall together defining a light source receiving cavity; a light source received in the light source receiving cavity and configured to emit light; and An optical diffusion component is stacked on the light source and disposed below the diffused light guiding channel, and is configured to diffuse the light emitted by the light source and generate the diffused light.

2. The dental apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The light sources are spaced apart from each other and positioned according to a light source distribution.

3. The dental apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: The shell side wall is basically cylindrical, the shell bottom wall has a basically circular surface area, and the light source distribution is a circumferential light source distribution, wherein at least some of the light sources are arranged along a circular contour concentric with the basically circular surface area of ​​the shell with an open top.

4. The dental apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The light sources are arranged at regular intervals from each other.

5. The dental apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The head portion further includes a printed circuit board containing the light source.

6. The dental apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The light source includes a light emitting diode.

7. The dental apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The optical diffuser component is directly superimposed on the light source, and the diffuse light guiding channel of the reflective layer is directly superimposed on the optical diffuser component, so that the light source and the diffuse light guiding channel share a corresponding common transverse axis, and the common transverse axis extends perpendicularly through the optical diffuser component relative to the bottom wall of the shell.

8. The dental apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The reflective layer includes a transparent layer and a reflective surface located below the transparent layer, and the optical diffusion component is located closest to the reflective surface.

9. The dental apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein The optical diffuser component includes a single diffuser layer.

10. The dental apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein The optical diffusion component includes a plurality of diffusion layers.

11. The dental apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The optical diffuser component is sized to be contained within a perimeter defined by the peripheral wall of the reflective layer.

12. The dental apparatus according to claim 11, wherein The diffuse light guiding channel coincides with the periphery defined by the peripheral wall.

13. The dental apparatus according to claim 11, wherein The diffuse light guiding channel is disposed at a distance from the periphery defined by the peripheral wall, thereby defining a gap therebetween.

14. The dental apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein The diffuse light guiding channel continuously extends from at least the 1 o'clock position to the 11 o'clock position.

15. The dental apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein The reflective layer also defines an optical detector opening at the 12 o'clock position.

16. The dental apparatus according to claim 15, wherein The optical detector is configured as follows: detecting at least one of illuminance and color temperature; Compare at least one of the following: The detected illuminance and the target illuminance, and The detected color temperature and the target color temperature; and The light output of the light source is adjusted based on at least one comparison.

17. The dental apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein The optical diffusion component is substantially circular.

18. The dental apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein The optical diffusion component is ring-shaped and defines a diffusion layer opening.

19. The dental apparatus of claim 18, further comprising an additional layer configured to be received in the diffusing layer opening.

20. The dental apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein The optical diffuser component defines an additional layer receiving surface configured to receive an additional layer thereon.

21. The dental apparatus according to claim 19 or 20, wherein: The additional layer is a heating layer.

22. The dental apparatus according to claim 19 or 20, wherein: The additional layer has a reduced ability to transmit light emitted by the light source compared to the remainder of the optical diffuser assembly.

23. The dental apparatus according to claim 19 or 20, wherein: The additional layer is made of light-shielding material.

24. The dental apparatus according to claim 19 or 20, wherein: The additional layer is made of a reflective material.

25. The dental apparatus according to any one of claims 20 to 24, wherein The optical diffuser assembly defines a fastener opening configured to receive a fastener therein to secure the optical diffuser assembly to the housing bottom wall.

26. The dental apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein The optical diffusion component is made of a diffusion material including one or more of polystyrene, polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate and polypropylene.

27. The dental apparatus of claim 26, wherein The diffusing material is configured to transmit 25% to 90% of light having a wavelength between 400 nm and 800 nm.

28. The dental apparatus according to claim 26 or 27, wherein The density of the diffusion material is in the range of 1000 kg / m 3 About 1300kg / m 3 between.

29. The dental apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein The half-power angle of the optical diffusion component ranges from about 1° to about 55°.

30. The dental apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein The optical diffusion component has a diffusion layer having a thickness ranging from about 0.5 mm to about 7 mm.

31. The dental apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein The optical diffusion component has a diffusion layer with a thickness of about 1 mm, and a half-power angle of the optical diffusion component is between about 1° and about 5°.

32. The dental apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein The optical diffusion component has a diffusion layer with a thickness of about 2 mm, and a half-power angle of the optical diffusion component is between about 18° and about 30°.

33. The dental apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein The optical diffusion component has a diffusion layer with a thickness of about 3 mm, and a half-power angle of the optical diffusion component is between about 30° and about 45°.

34. The dental apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein The optical diffusion component has a diffusion layer with a thickness of about 4 mm, and a half-power angle of the optical diffusion component is between about 40° and about 55°.

35. The dental apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 34, wherein The head portion also includes a head portion ring engageable with the open-top housing.

36. The dental apparatus of claim 35, wherein The head portion ring is screwable to threads defined on the housing side wall.

37. The dental apparatus according to claim 35 or 36, wherein The head portion ring includes an inwardly extending protrusion defining a reflective layer engagement surface for engaging a peripheral wall of the reflective layer.

38. The dental apparatus of claim 37, wherein The reflective layer is shaped as a frusto-conical reflective layer defining an outwardly extending inclined surface configured to abut an inwardly extending raised reflective layer engagement surface of the head portion ring.

39. The dental device according to any one of claims 35 to 38 further comprises a gasket disposed on a top edge of the housing side wall, wherein the gasket is compressible when subjected to a downward force when the head portion ring is engaged with the open-top housing, thereby sealing components of the dental device disposed in the open-top housing.

40. The dental apparatus according to any one of claims 35 to 39, wherein The head portion ring and the reflective layer and optionally the spacer are configured to be removable from the head portion as a subassembly.

41. The dental apparatus of claim 40, wherein The reflective layer is a replaceable reflective layer.

42. The dental apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 41, wherein The head portion further includes an additional optical diffuser assembly, the additional optical diffuser assembly comprising: an additional light source oriented opposite the light source; and An additional optical diffuser component defines at least a portion of a housing bottom wall of the open-top housing.

43. The dental assembly of claim 42, wherein The additional optical diffuser assembly includes a diffuser layer received within a diffuser layer opening defined in the housing bottom wall.

44. The dental apparatus according to claim 42 or 43, wherein The additional light source includes a light emitting diode.

45. The dental apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 44, wherein The housing bottom wall defines a reflective layer receiving cavity, and the head portion further includes a bottom reflective layer received in the reflective layer receiving cavity.

46. ​​The dental apparatus of claim 45, wherein The housing bottom wall defines a step-shaped change at a transition position between the housing bottom wall outward from the bottom reflective layer and the reflective layer receiving cavity.

47. The dental apparatus of claim 46, further comprising a spacer positioned between a peripheral wall of the bottom reflective layer and the step-like change defined in the housing bottom wall.

48. A dental appliance for illuminating the oral cavity of a patient's mouth with diffuse light, the dental appliance comprising: a handle portion comprising an elongated member that enables the dental instrument to be manipulated; as well as a head portion located at one longitudinal end of the elongated member, the head portion comprising: a reflective layer having an outwardly oriented reflective surface; A housing with an open top, the housing comprising a housing side wall and a housing bottom wall defining an opening of the diffusion layer, the housing bottom wall and the housing side wall together defining a light source receiving cavity; a light source received within the light source receiving cavity and configured to emit light in a direction opposite to the outwardly directed reflective surface of the reflective layer; and An optical diffuser layer has an inwardly oriented surface facing the light source and is received in the diffuser layer opening of the housing bottom wall, the optical diffuser layer being configured to diffuse the light emitted by the light source and generate the diffused light.

49. The dental apparatus of claim 48, wherein The light sources are spaced apart from each other and positioned according to a light source distribution.

50. The dental apparatus of claim 49, wherein The shell side wall is basically cylindrical, and the shell bottom wall has a basically circular surface area, and the light source distribution is a circumferential light source distribution, wherein at least some of the light sources are arranged along a circular contour concentric with the basically circular surface area of ​​the shell with an open top.

51. The dental apparatus according to any one of claims 48 to 50, wherein The optical diffusion layer includes a first optical diffusion layer and a second optical diffusion layer, and the diffusion layer opening includes a first diffusion layer opening and a second diffusion layer opening, the first optical diffusion layer is received in the first diffusion layer opening, and the second optical diffusion layer is received in the second diffusion layer opening, and the first optical diffusion layer and the second optical diffusion layer are shaped as semicircular optical diffusion layers.

52. The dental apparatus according to any one of claims 48 to 51, wherein The head portion further includes a printed circuit board containing the light source.

53. The dental apparatus according to any one of claims 48 to 52, wherein The light source includes a light emitting diode.

54. The dental apparatus according to any one of claims 48 to 53, wherein The optical diffusion component is made of a diffusion material, and the diffusion material includes one or more of polystyrene, polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate and polypropylene.

55. The dental apparatus of claim 54, wherein The diffusing material is configured to transmit 25% to 90% of light having a wavelength between 400 nm and 800 nm.

56. The dental apparatus according to claim 54 or 55, wherein The density of the diffusion material is in the range of 1000 kg / m 3 About 1300kg / m 3 between.

57. The dental apparatus according to any one of claims 48 to 56, wherein The half-power angle of the optical diffusion component ranges from about 1° to about 55°.

58. The dental apparatus according to any one of claims 48 to 57, wherein The optical diffusion component has a diffusion layer having a thickness ranging from about 0.5 mm to about 7 mm.

59. The dental apparatus according to any one of claims 48 to 56, wherein The optical diffusion component has a diffusion layer with a thickness of about 1 mm, and a half-power angle of the optical diffusion component is between about 1° and about 5°.

60. The dental apparatus according to any one of claims 48 to 56, wherein The optical diffusion component has a diffusion layer with a thickness of about 2 mm, and a half-power angle of the optical diffusion component is between about 18° and about 30°.

61. The dental apparatus according to any one of claims 48 to 56, wherein The optical diffusion component has a diffusion layer with a thickness of about 3 mm, and a half-power angle of the optical diffusion component is between about 30° and about 45°.

62. The dental apparatus according to any one of claims 48 to 56, wherein The optical diffusion component has a diffusion layer with a thickness of about 4 mm, and a half-power angle of the optical diffusion component is between about 40° and about 55°.

63. The dental apparatus according to any one of claims 48 to 62, wherein The head portion further includes an optical detector configured to: detecting at least one of illuminance and color temperature; Compare at least one of the following: The detected illuminance and the target illuminance, and The detected color temperature and the target color temperature; and The light output of the light source is adjusted based on at least one comparison.

64. The dental apparatus according to any one of claims 48 to 63, wherein The housing bottom wall defines a reflective layer receiving cavity, and the head portion further includes a bottom reflective layer received in the reflective layer receiving cavity.

65. The dental apparatus of claim 64, wherein The housing bottom wall defines a step-shaped change at a transition position between the housing bottom wall outward from the bottom reflective layer and the reflective layer receiving cavity.

66. The dental apparatus of claim 65, further comprising a spacer positioned between a peripheral wall of the bottom reflective layer and the step-like change defined in the housing bottom wall.

67. A system for use with a head portion of a dental instrument, the system comprising: A reflective layer, the reflective layer comprising: a frustoconical transparent layer comprising a top surface, a bottom surface opposite to the top surface, and a peripheral wall defining an outwardly extending inclined surface; and a reflective surface adjacent to the transparent layer; The outer wall of the reflective layer is configured to abut against the inwardly extending raised reflective layer engagement surface of the head portion ring, the head portion ring is removably engageable with the top-open shell of the head portion, and the reflective layer engagement surface and the outwardly extending inclined surface have complementary angles.

68. The system of claim 67, wherein: The reflective layer includes a diffuse light guiding channel extending inwardly therefrom along a peripheral wall of the transparent layer, the diffuse light guiding channel being configured to enable diffuse light to pass therethrough.

69. The system of claim 67, further comprising a gasket positionable below the reflective layer and configured to seal against remaining components of the head portion when downward pressure is applied to the reflective layer.

70. The system of claim 68, wherein The gasket is a compressible gasket.

71. A dental appliance for illuminating the oral cavity of a patient's mouth with diffuse light, the dental appliance comprising: a handle portion comprising an elongated member that enables the dental instrument to be manipulated; as well as a head portion located at one longitudinal end of the elongated member, the head portion comprising: A housing with an open top, the housing comprising a housing bottom wall and a housing side wall defining a reflective layer receiving cavity, wherein the housing side wall and the housing bottom wall together define a housing cavity; a top reflective layer at least partially received within the open-top housing; and a bottom reflective layer, the bottom reflective layer being received in the reflective layer receiving cavity; The top reflective layer and the bottom reflective layer are configured such that their respective reflective surfaces face each other.

72. The dental apparatus of claim 71, wherein The housing bottom wall defines a step-shaped change at a transition position between the housing bottom wall outward from the bottom reflective layer and the reflective layer receiving cavity.

73. The dental apparatus of claim 72, further comprising a spacer positioned between a peripheral wall of the bottom reflective layer and the step-like change defined in the housing bottom wall.

74. The dental apparatus according to any one of claims 71 to 73, wherein The top reflective layer comprises: a frustoconical transparent layer comprising a top surface, a bottom surface opposite to the top surface, and a peripheral wall defining an outwardly extending inclined surface; and A reflective surface is adjacent to the transparent layer.

75. The dental apparatus of claim 74, wherein The head portion includes a head portion ring configured to be removably engageable with the open-top housing.

76. The dental apparatus of claim 75, wherein The head portion ring includes an inwardly extending protrusion defining a reflective layer engagement surface for engaging a peripheral wall of the top reflective layer.

77. The dental apparatus of claim 75, wherein The peripheral wall of the top reflective layer is configured to abut against the inwardly extending raised reflective layer engagement surface of the head portion ring, the reflective layer engagement surface and the outwardly extending inclined surface having complementary angles.

78. The system of any one of claims 74 to 77, wherein: The reflective layer includes a diffuse light guiding channel extending inwardly therefrom along a peripheral wall of the transparent layer, the diffuse light guiding channel being configured to enable diffuse light to pass therethrough.

79. The system of claim 78, further comprising a gasket positionable below the reflective layer and configured to seal against remaining components of the head portion when downward pressure is applied to the reflective layer.

80. The system of claim 79, wherein: The gasket is a compressible gasket.

81. A dental appliance for illuminating an oral cavity of a patient's mouth with diffuse light, the dental appliance comprising: a handle portion comprising an elongated member that enables the dental instrument to be manipulated; as well as a head portion located at one longitudinal end of the elongated member, the head portion comprising: A housing with an open top, comprising a housing bottom wall and housing side walls, wherein the housing bottom wall and the housing side walls together define a light source receiving cavity; a light source received in the light source receiving cavity and configured to emit light; and a reflective layer having a peripheral wall and comprising a diffuse light guiding channel superimposed on the light source and extending peripherally inwardly along and from the peripheral wall, the diffuse light guiding channel comprising: An optical diffusion component is configured to diffuse the light emitted by the light source and generate the diffused light.

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