Intraoral light irradiation device

Abstract

To provide an intraoral light irradiation device having good wearing comfort and capable of accurately irradiating gums and alveolar mucosa of orthodontic teeth.SOLUTION: An intraoral light irradiation device 1 comprises a mouthpiece 2 formed in a U-shape, and a light source 4 disposed in the mouthpiece 2 and including a plurality of light emitters 3 for irradiating the gums of a wearer with light. The mouthpiece 2 includes an occlusal tray 5 formed in a U-shape, a front flange 6 facing an outer surface of the wearer's gums, and a rear flange 7 facing an inner surface of the wearer's gums, where the front flange 6 and the rear flange 7 are light transmissive. The light source 4 is disposed to allow light irradiation from the inner peripheral surface of the front flange 6 and the outer peripheral surface of the rear flange 7, and a protrusion 11 protruding from the occlusal tray 5 in an extending direction of the front flange 6 is formed at an end of the front flange 6.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present technology relates to an intraoral light irradiation device used in orthodontics.

Background Art

[0002] Orthodontics is performed by elastically pressing the orthodontic teeth that need correction. In the gums that support the teeth, there is an alveolar bone that supports the teeth, and there is a periodontal ligament between the alveolar bone and the root part (tooth root) of the tooth. The periodontal ligament is a buffer membrane with a cushioning effect that alleviates the impact on the teeth. When an orthodontic tooth is elastically pressed in a specific direction, the periodontal ligament on the pressed side is compressed, and the periodontal ligament on the opposite side is in a stretched state. The compressed periodontal ligament causes stress on the alveolar bone, resulting in an inflammatory stimulus and the appearance and activation of osteoclasts that secrete inflammatory stimulatory substances and dissolve the alveolar bone, thereby dissolving the alveolar bone (bone resorption). The stretched alveolar membrane causes osteoblasts that form teeth to appear and newly form alveolar bone. When the orthodontic tooth is continuously elastically pressed, the dissolution and formation of the alveolar bone are repeated, and the tooth gradually moves in the pressed direction.

[0003] In conventional orthodontics, an orthodontic appliance is attached to the crown part of the orthodontic tooth and elastically pressed, but there is a possibility that a large force may be applied temporarily. In addition, when an orthodontic appliance is attached, it is likely to cause dental caries and oral inflammation, and there is a risk of damaging the tooth root because force is directly applied to the orthodontic tooth, and the burden on the teeth and periodontal tissues continues for a long time.

[0004] Therefore, as a method of increasing the speed of tooth movement without damaging the teeth and periodontal tissues, a method of improving bone resorption and bone regeneration by light irradiation has been proposed. It is known that light irradiation is effective in the treatment of bone diseases and the biological stimulation of bone and soft tissues, and can effectively contribute to the acceleration of alveolar bone resorption and regeneration.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] As an optical irradiation device for dental orthodontics, a mouthpiece-type intraoral optical irradiation device is known (see Patent Document 1). In a mouthpiece-type intraoral optical irradiation device, when a user wears a mouthpiece in the oral cavity, an improved wearing feeling is required, such as suppressing the gag reflex. In particular, in order to perform orthodontics on molars or teeth that are difficult to access, a shape that takes into account the wearing feeling is also required when the mouthpiece is worn deep into the oral cavity.

[0007] In addition, it is necessary to accurately irradiate light on the attached gingiva or the alveolar mucosa above or below it in the gingiva of the orthodontic tooth. In particular, regardless of the position of the orthodontic tooth, such as molars, teeth that are difficult to access, or anterior teeth, it is required to accurately irradiate light on the attached gingiva or the alveolar mucosa above or below it.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present technology is to provide an intraoral optical irradiation device that has a good wearing feeling and can accurately irradiate light on the attached gingiva and alveolar mucosa of orthodontic teeth in a mouthpiece-type intraoral optical irradiation device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, an intraoral light irradiation device according to the present technology is worn in the oral cavity and has a mouthpiece formed in a U shape according to the dentition of the wearer, and a light source disposed in the mouthpiece and provided with a plurality of light emitters. In an intraoral light therapy device that irradiates light from the light emitter to the gums of the wearer, the mouthpiece includes an occlusion tray formed in a U shape according to the dentition of the wearer, and a front flange that stands upright along one side edge of the occlusion tray and faces the outer surface of the wearer's gums. And a rear flange that stands upright along the other side edge of the occlusion tray and faces the inner surface of the wearer's gums. The front flange and the rear flange have light transmissibility, and the light source is disposed so as to be able to irradiate light from the inner peripheral surface of the front flange and the outer peripheral surface of the rear flange. A protrusion protruding in the extending direction of the front flange from the occlusion tray is formed at the end of the front flange.

[0010] Further, an intraoral light irradiation device according to the present technology is worn in the oral cavity and has a mouthpiece formed in a U shape according to the dentition of the wearer, and a light source provided with a light emitter disposed in the mouthpiece. In an intraoral light therapy device that irradiates light from the light emitter to the gums of the wearer, the mouthpiece includes an occlusion tray formed in a U shape according to the dentition of the wearer, and a front flange that stands upright along one side edge of the occlusion tray and faces the outer surface of the wearer's gums. And a rear flange that stands upright along the other side edge of the occlusion tray and faces the inner surface of the wearer's gums. The front flange and the rear flange have light transmissibility, and the light source is disposed so as to be able to irradiate light from the inner peripheral surface of the front flange and the outer peripheral surface of the rear flange. The front flange is formed with a slit in which the upper lip frenulum or the lower lip frenulum of the wearer is located from the upper surface downward.

Advantages of the Invention

[0011] According to the present technology, it is possible to provide an intraoral light irradiation device that has a good wearing feeling and can accurately irradiate light on the gums and alveolar mucosa of orthodontic teeth.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

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Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, the intraoral light irradiation device to which the present technology is applied will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present technology is not limited to only the following embodiments, and it goes without saying that various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the present technology. In addition, the drawings are schematic, and the ratios of each dimension etc. may be different from the actual ones. Specific dimensions etc. should be determined in consideration of the following description. Also, it goes without saying that there are portions where the relationships and ratios of the dimensions are different between the drawings.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an intraoral light irradiation device 1 to which the present technology is applied. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the intraoral light irradiation device 1. FIG. 3 is a left side view showing the intraoral light irradiation device 1. FIG. 4 is a bottom view showing the intraoral light irradiation device 1. FIG. 5 is a right side view showing the intraoral light irradiation device 1. FIG. 6 is a rear view showing the intraoral light irradiation device 1. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the intraoral light irradiation device 1, where (A) shows a configuration in which no light source is provided on the protruding portion, and (B) shows a configuration in which a light source is also provided on the protruding portion. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the light source and the gum when the intraoral light irradiation device 1 is worn.

[0015] The intraoral light irradiation device 1 includes a mouthpiece 2 that is worn in the oral cavity and is formed in a U shape according to the dentition of the wearer, and a light source 4 that is disposed on the mouthpiece 2 and on which a plurality of light emitters 3 are disposed.

[0016] The mouthpiece 2 includes a bite tray 5 formed in a U shape according to the dentition of the wearer, a front flange 6 that stands upright from one side edge of the bite tray 5 along the one side edge and faces the outer surface of the wearer's gum, and a rear flange 7 that stands upright from the other side edge of the bite tray 5 along the other side edge and faces the inner surface of the wearer's gum. Note that in this specification, the outer surface of the gum refers to the surface facing the cheek and the lips, and the inner surface of the gum refers to the surface on the side opposite to the outer surface of the gum and facing the tongue.

[0017] The mouthpiece 2 has at least the inner peripheral surface 6a of the front flange 6 and the outer peripheral surface 7a of the rear flange 7 being light transmissive, and the light source 4 has a light emitter 3 disposed so as to irradiate light from the inner peripheral surface 6a of the front flange 6 and the outer peripheral surface 7a of the rear flange 7. Thereby, it is possible to irradiate light from the light emitter 3 to the outer and inner surfaces of the wearer's gingiva. In this specification, the outer peripheral surfaces of the front flange 6 and the rear flange 7 refer to the surfaces on the outer side of the oral cavity facing the cheek and the lips, and the inner peripheral surfaces of the front flange 6 and the rear flange 7 refer to the surfaces on the opposite side of the outer peripheral surface and are the surfaces on the inner side of the oral cavity facing the tongue.

[0018] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the light source and the gingiva when the intraoral light irradiation device 1 is mounted on the upper dental arch. When the intraoral light irradiation device 1 is mounted along the upper or lower dental arch, the light emitter 3 faces the attached gingiva and the alveolar mucosa of the orthodontic teeth and irradiates predetermined light to the attached gingiva and the alveolar mucosa. In the figure, 40 indicates the gingiva (gum), 41 indicates the free gingiva, 42 indicates the attached gingiva, 43 indicates the alveolar mucosa, and 44 indicates the alveolar bone.

[0019] The front flange 6 is provided with a protruding portion 11 protruding from the end portion 5a of the occlusal tray 5 at the end portion 6b. When the mouthpiece 2 is mounted in the oral cavity, the protruding portion 11 is inserted to the deep part of the oral cavity and is positioned on the buccal side of the retromolar region. Thereby, the mouthpiece 2 can be snugly mounted in the oral cavity and can be stably held with a light force without strongly biting the mouthpiece 2. Further, the end portion 6b of the front flange 6 mounted between the inner side of the cheek and the dental arch protrudes, and the end portion 7b of the rear flange 7 mounted between the dental arch and the root side of the tongue does not protrude as much as the front flange 6, so that the gag reflex is also suppressed and the wearing feeling is not impaired.

[0020] Hereinafter, the configuration of the intraoral light irradiation device 1 will be described in detail.

[0021] [Mouthpiece] The mouthpiece 2 is used by covering the upper dental arch or the lower dental arch of the wearer, and includes an occlusion tray 5, a front flange 6 erected along one side edge on the outer peripheral side of the occlusion tray 5 from the one side edge, and a rear flange 7 erected along the other side edge on the inner peripheral side of the occlusion tray 5 from the other side edge. Thereby, when the mouthpiece 2 is worn in the oral cavity, the dental arch is inserted between the front flange 6 and the rear flange 7. Further, the mouthpiece 2 can be used by covering both the upper dental arch and the lower dental arch.

[0022] The occlusion tray 5 is a part where the wearer can bite when holding the mouthpiece 2 in the oral cavity, and has a substantially U-shaped in plan view corresponding to the shape of the wearer's dental arch.

[0023] When the mouthpiece 2 is worn in the oral cavity, the front flange 6 faces the outer surface of the gingiva, particularly the attached gingiva and the alveolar mucosa above or below it. The front flange 6 is provided with the light source 4 and has light transmissibility, and light irradiation from the light emitter 3 of the light source 4 to the attached gingiva on the outer surface of the gingiva and the alveolar mucosa above or below it is possible.

[0024] When the mouthpiece 2 is worn in the oral cavity, the rear flange 7 faces the inner surface of the gingiva, particularly the attached gingiva and the alveolar mucosa above or below it. The rear flange 7 is provided with the light source 4 and has light transmissibility, and light irradiation from the light emitter 3 of the light source 4 to the attached gingiva on the inner surface of the gingiva and the alveolar mucosa above or below it is possible.

[0025] Note that the occlusion tray 5, the front flange 6, and the rear flange 7 maintain their shapes and have appropriate flexibility, and can be worn following the shape in the oral cavity.

[0026] [Protrusion] At both ends 6b of the front flange 6, there are formed protruding portions 11 that project in the extending direction of the front flange 6 from the end portion 5a of the occlusal tray 5. When the mouthpiece 2 is worn in the oral cavity, the protruding portions 11 are positioned on the buccal side of the posterior molar region, form an arc shape in a side view, and also have an arc-shaped tip surface in a plan view. Therefore, even if the protruding portions 11 come into contact with the buccal mucosa, the wearing feeling is not impaired.

[0027] Also, when the mouthpiece 2 is worn in the oral cavity, the protruding portions 11 are inserted deep into the oral cavity and are positioned on the buccal side of the posterior molar region. As a result, the mouthpiece 2 is snugly worn in the oral cavity and can be stably held with a light force without strongly biting down on the mouthpiece 2.

[0028] The protruding portions 11 are formed so as to project from the upper edge side of the front flange 6. Thereby, the protruding portions 11 inserted deep into the oral cavity are in close contact with the shape of the oral cavity, and when the front flange 6 is worn up to the upper part of the oral cavity, that is, the uppermost part on the inner side of the upper lip or the lower part, that is, the lowermost part on the inner side of the lower lip, the mouthpiece 2 can be stably held. Also, thereby, the front flange 6 faces the attached gingiva and alveolar mucosa of the dental ridge. That is, the crown is positioned on the bottom surface side of the occlusal tray 5 of the mouthpiece 2, and the attached gingiva and alveolar mucosa are positioned on the upper edge side of the front flange 6.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 3, 5, 6, and 7, by continuously projecting the protruding portions 11 from the upper edge of the front flange 6, the light source 4 can be formed as close as possible to the upper edge side of the front flange 6, and the attached gingiva and alveolar mucosa can be accurately irradiated with light. Also, the front flange 6 does not form the protruding portions 11 over the entire area in the standing direction of the front flange 6, but projects up to about 2 / 3 of the standing direction from the upper edge, and the lower part where the crown is located is flush with the end portion 5a of the occlusal tray 5. Thereby, the light source 4 is disposed at a position where it can accurately irradiate the attached gingiva and alveolar mucosa, the enlargement of the protruding portions 11 is suppressed, and the wearing feeling can be maintained well.

[0030] Note that, as long as the irradiation position of the light source 4 is not impaired, the protruding portion 11 may protrude from a position slightly below the upper edge of the front flange 6. Also, as long as the wearing feeling is not significantly impaired, the protruding portion 11 may protrude to below the front flange 6.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 7(B), it is preferable that the mouthpiece 2 is provided with the light emitter 3 of the light source 4 also on the protruding portion 11. The front flange 6 and the rear flange 7 are formed so as to face the back teeth (second molars) and the wisdom teeth (third molars, wisdom teeth), and are designed so that light can be irradiated from the light emitter 3 to this part. However, it is also assumed that there are back teeth or wisdom teeth at positions where they come off from the front flange 6 and the rear flange 7 depending on the wearer. Also in this case, by forming the protruding portion 11 on the upper edge side of the front flange 6, the protruding portion 11 will face the attached gingiva and alveolar mucosa of the back teeth and wisdom teeth. And by providing the light emitter 3 on the protruding portion 11, it is possible to irradiate light on the attached gingiva or alveolar mucosa above or below the back teeth and wisdom teeth.

[0032] The end portion 7b of the rear flange 7 is formed flush with the end portion 5a of the occlusal tray 5, and no protruding portion protruding in the extending direction is provided. Since the rear flange 7 is mounted between the inner side of the dental arch and the root side of the tongue, by not protruding as much as the front flange 6, the gag reflex is also suppressed and the wearing feeling is not impaired. Note that protruding portions may be formed at both end portions 7b of the rear flange 7 to such an extent that the wearing feeling is not impaired, such as by reducing the protruding length and protruding area.

[0033] Note that, as shown in FIG. 9, the end portion 7b of the rear flange 7 may not be extended to the end portion 5a of the occlusal tray 5 and may be made shorter. By retracting the end portion 7b of the rear flange 7 behind the end portion 5a of the occlusal tray 5, the gag reflex can be suppressed. In this case, it is preferable to form the protruding portion 11 on the front flange 6. However, when the main purpose is to suppress the gag reflex, the end portion 6b of the front flange 6 may be formed flush with the end portion 5a of the occlusal tray 5 without providing the protruding portion 11.

[0034] [Slit] At the central part facing the dental arch center of the front flange 6, a front slit 12 is formed from the upper edge downward (toward the occlusal tray 5). When the mouthpiece 2 is worn in the oral cavity, the front slit 12 allows the superior labial frenulum or the inferior labial frenulum to pass through. As a result, the front flange 6 can be attached to the upper or lower part of the oral cavity facing the alveolar mucosa without interference between the front flange 6 and the superior labial frenulum or the inferior labial frenulum.

[0035] That is, the superior labial frenulum or the inferior labial frenulum extends from the alveolar mucosa near the dental arch center on the inner side of the upper lip and the inner side of the lower lip to the attached gingiva. Therefore, if the front slit 12 is not provided at the central part of the front flange 6 facing the dental arch center, the upper edge of the front flange 6 will interfere with the superior labial frenulum or the inferior labial frenulum, and the front flange 6 cannot be attached to the uppermost part of the inner side of the upper lip or the lowermost part of the inner side of the lower lip of the oral cavity, or the interference between the upper edge of the front flange 6 and the superior labial frenulum or the inferior labial frenulum will cause pain or discomfort. As a result, the height of the front flange 6 cannot be increased, and it is difficult to sufficiently face the attached gingiva and the alveolar mucosa.

[0036] Therefore, by providing the front slit 12 in the front flange 6, the front flange 6 can be attached to the uppermost part of the inner side of the upper lip or the lowermost part of the inner side of the lower lip without interference between the upper edge of the front flange 6 and the superior labial frenulum or the inferior labial frenulum, and the front flange 6 can be made to face the alveolar mucosa.

[0037] Also, at the central part facing the dental arch center of the rear flange 7, a rear slit 13 is formed from the upper edge downward (toward the occlusal tray 5). When the mouthpiece 2 is worn in the oral cavity, the rear slit 13 allows the frenulum linguae or the palatine raphe to pass through. As a result, the rear flange 7 can be attached to the upper or lower part of the oral cavity facing the alveolar mucosa without interference between the rear flange 7 and the frenulum linguae or the palatine raphe.

[0038] That is, the frenulum linguae extends near the center of the dental arch under the tongue, and the palatal raphe extends near the center of the dental arch on the palate. Therefore, when the rear slit 13 is not provided at the central part facing the center of the dental arch of the rear flange 7, the upper edge of the rear flange 7 interferes with the frenulum linguae or the palatal raphe, and the rear flange 7 cannot be attached to the upper part of the oral cavity, i.e., the top surface of the palate, or the lower part, i.e., the lowest part under the tongue. Or, since the upper edge of the rear flange 7 interferes with the frenulum linguae or the palatal raphe, it is accompanied by pain or discomfort. Therefore, the height of the rear flange 7 cannot be increased, and it becomes difficult to sufficiently face the attached gingiva and the alveolar mucosa.

[0039] Therefore, by providing the rear slit 13 in the rear flange 7, it is possible to attach the rear flange 7 to the top surface of the palate or the lowest part under the tongue without the upper edge of the rear flange 7 interfering with the frenulum linguae or the palatal raphe, and the rear flange 7 can be made to face the alveolar mucosa.

[0040] [Material] The material of the mouthpiece 2 is the same as the materials of mouthpieces conventionally used in the fields of sports and medicine, and is formed of a transparent or translucent resin material that can be irradiated with light from the light source 4 and has flexibility. Specifically, as the material of the mouthpiece 2, resins that conform to the oral cavity shape and have appropriate hardness and softness can be used, for example, olefin resins, polyester resins, urethane resins such as polyurethane, polyimide resins, silicone resins, styrene resins, acrylic resins, polyamide resins, and carbonate resins, etc., but are not limited thereto.

[0041] As the above olefin resins, polyethylene (PE), polyethylene-based resins, polypropylene (PP), polypropylene-based resins, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) are preferable, and polyethylene (PE), polyethylene-based resins, polypropylene (PP), polypropylene-based resins, etc. are more preferable.

[0042] Polyester resins are polycondensates of polyvalent carboxylic acids (such as dicarboxylic acids) and polyalcohols (such as diols). Examples of the above polyester resins include polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0043] Urethane resins are polycondensates of compounds having isocyanate groups and compounds having hydroxyl groups. Examples of the above urethane resins include thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

[0044] Polyamide resins are (co)polymers formed by bonding a number of monomers by amide bonds. Examples of the above polyamide resins include nylon, para-based amides, and meta-based amides.

[0045] Acrylic rubber resins are (co)polymers mainly composed of acrylic rubber. Examples of the above acrylic resins include block copolymers of methyl methacrylate and butyl acrylate.

[0046] Note that the occlusal tray 5, the front flange 6, and the rear flange 7 may be formed of different materials to change the hardness.

[0047] The above mouthpiece 2 is obtained by integrally molding the above-described material with the light source 4 by injection molding. The injection conditions of the material are set according to the size and shape of the mouthpiece 2, and usually the entire mouthpiece 2 is molded with one mold. The size of the mouthpiece 2 only needs to have a shape suitable for fitting an average person's dentition. When the wearer is an adult, it is manufactured as an adult mouthpiece 2 having a size and shape corresponding to an average adult dentition, and when the wearer is a child, it is manufactured as a child mouthpiece 2 having a size and shape corresponding to an average child dentition.

[0048] [Light source] Next, the light source 4 disposed on the mouthpiece 2 will be described. The light source 4 includes a substrate 10 and a plurality of light emitters 3 disposed on the substrate 10. The intraoral light irradiation device 1 irradiates the attached gingiva and alveolar mucosa with light by the light emitter 3, and stimulates the alveolar bone, thereby causing an inflammatory stimulus in the alveolar bone to activate osteoclasts on the surface of the alveolar bone, and thereby causing bone resorption in the alveolar bone. In addition, bleeding can be suppressed by light irradiation, and discomfort and pain can also be alleviated.

[0049] The substrate 10 is not particularly limited as long as it is a flexible substrate on which the light emitter 3 can be mounted. For example, a known flexible substrate based on polyimide (PI), liquid crystal polymer (LCP), etc. can be used. The substrate 10 is disposed along the side surfaces of the front flange 6 and the rear flange 7 of the mouthpiece 2, has a substantially rectangular plate shape according to the shapes of the front flange 6 and the rear flange 7, and is disposed in a U-shaped curve. Further, the substrate 10 is disposed up to the ends of the front flange 6 and the rear flange 7, but preferably is disposed up to the protruding portion 11 of the front flange 6.

[0050] The light emitters 3 are respectively disposed on the substrate 10 so as to emit light from the inner peripheral surface of the front flange 6 and the outer peripheral surface of the rear flange 7. Thereby, the light source 4 is opposed between the front flange 6 and the rear flange 7, and both surfaces of the attached gingiva and alveolar mucosa of the orthodontic tooth can be irradiated with light.

[0051] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the intraoral light irradiation device 1 from above the back. As shown in FIG. 10, on the substrate 10 provided on the front flange 6, a connection terminal portion 17 is formed at the central portion facing the dental arch center. Each light emitter 3 on the substrate 10 provided on the front flange 6 is connected to the connection terminal portion 17 via an internal wiring. Each light emitter 3 on the substrate 10 provided on the rear flange 7 is connected to the connection terminal portion 17 via an internal wiring passing through the occlusal tray 5 at the central portion facing the dental arch center. The connection terminal portion 17 is connected to the controller 16 via an electric cable 15 led out from the outer side surface of the central portion of the front flange 6 of the mouthpiece 2. The light source 4 is controlled by the controller 16 connected to the end of the electric cable 15 for light irradiation (irradiation ON and irradiation OFF, irradiation site, irradiation mode (time, irradiance, irradiation amount, etc.)) by the light emitter 3.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 2, the lead-out portion 19 from which the electric cable 15 is led out is provided slightly below the upper edge of the outer side surface of the front flange 6. This is because, as described above, the front slit 12 is provided at the central portion of the front flange 6, and it is for leading out the electric cable 15 from below the lower end of this front slit 12.

[0053] [Light emitter] The light emitter 3 is not particularly limited, and examples include a light emitting diode (LED), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a semiconductor laser diode (LD), a polymer light emitting diode (PLED), a light emitting polymer (LEP), an optical fiber bundle, or a combination thereof, etc., but is not limited thereto. The light emitter 3 is covered with a transparent or translucent resin constituting the mouthpiece 2 when the light source 4 is integrally formed with the mouthpiece 2. Therefore, the light source 4 can irradiate light into the oral cavity and is also protected by the resin material during the use or cleaning of the mouthpiece 2.

[0054] A plurality of light emitters 3 are mounted from one end to the other along the longitudinal direction of the substrate 10, for example, in three rows, and 18 to 20 light emitters 3 in each row are arranged in a grid pattern. Note that the arrangement pattern and the number of the light emitters 3 are not limited to this. Each light emitter 3 may be arranged close to an adjacent light emitter 3 so that there is no area where light does not hit.

[0055] Also, as described above, it is preferable that the light emitter 3 is also formed on the protruding portion 11 of the front flange 6 located on the buccal side of the retromolar region. Thereby, even when the wisdom tooth or the impacted tooth is located at a position deviated from the front flange 6 or the rear flange 7, light can be surely irradiated to the attached gingiva or the alveolar mucosa above or below the wisdom tooth or the impacted tooth.

[0056] The site for performing light irradiation may be selectable to irradiate the entire light source 4 of the front flange 6 and / or the entire light source 4 of the rear flange 7 according to the setting. Also, the irradiation site of each light source of the front flange 6 and the rear flange 7 may uniformly irradiate the entire light emitter 3, or may be selectable such as the front tooth side half or the wisdom tooth side half. The light irradiation pattern can also be set as appropriate. The light emitter 3 may be lit at the same irradiance uniformly, or may be blinked. Also, it may be set so that the irradiation position, the irradiance, and the irradiation pattern vary over time.

[0057] [Thermistor] Note that a temperature detection unit 30 such as a thermistor for detecting the temperature of the light source 4 may be provided on the substrate 10. Thereby, when the light emitter 3 is heated to a predetermined temperature or higher, light irradiation can be stopped and controlled to protect the wearer and the mouthpiece 2.

[0058] [Controller] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a state where the mouthpiece 2 and the controller 16 are connected via the electric cable 15, and a power supply unit 18 connected to the controller 16 via the electric cable 15. The controller 16 is detachably connected to the mouthpiece 2 via the electric cable 15. FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration example of the controller 16. As shown in FIG. 12, the controller 16 controls the irradiation site, irradiation time, irradiation wavelength, irradiance, etc. of the light emitter 3 based on a program, or a mode in which the irradiation site, irradiation time, wavelength of the irradiation light, irradiance, absorption energy, etc. are set in advance, and a control unit 21 that stores the operation history of the intraoral light irradiation device 1 in a memory or a storage, and an operation unit 23 including operation buttons for performing operations such as turning the power on / off, turning the irradiation on / off, and selecting a mode.

[0059] Further, the controller 16 is detachably connected to the power supply unit 18 via a power cable. As the power supply unit 18, a power supply device (adapter) connected to a household outlet, a mobile battery that houses a rechargeable or disposable battery, or the like can be used. In this way, by separating the mouthpiece 2, the controller 16, and the power supply unit 18 and connecting them with cables, the weight applied when wearing the mouthpiece 2 becomes only the weight of the mouthpiece 2 itself, the displacement of the wearing position can be prevented, the burden on the wearer who holds the mouthpiece 2 in the oral cavity can be reduced, and the operability can be further improved. Also, since the mouthpiece 2 is detachable from the power cable 15, it becomes easy to clean only the mouthpiece 2 after use.

[0060] Incidentally, the secondary battery may be built into the controller 16 or the mouse piece 2. The secondary battery built into the controller 16 or the mouse piece 2 can be charged by being connected via a power cable to a power supply device connected to a household outlet. Further, the secondary battery built into the mouse piece 2 may be chargeable when the mouse piece 2 is housed in a mouse piece case (not shown). In this case, the mouse piece case is connected via a power cable to a power supply device (adapter) connected to a household outlet, or has a built-in power supply device and is connected to a household outlet via a power cable.

[0061] Incidentally, the controller 16 may be provided with a setting unit 22 for manually setting the irradiation site, irradiation time, irradiation wavelength, irradiance, absorption energy, etc., a display unit 24 such as a liquid crystal panel for displaying the operating state and operating history of the intraoral light irradiation device 1, schedule management, remaining light irradiation time, battery remaining amount, etc., a notification unit 25 for notifying the end of a predetermined light irradiation, an error state, etc. by an alarm, light emission, vibration, etc., and a communication unit 26 for connecting to an external server 31 via the Internet and performing operations such as updating the control program and schedule stored in the control unit 21 and transmitting the operating history stored in the control unit 21.

[0062] FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration example of the intraoral light irradiation device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The control unit 21 includes a microprocessor 28. The microprocessor 28 performs information communication of programs such as irradiation modes and the operating history of the intraoral light irradiation device 1 with the memory 29 and the storage 34. Further, the microprocessor 28 stores the setting information of the setting unit 22 in the memory 29 or the storage 34, and controls the irradiation according to the settings stored in the memory 29 or the storage 34.

[0063] The microprocessor 28 operates according to the operations of a power switch 32 for turning the power on and off and an operation switch 33 for operating irradiation start / stop. Further, the microprocessor 28 stops light irradiation according to a signal from a temperature detection unit 30 such as a thermistor. Thereby, when the light emitter 3 is heated to a predetermined temperature or higher, light irradiation can be stopped and controlled to protect the wearer and the mouthpiece 2.

[0064] Furthermore, when the power supply unit 18 is configured by a mobile battery, the microprocessor 28 receives the output of a detection circuit 35 that detects the output voltage, determines the charge amount, and controls the display unit 24 and the notification unit 25 to notify the user.

[0065] [Usage method] Next, the usage method of the intraoral light irradiation device 1 will be described. The intraoral light irradiation device 1 is used by the user himself / herself undergoing orthodontic treatment at predetermined intervals, for example, once to several times a day, and is used for a predetermined time (about 4 minutes per orthodontic site per day in the example described later) per use or per day.

[0066] When using the intraoral light irradiation device 1 for the upper dental arch, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the mouthpiece 2 is attached with the U-shaped groove formed by the front flange 6, the rear flange 7, and the occlusal tray 5 facing the upper dental arch. At this time, by providing the front slit 12 in the front flange 6, the upper lip frenulum 46 can be attached up to the uppermost part on the inner side of the upper lip without interfering with the front flange 6. Further, by providing the rear slit 13 in the rear flange 7, the palatal raphe 47 can be attached up to the top surface of the palate without interfering with the rear flange 7. Thereby, the light sources 4 provided on the front flange 6 and the rear flange 7 can be opposed to the attached gingiva and alveolar mucosa.

[0067] Also, when the mouthpiece 2 is attached in the oral cavity, the protruding portion 11 is inserted deep into the oral cavity and positioned on the buccal side of the retromolar region. Thereby, the mouthpiece 2 is snugly attached between the gingiva of the upper dental arch and the upper lip and cheek, and can be stably held with a light force without strongly biting the mouthpiece 2.

[0068] In addition, when the light emitter 3 is disposed up to the protrusion 11, combined with the effects of the above-described front slit 12 and rear slit 13, light can be reliably irradiated onto the posterior teeth of the upper dental arch, the attached gingiva of the difficult-to-reach teeth, and the alveolar mucosa.

[0069] When using the intraoral light irradiation device 1 for the lower dental arch, the mouthpiece 2 is attached with the U-shaped groove formed by the front flange 6, the rear flange 7, and the occlusal tray 5 facing the lower dental arch. At this time, by providing the front slit 12 in the front flange 6, the lower lip frenulum 48 can be attached up to the lowermost part of the inner side of the lower lip without interfering with the front flange 6. Also, by providing the rear slit 13 in the rear flange 7, the lingual frenulum 49 can be attached up to the lowermost part under the tongue without interfering with the rear flange 7. Thereby, the light source 4 provided in the front flange 6 and the rear flange 7 can be opposed to the alveolar mucosa.

[0070] Also, when the mouthpiece 2 is attached in the oral cavity, the protrusion 11 is inserted deep into the oral cavity and positioned on the buccal side of the retromolar region. Thereby, the mouthpiece 2 is fitted snugly between the gums of the lower dental arch and the lower lip and the cheek, and can be stably held with a light force without strongly biting the mouthpiece 2.

[0071] In addition, when the light emitter 3 is disposed up to the protrusion 11, combined with the effects of the above-described front slit 12 and rear slit 13, light can be reliably irradiated onto the posterior teeth of the lower dental arch, the attached gingiva of the difficult-to-reach teeth, and the alveolar mucosa.

[0072] The wavelength (Wavelength: nm), radiation flux (Radiation Flux: W / m 2 )), irradiation site, and irradiation time are not particularly limited, and are appropriately set so that the stimulus applied to the light irradiation site can activate osteoclasts as an inflammatory stimulus and does not damage teeth, gums, periodontal ligament, alveolar bone, etc.

[0073] Specifically, the wavelength (Wavelength: nm) of the light may be set, for example, in the range of 850 nm ± 10% (765 - 935 nm). The radiation flux of each light emitter 3 may be set, for example, in the range of 68.64 mW / cm 2 ± 10% (61.78 - 75.50 mW / cm 2 ). The irradiation site may be selectable in the mode of irradiating only the light source 4 on the front flange 6 (mode 1), the mode of irradiating only the light source 4 on the rear flange 7 (mode 2), and the mode of irradiating from the light sources 4 on the front flange 6 and the rear flange 7 (mode 3). The irradiation time may be set, for example, in the range of 240 seconds ± 10% (210 - 265 seconds). Also, the absorption energy (Energy Absorb: J) of the light irradiated from the front flange 6 may be set in the range of 889.6 J ± 10% (800.6 - 978.6 J), and the absorption energy (Energy Absorb: J) of the light irradiated from the rear flange 7 may be set in the range of 428.3 J ± 10% (385.5 - 471.1 J). The operating current can also be designed as appropriate, but may be set, for example, in the range of 26.0 mA ± 10% (23.4 - 28.6 mA).

[0074] For example, if 54 LEDs are provided as the light emitters 3 on the front flange 6 and 26 LEDs are provided as the light emitters 3 on the rear flange 7, and the radiation flux of each light emitter 3 is 68.64 mW / cm 2 , apparently, the radiation flux from the front flange 6 is 3706.56 mW / cm 2 , and the radiation flux from the rear flange 7 is 1784.64 mW / cm 2 . In this setting, when irradiated for 240 seconds, the absorption energy (Energy Absorb: J) of the light irradiated from the front flange 6 is 889.6 J, and the absorption energy (Energy Absorb: J) of the light irradiated from the rear flange 7 is 428.3 J. Note that the above wavelength (nm), radiation flux (mW / cm 2) The numerical ranges of ( ) and absorption energy (J) are exemplary, and values outside the above numerical ranges may be set as long as the effects of the present invention are achieved. Also, as described above, the selection of each mode can be performed by the controller 16. The settings of the intraoral light irradiation device 1 are not limited to those described above.

[0075] Note that the irradiance can be obtained by irradiating from the light emitter 3 and measuring the radiant flux of the light incident per unit area with an irradiance meter. The total irradiance from the front flange 6 and the rear flange 7 can be obtained by multiplying the irradiance of each light emitter by the number of light emitters. The absorption energy (W·sec) of the light irradiated from the front flange 6 and the rear flange 7 can be obtained by multiplying the total irradiance (W) by the irradiation time (sec).

[0076] After the mode is selected by the controller 16, when an operation to start irradiation is performed, light irradiation is executed according to the mode. After the light irradiation is completed, the mouthpiece 2 can be removed from the oral cavity and cleaned.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0077] 1 Intraoral light irradiation device, 2 Mouthpiece, 3 Light emitter, 4 Light source, 5 Bite tray, 5a End portion, 6 Front flange, 6a Inner peripheral surface, 6b End portion, 7 Rear flange, 7a Outer peripheral surface, 7b End portion, 11 Protrusion, 12 Front slit, 13 Rear slit, 15 Electric cable, 16 Controller, 17 Connection terminal portion, 18 Power supply unit, 19 Derivation portion, 21 Control portion, 22 Setting portion, 23 Operation portion, 24 Display portion, 25 Notification portion, 26 Communication portion, 28 Microprocessor, 29 Memory, 30 Temperature detection portion, 31 Server, 32 Power switch, 33 Operation switch, 34 Storage, 35 Detection circuit

Claims

1. A mouthpiece that is worn in the oral cavity and is formed in a U-shape according to the dentition of the wearer, and a light source disposed in the mouthpiece and provided with a plurality of light emitters, and having in an intraoral phototherapy device that irradiates light from the light emitter to the gum of the wearer, the mouthpiece is an occlusion tray formed in a U-shape according to the dentition of the wearer, and a front flange that stands upright along the one side edge from the one side edge of the occlusion tray and faces the outer surface of the gum of the wearer, and a rear flange that stands upright along the other side edge from the other side edge of the occlusion tray and faces the inner surface of the gum of the wearer, and having the front flange and the rear flange have light transmissibility, and the light source is disposed so as to be able to irradiate light from the inner peripheral surface of the front flange and the outer peripheral surface of the rear flange, An intraoral phototherapy device in which a protruding portion that protrudes in the extending direction of the front flange from the occlusion tray is formed at an end portion of the front flange.

2. The intraoral phototherapy device according to claim 1, wherein the end portion of the front flange is formed in an arc shape in a side view.

3. The intraoral phototherapy device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an end portion of the rear flange is flush with an end portion of the occlusion tray.

4. The intraoral phototherapy device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light source is also disposed on the protruding portion.

5. A mouthpiece that is worn in the oral cavity and is formed in a U-shape according to the dentition of the wearer, and a light source provided with a light emitter disposed in the mouthpiece, and having in an intraoral phototherapy device that irradiates light from the light emitter to the gum of the wearer, the mouthpiece is an occlusion tray formed in a U-shape according to the dentition of the wearer, and A front flange that stands upright along one side edge of the bite tray and faces the outer surface of the wearer's gum, A rear flange that stands upright along the other side edge of the bite tray and faces the inner surface of the wearer's gum, The front flange and the rear flange have light transmissibility, and the light source is disposed so as to be able to irradiate light from the inner peripheral surface of the front flange and the outer peripheral surface of the rear flange, An intraoral phototherapy device in which the front flange is formed with a slit where the wearer's labial frenum or lingual frenum is located from the upper surface downward. **Claim 6** The intraoral phototherapy device according to claim 5, wherein the rear flange is formed with a slit where the wearer's lingual frenum is located from the upper surface downward. **Claim 7** Having a controller capable of controlling the light source, The intraoral phototherapy device according to claim 1 or 5, wherein the controller is detachably connected to the mouthpiece via a cable. **Claim 8** Comprising an external power supply unit for driving the light source, The intraoral phototherapy device according to claim 7, wherein the external power supply unit is detachably connected to the controller via a cable. **Claim 9** The intraoral phototherapy device according to claim 7, wherein the power supply for driving the light source is built in the mouthpiece or the controller. **Claim 10** A mouthpiece that is worn in the mouth and is formed in a U shape according to the wearer's dentition, And a light source provided with a light emitter disposed in the mouthpiece, In an intraoral phototherapy device that irradiates light from the light emitter to the wearer's gum, The mouthpiece is, A bite tray formed in a U shape according to the wearer's dentition, A front flange that stands upright along one side edge of the bite tray and faces the outer surface of the wearer's gum, It has a rear flange that stands upright along the other side edge from the other side edge of the occlusal tray and faces the inner surface of the gingiva of the wearer. The front flange and the rear flange are light-transmissive, and the light source is disposed so as to be able to irradiate light from the inner peripheral surface of the front flange and the outer peripheral surface of the rear flange. An intraoral phototherapy device in which the end of the rear flange retreats from the end of the occlusal tray.

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