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 orthodontic teeth that require correction. In the gums that support the teeth, there is 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 applied to the tooth. 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 stimulus substances and dissolve the alveolar bone (bone resorption). In the stretched periodontal membrane, osteoblasts that form teeth appear and newly form alveolar bone. When an orthodontic tooth is continuously elastically pressed, the dissolution and formation of 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 also a risk of damaging the tooth root because force is directly applied to the orthodontic tooth, and the burden on the tooth and periodontal tissues continues for a long time.

[0004] Therefore, as a method of increasing the speed of tooth movement without damaging the tooth 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 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 such as suppressing the gag reflex is required. 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 even when the mouthpiece is worn deep into the oral cavity.

[0007] In addition, it is necessary to accurately irradiate light on the attached gingiva and the alveolar mucosa above or below it among the tooth necks of the teeth to be corrected. In particular, regardless of the position of the teeth to be corrected, such as molars, teeth that are difficult to access, or anterior teeth, it is required to accurately irradiate light on the attached gingiva and 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 the teeth to be corrected 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 mounted 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 the intraoral light therapy device that irradiates light from the light emitter to the gums of the wearer, the mouthpiece includes a bite tray formed in a U shape according to the dentition of the wearer, a front flange erected along one side edge of the bite tray and facing the outer surface of the wearer's gums, and a rear flange erected along the other side edge of the bite tray and facing the inner surface of the wearer's gums. The front flange and the rear flange have light transmissibility, 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 bite tray is formed at the end of the front flange, and the protrusion protrudes about two-thirds in the standing direction from the upper edge of the front flange.

[0010] Further, an intraoral light irradiation device according to the present technology is mounted 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 the intraoral light therapy device that irradiates light from the light emitter to the gums of the wearer, the mouthpiece includes a bite tray formed in a U shape according to the dentition of the wearer, a front flange erected along one side edge of the bite tray and facing the outer surface of the wearer's gums, and a rear flange erected along the other side edge of the bite tray and facing the inner surface of the wearer's gums. The front flange and the rear flange have light transmissibility, 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 front slit is formed in the front flange from the upper edge to the bite tray side, the front slit is provided at the central portion facing the dentition center of the front flange, a rear slit is formed in the rear flange from the upper edge to the bite tray side, and the rear slit is provided at the central portion facing the dentition center of the rear flange.

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

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Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

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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 the following embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present technology. Also, the drawings are schematic, and the ratios of the respective dimensions may be different from the actual ones. Specific dimensions and the like 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 in the protruding portion, and (B) shows a configuration in which a light source is also provided in the protruding portion. 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 attached.

[0015] The intraoral light irradiation device 1 is attached in the oral cavity and includes a mouthpiece 2 formed in a U shape according to the dental arch of the wearer, and a light source 4 disposed on the mouthpiece 2 and having a plurality of light emitters 3 disposed thereon.

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

[0017] At least the inner peripheral surface 6a of the front flange 6 and the outer peripheral surface 7a of the rear flange 7 of the mouthpiece 2 have light transmissibility, and a light emitter 3 is disposed so that the light source 4 irradiates 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 surface and the inner surface 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 inner side of the oral cavity on the side opposite to the outer peripheral surfaces and 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 attached to the upper dentition. When the intraoral light irradiation device 1 is attached along the upper dentition or the lower dentition, the light emitter 3 faces the attached gingiva and the alveolar mucosa of the orthodontic teeth and irradiates the attached gingiva and the alveolar mucosa with predetermined light. In the figure, 40 refers to the gingiva (gum), 41 refers to the free gingiva, 42 refers to the attached gingiva, 43 refers to the alveolar mucosa, and 44 refers to the alveolar bone.

[0019] The front flange 6 is provided with a protrusion 11 protruding from the end 5a of the occlusal tray 5 at the end 6b. When the mouthpiece 2 is worn in the oral cavity, the protrusion 11 is inserted to the deep part of the oral cavity and positioned on the buccal side of the retromolar region. Thereby, the mouthpiece 2 is snugly worn in the oral cavity, and can be stably held with a light force without strongly biting the mouthpiece 2. Further, the end 6b of the front flange 6 worn between the inner side of the cheek and the dental arch protrudes, and the end 7b of the rear flange 7 worn 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 occlusal tray 5, a front flange 6 erected along one side edge on the outer peripheral side of the occlusal 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 occlusal 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 occlusal tray 5 is a part that the wearer can bite when holding the mouthpiece 2 in the oral cavity, and has a substantially U shape in plan view corresponding to the shape of the wearer's dental arch.

[0023] The front flange 6 faces the outer surface of the gingiva, particularly the attached gingiva and the alveolar mucosa above or below it, when the mouthpiece 2 is worn in the oral cavity. 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 enabled.

[0024] The rear flange 7 faces the inner surface of the gum, particularly the attached gingiva and the alveolar mucosa above or below it, when the mouthpiece 2 is worn in the oral cavity. 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 of the inner surface of the gum and the alveolar mucosa above or below it is enabled.

[0025] Note that the occlusal tray 5, the front flange 6, and the rear flange 7 maintain their shapes and have appropriate flexibility, and are configured to be wearable following the shape in the oral cavity.

[0026] [Protrusion] At both ends 6b of the front flange 6, protrusions 11 that project in the extending direction of the front flange 6 from the end 5a of the occlusal tray 5 are formed. The protrusions 11 are located on the buccal side of the retromolar region when the mouthpiece 2 is worn in the oral cavity, form an arc shape in a side view, and also have an arc-shaped tip surface in a plan view. Therefore, even if the protrusions 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 protrusions 11 are inserted deep into the oral cavity and are located on the buccal side of the retromolar 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 the mouthpiece 2.

[0028] The protrusions 11 are formed so as to protrude from the upper edge side of the front flange 6. Thereby, the protrusions 11 inserted deep into the oral cavity adhere along the shape in the oral cavity, 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, and the mouthpiece 2 can be stably held. Also, thereby the front flange 6 faces the attached gingiva of the gum and the alveolar mucosa. That is, in the mouthpiece 2, the tooth crown is located on the bottom surface side of the occlusal tray 5, and the attached gingiva and the alveolar mucosa are located 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 portion 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 light can be accurately irradiated onto the attached gingiva and alveolar mucosa. Further, the front flange 6 does not form the protruding portion 11 over the entire area in the standing direction of the front flange 6, but projects only up to about 2 / 3 of the standing direction from the upper edge, and the lower part where the tooth crown is located is flush with the end portion 5a of the occlusal tray 5. Thereby, the light source 4 can be disposed at a position where it accurately irradiates the attached gingiva and alveolar mucosa, the enlargement of the protruding portion 11 can be suppressed, and the wearing feeling can be maintained well.

[0030] As long as the irradiation position of the light source 4 is not impaired, the protruding portion 11 may project 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 project to below the front flange 6.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 7(B), it is preferable that the mouthpiece 2 is also provided with the light emitter 3 of the light source 4 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 deviated 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, light can be irradiated onto the attached gingiva and 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 worn between the inside of the dental arch and the root side of the tongue, it does not protrude as much as the front flange 6, so that the gag reflex is 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, for example, by reducing the protruding length and the protruding area.

[0033] Note that, as shown in FIG. 9, the end portion 7b of the rear flange 7 may not be extended up 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] A front slit 12 is formed from the upper edge downward (toward the occlusal tray 5 side) at the central portion of the front flange 6 facing the center of the dental arch. The front slit 12 is for the superior labial frenulum or the inferior labial frenulum to pass through when the mouthpiece 2 is worn in the oral cavity. Thereby, the front flange 6 can be worn on 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 frenum or the inferior labial frenum 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, when the front slit 12 is not provided at the center of the front flange 6 facing the dental arch center, the upper edge of the front flange 6 interferes with the superior labial frenum or the inferior labial frenum, and the front flange 6 cannot be attached to the uppermost part of the upper oral cavity, that is, the uppermost part of the inner side of the upper lip or the lowermost part of the lower oral cavity, that is, the lowermost part of the inner side of the lower lip. Alternatively, since the upper edge of the front flange 6 interferes with the superior labial frenum or the inferior labial frenum, causing pain or discomfort, the height of the front flange 6 cannot be increased, and it becomes 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 the upper edge of the front flange 6 interfering with the superior labial frenum or the inferior labial frenum, and the front flange 6 can be made to face the alveolar mucosa.

[0037] Also, a rear slit 13 is formed from the upper edge downward (toward the occlusal tray 5 side) at the center of the rear flange 7 facing the dental arch center. When the mouthpiece 2 is attached in the oral cavity, the frenulum linguae and the palatine raphe are inserted through the rear slit 13. Thereby, the rear flange 7 can be attached to the upper or lower part of the oral cavity facing the alveolar mucosa without the rear flange 7 interfering with the frenulum linguae or the palatine raphe.

[0038] That is, the frenulum linguae extends near the dental arch center under the tongue, and the palatine raphe extends near the dental arch center on the palate. Therefore, when the rear slit 13 is not provided at the center of the rear flange 7 facing the dental arch center, the upper edge of the rear flange 7 interferes with the frenulum linguae or the palatine raphe, and the rear flange 7 cannot be attached to the upper part of the oral cavity, that is, the top surface of the palate or the lower part, that is, the lowermost part under the tongue. Alternatively, since the upper edge of the rear flange 7 interferes with the frenulum linguae or the palatine raphe, causing pain or discomfort, 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 a rear slit 13 in the rear flange 7, it is possible to attach it to the top surface of the palate or the lowermost part under the tongue without interference between the upper edge of the rear flange 7 and the lingual frenulum or the palatal raphe, and the rear flange 7 can be opposed to the alveolar mucosa.

[0040] [Material] The material of the mouthpiece 2 is the same as the materials of mouthpieces used in the conventional sports and medical fields, can irradiate light from the light source 4, and is formed of a transparent or translucent resin material having 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 resin, polyethylene (PE), polyethylene-based resin, polypropylene (PP), polypropylene-based resin, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) are preferable, and polyethylene (PE), polyethylene-based resin, polypropylene (PP), polypropylene-based resin, etc. are more preferable.

[0042] The polyester resin is a polycondensate of a polyvalent carboxylic acid (such as dicarboxylic acid) and a polyalcohol (such as diol). Examples of the above polyester resin include polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0043] The urethane resin is a polycondensate of a compound having an isocyanate group and a compound having a hydroxyl group. Examples of the above urethane resin include thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

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

[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 vary the hardness.

[0047] The above mouthpiece 2 is obtained by integrally molding the above-described material with the light source 4. 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 dental arch. When the wearer is an adult, it is manufactured as an adult mouthpiece 2 having a size and shape corresponding to an average adult dental arch, 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's dental arch.

[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 light on the attached gingiva and alveolar mucosa by the light emitters 3, 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 having flexibility and capable of mounting the light emitter 3. For example, a known flexible substrate based on polyimide (PI), liquid crystal polymer (LCP), or the like 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 curved manner. Further, the substrate 10 is disposed up to the ends of the front flange 6 and the rear flange 7, and 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 light can be irradiated onto both the attached gingiva of the orthodontic tooth and the alveolar mucosa.

[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 of the substrate 10 provided on the front flange 6 is connected to the connection terminal portion 17 via internal wiring. Each light emitter 3 of the substrate 10 provided on the rear flange 7 is connected to the connection terminal portion 17 via 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 by the light emitter 3 (irradiation ON and irradiation OFF, irradiation site, irradiation mode (time, irradiance, irradiation amount, etc.)).

[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 surface of the front flange 6. This is because the front slit 12 is provided in the central portion of the front flange 6 as described above, 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. For example, 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), a bundle of optical fibers, or a combination thereof, etc. are exemplified, but not limited thereto. The light emitter 3 is covered by the transparent or translucent resin that forms 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, 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 the adjacent light emitter 3 so that there is no place 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 posterior molar region. Thereby, even when the back teeth or the difficult-to-reach teeth are in a position deviated from the front flange 6 or the rear flange 7, light can be surely irradiated onto the attached gingiva or the alveolar mucosa above or below the back teeth or the difficult-to-reach teeth.

[0056] The site for performing light irradiation may be selectable, according to the setting, to irradiate the entire light source 4 of the front flange 6 and / or the entire light source 4 of the rear flange 7. Also, the irradiation sites of the light sources of the front flange 6 and the rear flange 7 may irradiate the entire light emitter 3 uniformly, or may be selectable, such as the front tooth side half or the back tooth side half. The light irradiation pattern can also be set as appropriate. The light emitter 3 may be lit at a uniform irradiance, or may be blinked. Also, it may be set so that the irradiation position, irradiance, and 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, the 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 ON / OFF operations of the power supply and irradiation, and selection of modes.

[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, which can prevent displacement of the wearing position, reduce the burden on the wearer who holds the mouthpiece 2 in the oral cavity, and further improve the operability. Also, since the mouthpiece 2 is detachable from the power cable 15, it becomes easy to clean only the mouthpiece 2 after use.

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

[0061] In addition, 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, operating history, schedule management, remaining time of light irradiation, battery remaining amount, etc. of the intraoral light irradiation device 1, 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 information such as the operation 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 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 / 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, the microprocessor 28 receives the output of a detection circuit 35 that detects the output voltage when the power unit 18 is configured with a mobile battery, 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 day for each orthodontic site in the example described later) per time or per day.

[0066] When using the intraoral light irradiation device 1 for the upper dentition, 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 dentition. 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. Also, 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 source 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 fitted snugly between the gingiva of the upper dentition 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 protruding portion 11, combined with the effects of the above-described front slit 12 and rear slit 13, the light can be surely irradiated onto the posterior teeth of the upper dentition, the attached gingiva of the inaccessible teeth, and the alveolar mucosa.

[0069] When using the intraoral light irradiation device 1 for the lower dentition, 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 dentition. At this time, by providing the front slit 12 in the front flange 6, the lower lip frenulum 48 can be attached down to the lowermost part on 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 down to the lowermost part under the tongue without interfering with the rear flange 7. Thereby, the light source 4 provided on the front flange 6 and the rear flange 7 can be opposed to the alveolar mucosa.

[0070] Also, when the mouthpiece 2 is worn 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. As a result, the mouthpiece 2 fits snugly between the gums of the lower dental arch and the lower lip and cheek, and can be stably held with a light force without strongly biting down on the mouthpiece 2.

[0071] In addition, when the light emitter 3 is disposed up to the protruding portion 11, in combination 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 blind area, and the alveolar mucosa.

[0072] The wavelength of light (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 be an inflammatory stimulus to activate osteoclasts and does not damage teeth, gums, periodontal ligament, alveolar bone, etc.

[0073] Specifically, the wavelength of light (Wavelength: nm) may be set, for example, in the range of 850 nm ± 10% (765 to 935 nm). The radiation flux of each light emitter 3 is, for example, 68.64 mW / cm 2 ± 10% (61.78 to 75.50 mW / cm 2 ) may be set in the range. The irradiation site may be selectable in a mode of irradiating only the light source 4 of the front flange 6 (mode 1), a mode of irradiating only the light source 4 of the rear flange 7 (mode 2), and a mode of irradiating from the light sources 4 of 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 to 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 to 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 to 471.1 J). The operating current can also be appropriately designed, but may be set, for example, in the range of 26.0 mA ± 10% (23.4 to 28.6 mA).

[0074] For example, 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. When the irradiance of each light emitter 3 is 68.64 mW / cm 2 in appearance, the irradiance from the front flange 6 is 3706.56 mW / cm 2 and the irradiance 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 numerical ranges of the above wavelength (nm), irradiance (mW / cm 2 ) and absorption energy (J) are examples, and as long as the effects of the present invention are achieved, values outside the above numerical ranges may be set. Also, as described above, the selection of each mode can be performed by the controller 16. The setting of the intraoral light irradiation device 1 is not limited to the 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 a radiometer. 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, it is possible to remove the mouthpiece 2 from the oral cavity and wash it.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0077] 1 Oral 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 attached to the oral cavity and formed into a U-shape according to the wearer's dentition; a light source disposed in the mouthpiece and having a plurality of light emitters; In the intraoral phototherapy device, light is irradiated from the light emitter to the gums of a wearer, The mouthpiece comprises: An occlusion tray formed in a U-shape according to the wearer's dentition; a front flange extending from one side edge of the bite tray along the one side edge and facing an outer surface of the wearer's gums; a rear flange extending from the other side edge of the occlusion tray along the other side edge and facing the inner surface of the wearer's gums; the front flange and the rear flange are optically transparent, and the light source is disposed so as to be capable of irradiating light from an inner peripheral surface of the front flange and an outer peripheral surface of the rear flange; A protruding portion is formed at an end of the front flange, the protruding portion protruding from the bite tray in an extension direction of the front flange, The protrusion protrudes from the upper edge of the front flange to about 2 / 3 of the way in the vertical direction.

2. The intraoral phototherapy device according to claim 1 , wherein the end 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 of the rear flange is formed flush with an end 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 attached to the oral cavity and formed into a U-shape according to the wearer's dentition; a light source having a light emitter disposed within the mouthpiece; In the intraoral phototherapy device, light is irradiated from the light emitter to the gums of a wearer, The mouthpiece comprises: An occlusion tray formed in a U-shape according to the wearer's dentition; a front flange extending from one side edge of the bite tray along the one side edge and facing an outer surface of the wearer's gums; a rear flange extending from the other side edge of the occlusion tray along the other side edge and facing the inner surface of the wearer's gums; the front flange and the rear flange are optically transparent, and the light source is disposed so as to be capable of irradiating light from an inner peripheral surface of the front flange and an outer peripheral surface of the rear flange; The front flange has a front slit formed from an upper edge toward the occlusion tray, and the front slit is provided in a center portion of the front flange facing a center of the dentition; An intraoral light treatment device, wherein the rear flange has a rear slit formed from the upper edge toward the occlusion tray, and the rear slit is provided in the center of the rear flange facing the center of the dentition.

6. 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.

7. an external power supply unit for driving the light source; The intraoral phototherapy device according to claim 6, wherein the external power supply unit is detachably connected to the controller via a cable.

8. The intraoral phototherapy device according to claim 6, wherein a power source for driving the light source is built into the mouthpiece or the controller.

9. A mouthpiece that is attached to the oral cavity and formed into a U-shape according to the wearer's dentition; a light source having a light emitter disposed within the mouthpiece; In the intraoral phototherapy device, light is irradiated from the light emitter to the gums of a wearer, The mouthpiece comprises: An occlusion tray formed in a U-shape according to the wearer's dentition; a front flange extending from one side edge of the bite tray along the one side edge and facing an outer surface of the wearer's gums; a rear flange extending from the other side edge of the occlusion tray along the other side edge and facing the inner surface of the wearer's gums; the front flange and the rear flange are optically transparent, and the light source is disposed so as to be capable of irradiating light from an inner peripheral surface of the front flange and an outer peripheral surface of the rear flange; An intraoral phototherapy device, wherein the end of the rear flange is recessed in the extension direction from the end of the occlusion tray.

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