Double-ended illuminated dental instrument with interchangeable attachments

Abstract

To provide an oral care device including care by manual work which is combined with orthodontics.SOLUTION: An embodiment of a dental instrument 10 comprises: a main body part 12 comprising a first vertical end 141 and a second vertical end 142, the first and second ends defining respective diameter reduction parts; two or more instrument attachments 161, 162, the respective instrument attachments comprising a work part and a base part, the base parts being coupled to any one of the diameter reduction parts of the main body part in a detachable manner and coupling the instrument attachments to the main body part; and a light source which is arranged in the main body part, in which when one instrument attachment is coupled to the first end of the main body part and the light source is electrically coupled to a power supply, the light source is arranged so as to illuminate the one work part of the instrument attachment.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Application No. 62 / 648,901, filed March 27, 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to devices for oral care, including manual care in conjunction with orthodontics. The devices of the present disclosure may be used even if the user does not have orthodontic treatment. [Background technology]

[0003] Orthodontic treatment devices such as braces and retainers can be difficult for users (e.g., those who wear the treatment devices) to clean and maintain, and users may find it difficult to clean their teeth. Even outside of orthodontic treatment, existing devices for removing stains from users' teeth (e.g., devices other than toothbrushes) may not be sufficiently reusable or may not be of sufficient quality to meet the needs of users. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] A typical embodiment of a dental instrument comprises a body portion having a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end, the first end and the second end defining respective reduced diameter sections; two or more instrument attachments, each instrument attachment comprising a working portion and a base, the base configured to be removably coupled to one of the reduced diameter sections of the body portion to secure the instrument attachment to the body portion; and a light source disposed within the body portion, the light source arranged to illuminate the working portion of one of the instrument attachments when one of the instrument attachments is coupled to the first end of the body portion and the light source is electrically coupled to a power source.

[0005] In some embodiments, the base of each of the two or more instrument attachments defines an opening, and one of the reduced diameter portions of the body portion extends through the opening of any one of the instrument attachments when the one of the instrument attachments is coupled to the body portion.

[0006] In some embodiments, the body portion defines a longitudinal axis that extends through an opening in one of the instrument attachments when the instrument attachment is coupled to the body portion.

[0007] In some embodiments, the light source emits light from the reduced diameter portion of the first end.

[0008] In some embodiments, the dental instrument comprises a light-transmitting cover disposed on a reduced diameter portion of the first end, the light source and the light-transmitting cover being arranged such that the light source emits light through the light-transmitting cover, the light-transmitting cover being flush with a surface of a base of any one of the instrument attachments when the one of the instrument attachments is coupled to the body portion.

[0009] In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the base of any one of the instrument attachments is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the body portion immediately adjacent the base in the longitudinal direction when the one of the instrument attachments is coupled to the body portion.

[0010] In some embodiments, the dental instrument further comprises a battery disposed within the body and a switch disposed on or in the body configured to selectively couple the light source to the battery in response to user actuation of the switch.

[0011] In some embodiments, the body portion is substantially cylindrical along its entire longitudinal length.

[0012] In some embodiments, the light source is a first light source, and the dental instrument further comprises a second light source disposed within the body portion and arranged to illuminate a working portion of one of the instrument attachments when one of the instrument attachments is coupled to a second end of the body portion and the second light source is electrically coupled to the power source.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first light source emits light at a first angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the body, and the second light source emits light at a second angle relative to the longitudinal axis, the first angle having substantially the same absolute value as the second angle.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first light source is arranged to emit light in a first direction and the second light source is arranged to emit light in a second direction, the first direction being radially opposite the second direction.

[0015] In some embodiments, the dental instrument further comprises a battery disposed within the body; a first switch disposed on or within the body configured to selectively couple a first light source to the battery in response to user actuation of the first switch; and a second switch disposed on or within the body configured to selectively couple a second light source to the battery in response to user actuation of the second switch, the second switch radially opposite the first switch.

[0016] In some embodiments, the two or more appliance attachments comprise two or more of a bristle brush appliance attachment, an orthodontic brush appliance attachment, a scaler appliance attachment, a scaler appliance attachment with a mirror, a scraper appliance attachment, a scraper appliance attachment with a mirror, a mirror appliance attachment, or an interdental brush appliance attachment.

[0017] In some embodiments, the two or more appliance attachments comprise an orthodontic brush appliance attachment including two sets of bristles laterally separated from one another, the bristles within each set increasing in length from the outer edge of the orthodontic brush appliance attachment to the inner side of the orthodontic brush appliance attachment.

[0018] In some embodiments, the two or more instrument attachments include a scaler instrument attachment having a removable working tip insertable into a receiving formation on a neck of the scaler instrument attachment, the removable working tip having a lateral protrusion, the receiving formation defining two or more recesses configured to receive the lateral protrusions of the working tip, whereby the removable working tip can be coupled to the neck in two or more positions. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a double-ended dental instrument with attachments. [Figure 2] 2 and 3 are front and side views, respectively, of the typical double-ended dental instrument of FIG. 1 without the attached appliance. [Figure 3] Same as above. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a partially exploded view of the typical double-ended dental instrument of FIG. 1 without the attached instruments. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the typical double-ended dental instrument of FIG. 1 without the attached instrument. [Figure 6A] 6A and 6B are front and perspective views, respectively, of an exemplary embodiment of a bristle brush instrument attachment that may be used with a double-ended dental instrument according to the present disclosure. [Figure 6B] Same as above. [Figure 7A] 7A and 7B are front and perspective views, respectively, of an exemplary embodiment of an orthodontic brush appliance attachment that may be used with a double-ended dental appliance according to the present disclosure. [Figure 7B] Same as above. [Figure 8A] 8A and 8B are front and perspective views, respectively, of an exemplary embodiment of a scaler instrument attachment that may be used with a double-ended dental instrument according to the present disclosure. [Figure 8B] Same as above. [Figure 9A] 9A and 9B are front and perspective views, respectively, of an exemplary embodiment of a scaler instrument attachment with a mirror that may be used with a double-ended dental instrument according to the present disclosure. [Figure 9B] Same as above. [Figure 10A] 10A and 10B are front and perspective views, respectively, of an exemplary embodiment of a scraper tool attachment that may be used with a double-ended dental tool according to the present disclosure. [Figure 10B] Same as above. [Figure 11A] 11A and 11B are front and perspective views, respectively, of an exemplary embodiment of a mirrored scraper tool attachment that may be used with a double-ended dental tool according to the present disclosure. [Figure 11B] Same as above. [Figure 12A] 12A and 12B are front and perspective views, respectively, of an exemplary embodiment of a mirror instrument attachment that may be used with a double-ended dental instrument according to the present disclosure. [Figure 12B] Same as above. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of the exemplary mirror fixture attachment of FIGS. 12A and 12B. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a top view of the exemplary orthodontic brush appliance attachment of FIGS. 7A and 7B. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary scaler instrument attachment of FIGS. 8A and 8B. [Figure 16A] 16A and 16B are perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of a scraper tool attachment that may be used with a double-ended dental tool according to the present disclosure. [Figure 16B] Same as above. [Figure 17]FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a portion of the exemplary scraper tool attachment of FIGS. 16A and 16B. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the exemplary scraper tool attachment of FIGS. 16A and 16B. [Figure 19A] 19A and 19B are front and perspective views, respectively, of an exemplary embodiment of an interdental brush device attachment that may be used with a double-ended dental device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 19B] Same as above. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The present disclosure provides a double-ended dental instrument for oral care, including for cleaning a user's teeth and orthodontic appliances. The instrument has opposing ends, one or both of which have removable and replaceable instrument attachments, including one or more scrapers, mirrors, scalers, brushes, etc. The instrument attachments may be replaceable, allowing a user to arrange the attachment configurations they prefer (e.g., scraper and scaler, or scaler and mirror, or mirror and brush, etc.). The instrument attachments are also durable, allowing a user to use each attachment multiple times before needing replacement. Additionally, the instrument may include a light source at one or both ends for illuminating the attached appliance.

[0021] FIGS. 1-5 are different views of an exemplary embodiment of a double-ended dental appliance 10. FIGS. 1 and 5 show the double-ended dental appliance 10 with an attachment. In contrast, FIGS. 2, 3, and 4 show the double-ended dental appliance 10 without an attachment. The double-ended dental appliance 10 may include a body portion 12 and first and second longitudinal ends 141 and 142. A first attachment 161 may be removably coupled to the body 12 at the first end 141, and a second attachment 162 may be removably coupled to the second end 142. The first appliance 161, or a portion thereof, may extend at an angle from the body portion 12 in the attached state, and the second appliance 162 may extend at an opposite angle.

[0022] The body 12 may include an outer cylindrical portion 18 and an inner cylindrical portion 20 (shown in FIGS. 4 and 5) radially disposed within the outer cylindrical portion 18. The outer cylindrical portion may define a central longitudinal axis A (shown in FIGS. 2 and 3). Longitudinal or radial relationships in this disclosure refer to the direction defined by axis A. The body 12 may have a substantially cylindrical outer shape along the entire longitudinal length of the body 12. The body 12 may further include switch portions 221, 222 at radially opposing sides and longitudinally opposing ends 141, 142 of the body 12. The switch portions 22 may include respective buttons 241, 242 and switch faces 261, 262. Each button 24 may operate a respective light source (as described below).

[0023] While switch portion 22 is shown and described herein as comprising button 24, other types of switches may be used in fixture 10. For example, a slide switch, a twist switch, or any other suitable type of switch may be provided in fixture 10 that a user can activate to operate a light source in fixture 10.

[0024] Each end 141, 142 of the body portion 12 may include a respective reduced diameter portion 281, 282. In one embodiment, the reduced diameter portions are part of the outer cylindrical portion 18, as shown in Figures 1-5.

[0025] Attachment 16 may couple to reduced diameter portion 28 to couple the attachment to body portion 12. In some embodiments, each reduced diameter portion 281, 282 may include a mating formation 301, 302 (as described below) that may mate with a mating formation on attachment 16. In some embodiments, each mating formation 301, 302 may be a protrusion on reduced diameter portion 28.

[0026] The dual-headed instrument 10 may include one or more light sources 321, 322 (shown in FIGS. 4 and 5) for selectively illuminating the attachments 161, 162. The light sources 321, 322 may be located at the first end 141 and the second end 142, respectively. The light sources 32 may be located within the body 12. In some embodiments, the light sources 32 may be or include light-emitting diodes (LEDs). In other embodiments, the light sources 32 may be or include alternative types of light sources, such as halogen, fluorescent, or other types of light sources. In some embodiments, one or both of the light sources may emit light in the visible spectrum when coupled to a power source. In some embodiments, one or both of the light sources 32 may emit ultraviolet light when coupled to a power source. The light sources 32 may be arranged to illuminate the working portion of the instrument attachment when the instrument attachment is coupled to the body 12 and the light sources are electrically coupled to a power source.

[0027] The light sources 321, 322 may be in physical contact with buttons 241, 242 and may be electrically coupled to a power source; when a user activates button 241, 242, an electrical switch 34 may be electrically coupled to each of the electrical switches 341, 342, which may further be electrically coupled to the power source to connect or disconnect each of the light sources 321, 322 to or from the power source (e.g., via one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs), electrical contacts, and / or other suitable electrical coupling devices). The power source may be a battery 36 (shown in FIG. 5 ), in some embodiments. In the example of FIGS. 4 and 5 , the first button 241 activates the first electrical switch 341. When activated, the first electrical switch 341 connects or disconnects the first light source 321 from the battery 36. Similarly, the second button 242 activates the second electrical switch 342. The second electrical switch 342, when activated, connects the second light source 322 to the battery 36 or disconnects the second light source 322 from the battery 36.

[0028] The double-ended instrument 10 may further include a respective light housing 381, 382 associated with each light source 321, 322. Each light housing 38 may be disposed radially around its respective light source 32. Each light housing 38 may be disposed within the body 12, radially inward from the outer body 18. When properly disposed within the body 12, the light housing 38 may be waterproof. Thus, each light housing 38 may be coupled to a gasket or other sealing device around the edge of the light housing 38 to prevent fluids from entering the body 12. The body 12 may, in embodiments, be fluid-tight, preventing exposure of electrical components within the body 12 to liquids. The fluid-tight structure may be provided by a tight fit between the body barrels 18, 20, the battery housing, and the light cover (described below), as well as by one or more gaskets or other sealing devices described herein.

[0029] Each light housing 381, 382 may include a respective light-transmitting cover 401, 402 that transmits light from each light source 32, such that the light source 32 emits light through the light-transmitting cover 40 to illuminate the attachment 16. In embodiments, the light-transmitting cover 40 may include an acrylic resin material or the like. Each light-transmitting cover 40 may be disposed at a longitudinal end of the body 12, such that light is emitted from the longitudinal end of the body 12 when the light source 32 is connected to a power source. Furthermore, each light-transmitting cover 40 may be provided within the reduced diameter portion 28 of the body 12, such that the light source 32 emits light from the reduced diameter portion of the body 12. Each light-transmitting cover 401, 402 and the light sources 321, 322 may be oriented such that the attachment is illuminated by the light source 32. For example, in some embodiments, the light cover 40 may be disposed at an angle between 30 and 60 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis A. In some embodiments, the light cover 40 may be disposed at an angle between 35 and 55 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis A. In some embodiments, the light cover 40 may be disposed at an angle between 40 and 50 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis A. In some embodiments, the light cover 40 may be disposed at an angle of approximately 45 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis A. In some embodiments, the light covers 401, 402 may be disposed at angles of the same absolute value but in opposite directions from the axis A, as shown in FIGS. 1-5 . In other words, the light covers 40 may be disposed at an angle on radially opposite sides of the body 12, as shown in FIGS. 1-5 . In some embodiments, the light source 32 may emit light at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis A that is the same as the angle between the axis A and the light cover 40 associated with the light source 32.

[0030] Each light housing 38 may include a reduced diameter portion at a longitudinal end that is radially separated from the reduced diameter portion of the outer cylindrical portion 18, thereby defining an annular space therebetween. As described below, attachment 16 may act on the annular space between the reduced diameter portion of the light housing 38 and the reduced diameter portion 28 of the outer cylindrical portion 18, thereby securing attachment 16 to body portion 12.

[0031] The outer barrel 18 may, in some embodiments only, comprise a thermoplastic polymer such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, while in other embodiments, the outer barrel 18 may comprise a metal or another rigid material.

[0032] The switch portion 22 may comprise a thermoplastic elastomer, a thermoplastic polyurethane, and / or other material that, in some embodiments, is softer and / or stickier than the material comprising the outer cylindrical portion 18.

[0033] 6A-12A and 6B-12B show different attachments that may be used with the main body portion 12. FIG.

[0034] 6A and 6B are front and perspective views, respectively, of an exemplary embodiment of a bristle brush instrument attachment 60 that may be used with a double-ended dental instrument according to the present disclosure. The bristle brush instrument attachment 60 may include a plurality of bristles. In some embodiments, the bristles may be of approximately the same length. In other embodiments, the bristles may be of different lengths, with the ends of the bristles having a particular profile or angle. For example, the bristles may be of different lengths and angled from the proximal end to the distal end ("proximal" refers to the portion or direction toward the user's hand when using the instrument 10, and "distal" refers to the portion or direction toward the user's mouth when using the instrument 10), with the distal bristles being longer than the proximal bristles, etc.

[0035] 7A and 7B are front and perspective views, respectively, of an exemplary embodiment of an orthodontic brush appliance attachment 62 that may be used with a double-ended dental appliance according to the present disclosure. FIG. 14 is a top view of the exemplary orthodontic brush appliance attachment 62. In some embodiments, the working portion 76 of the orthodontic brush appliance attachment 62 may include two sets of bristles 631, 632. The two sets of bristles 631, 632 may be laterally separated from each other, allowing the two sets of bristles 631, 632 to simultaneously clean separate portions of the orthodontic appliance, for example. The bristles 631, 632 in each set may increase in length from the outer lateral portion to the inner lateral portion, as shown in FIG. 14 . That is, the bristles disposed inward may be longer than the bristles disposed more outward in some embodiments. As a result, the bristles 631, 632 in each set may substantially form a wedge shape, with the thicker portion of the wedge being inside the thinner portion of the wedge. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 7B, each set of hairs 631, 632 may increase in length from their most proximal to their longitudinal midpoint, and then decrease in length from the longitudinal midpoint to their most distal.

[0036] 8A and 8B are front and perspective views, respectively, of an exemplary embodiment of a scaler instrument attachment 64 that can be used with a double-ended dental instrument according to the present disclosure. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary scaler instrument attachment 64. The scaler instrument attachment 64 may comprise a scaler tip comprising a polymeric or suitable material. The scaler tip, in some embodiments, may comprise a point. In some embodiments, the scaler tip further comprises a concave inner portion below the point and two thinned outer portions below the tip. Thus, the scaler tip, in some embodiments, may gradually decrease in thickness toward the point.

[0037] 9A and 9B are front and perspective views, respectively, of an exemplary embodiment of a mirrored scaler instrument attachment 66 that can be used with a double-ended dental instrument according to the present disclosure. The mirrored scaler instrument attachment 66 can be substantially identical to the attachment 162 shown in FIGS. 1 and 5. In some embodiments, the mirrored scaler instrument attachment 66 can include mirrors with 2.5X and 5X magnification. The mirrored scaler instrument attachment 66 can further include a scaler tip comprising a polymeric or suitable material. In some embodiments, the scaler tip can include a pointed tip. In some embodiments, the scaler tip can further include a concave inner portion below the tip and two thinned outer portions below the tip. Thus, in some embodiments, the scaler tip can gradually decrease in thickness toward the tip.

[0038] 10A and 10B are front and perspective views, respectively, of an exemplary embodiment of a scraper tool attachment 68 that can be used in a double-ended dental tool according to the present disclosure. The scraper tool attachment 68 may comprise a polymeric or suitable material. The scraper may include a flattened, thin edge on the distal end. The flattened edge, in some embodiments, may be configured for brushing a user's teeth. The scraper, in some embodiments, may include a curved portion that leads to the flattened edge. The scraper, in some embodiments, may gradually decrease in thickness from the proximal end to the distal end.

[0039] 11A and 11B are front and perspective views, respectively, of an exemplary embodiment of a mirror and scraper tool attachment 70 that may be used in a double-ended dental tool according to the present disclosure. The scraper and mirror features of the mirror and scraper tool attachment 70 may be substantially similar to the scrapers and mirror features described elsewhere in this disclosure.

[0040] 12A, 12B, and 13 are front and perspective views, respectively, of an exemplary embodiment of a mirror instrument attachment 72 that may be used with a double-ended dental instrument according to the present disclosure. The mirror features of the mirror instrument attachment 72 may be substantially similar to the mirror features of mirrors described elsewhere in this disclosure.

[0041] 16A-18 illustrate portions of an exemplary embodiment of a scraper tool attachment 84 that may be used with a double-ended dental tool 10 according to the present disclosure. The scraper tool attachment 84 is configured to selectively rotate the working element, i.e., scraping tip, to allow for a variety of uses (e.g., to reach different areas of a user's oral cavity with the working tip of the scraper in a comfortable position). Except as otherwise noted herein, the scraper tool attachment 84 may include features of the scraper tool attachment 68.

[0042] The scraper tool attachment 84 may include a removable working tip 86 including a lateral protrusion 88. FIGS. 16A, 16B, and 18 illustrate the working tip 86, while FIG. 17 omits the working tip 86 to clearly illustrate other features. The removable working tip 86 may be insertable into (and thus mechanically coupled to) a neck 90. ​​As shown in FIG. 17, the neck 90 may define a receiving formation 92 for receiving the working tip 86. The receiving formation 92 may include one or more recesses 94 configured to receive the lateral protrusions 88 of the working tip 86. Three such recesses 941, 942, 943 are illustrated in the embodiment of FIGS. 16A-18. The recesses may be positioned 90 degrees offset from one another in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 17. 16A and 18, working tip 86 is inserted such that lateral projection 88 is located in recess 942. In FIG. 16B, working tip 86 is inserted such that lateral projection 88 is located in recess 943. As a result, working tip 86 is rotated 90 degrees in FIG. 16B relative to FIGS. 16A and 18.

[0043] 19A and 19B are front and perspective views, respectively, of an exemplary embodiment of an interdental brush device attachment 90 that may be used with a double-ended dental device according to the present disclosure. The interdental brush device attachment 90 may include a set of bristles that taper in all lateral directions from the center to the edges. Thus, the center of the set of bristles includes the longest bristles, and the edges of the set of bristles include the shortest bristles. The interdental brush device attachment 90 may be particularly suitable for cleaning between a user's teeth in the gum-to-tooth space.

[0044] Attachments 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 84, 90 or other suitable attachments may be used with body 12 as attachments 141, 142. Attachments 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 84, 90 may be used interchangeably at either end of body 12 141, 142 in embodiments.

[0045] Each attachment 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 84, 90 may include a base 74, a working portion 76, and a neck 78 extending from the base 74 to the working portion 76. Each working portion 76 of each attachment 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 84, 90 may include one or more components for observing or treating a user's oral cavity. For example, the working portion 76 of the bristle brush instrument attachment 60 may include a plurality of soft bristles for brushing, the working portion 76 of the orthodontic brush instrument attachment 62 may include two sets of bristles separated and formed for cleaning orthodontic areas, the working portion 76 of the scaler instrument attachment 64 may include a stiff, pointed working tip for cleaning between teeth at the tooth-gingival interface, etc.

[0046] The base 74 can define a longitudinal opening 80. As shown in FIGS. 5, 13, and 15, the interior surface of the base 74 can include receiving formations 82 or other mating structures complementary to those on the body 12, such as protrusions 30. As shown in FIG. 5, the base 74, and therefore the attachments 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 84, 90, can be coupled to the body 12 by inserting the base 74 over a longitudinal end of the body 12, such that at least a portion of the reduced diameter section 28 of the body 12 (e.g., the light housing 38) extends into or at least partially through the longitudinal opening 80 in the base 74. The base 74 can be secured to the body by coupling the receiving formations 82 with the protrusions 30 (e.g., a snap fit), as well as by friction of contact between the base 74 and the outer cylindrical portion 18 and between the base 74 and the light housing 38. As described above, the outer cylindrical portion 18 and the light housing 38 can be spaced apart to define an annular space, and the base 74 can be inserted into the annular space and held by friction with both the outer cylindrical portion 18 and the light housing 38. When the attachments 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 84, 90 are coupled to the body portion 12, the longitudinal axis A can extend through the opening 80.

[0047] In addition to providing a means for coupling and for light source 32 to illuminate working portion 76 of attachment 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 84, 90, opening 80 may also act as an additional safety measure. In the extremely unlikely event that attachment 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 84, 90 were to inadvertently shift away from main body 12 and become partially lodged in the user's throat, attachment 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 84, 90 includes basic features for ensuring a secure connection between attachment 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 84, 90 and main body, but opening 80 allows air to pass through to prevent the user from choking.

[0048] When attachments 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 84, 90 are coupled to body portion 12, attachments 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 84, 90 may, in some embodiments, be substantially radially coplanar with body portion 12. That is, the outer diameter of base 74 may be substantially the same as the outer diameter of the body portion immediately adjacent base 74 in the longitudinal direction, such that base 74 of attachment 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 84, 90 maintains the outer shape of body portion 12, as shown in FIGS.

[0049] When attachments 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 84, 90 are coupled to body portion 12, the distal surface of base 74 may, in some embodiments, be substantially flush with light-transmissive cover 40. That is, base 74 and light-transmissive cover 40 may appear to together define a substantially flat surface, as shown in FIGS.

[0050] In embodiments, one or more portions of the base 74, neck 78, and working portion 76 may comprise a unitary material. The material may be, for example, a polyurethane material or other polymer.

[0051] The appliance 10 and attachments 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 84, 90 may provide many functional advantages. First, each attachment 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 84, 90 may effectively clean a user's teeth, portions thereof, or orthodontic appliances and / or allow the user to view the oral cavity. Second, the attachments 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 84, 90 are selectively connectable to the body portion 12, thereby allowing a user to customize their personal appliance 10 and use many different attachments with a single body portion 12. Third, in some embodiments, a wide variety of attachments may be available, further enhancing the customizability of the appliance 10. Fourth, the appliances available for the scaler 10 are sufficiently durable that a user may use each appliance multiple times before needing to replace it. Fifth, the ends of the body portion can be curved in opposite directions so that the instruments extend in opposite directions from the body portion, allowing the user to quickly and easily flip the scaler by hand to use the opposite end of the scaler 10 (the instruments on the opposite end).

[0052] It should be understood that various modifications to the present embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its associated advantages. Furthermore, it should be noted that the term "the present invention" is used throughout this specification in an open-ended manner, and that the limitations of the claims set forth herein are not intended to describe the present invention as a whole. Moreover, the present invention as illustratively disclosed herein may suitably be practiced in the absence of any element not specifically disclosed herein.

[0053] Although this disclosure has described particular embodiments, it should be understood that the claims are not intended to be limited to those embodiments unless expressly recited in the claims. To the contrary, this disclosure is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that may be included within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Furthermore, in the detailed description of the present disclosure, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that systems and methods consistent with the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure various aspects of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A dental instrument comprising: a body portion having a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end, the first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end defining respective reduced diameter portions, the body portion defining a longitudinal axis; two or more instrument attachments, each instrument attachment comprising a working portion and a base portion, the base portion configured to be removably coupled to one of the reduced diameter portions of the body portion to secure the instrument attachment to the body portion; a first light source disposed within the body portion, the first light source being positioned to illuminate a working portion of one of the fixture attachments when the fixture attachment is coupled to the first longitudinal end of the body portion and the first light source is electrically coupled to a power source; a second light source disposed within the body portion, the second light source being positioned to illuminate a working portion of one of the fixture attachments when the fixture attachment is coupled to the second longitudinal end of the body portion and the second light source is electrically coupled to a power source; and Equipped with the first light source is arranged to emit light in a first direction, the second light source is arranged to emit light in a second direction, the first direction being radially opposite to the second direction; a base of each of the two or more instrument attachments defining an opening; a portion of the body portion that extends through an opening of one of the two or more tool attachments when the one of the two or more tool attachments is coupled to the body portion; When any one of the two or more instrument attachments is coupled to the body portion, the outer diameter of the base of the one of the two or more instrument attachments is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the body portion immediately adjacent to the base in the longitudinal direction. Dental instruments.

2. 2. The dental instrument of claim 1, wherein the longitudinal axis passes through an opening in one of the two or more instrument attachments when that one of the two or more instrument attachments is coupled to the body portion.

3. The dental instrument of claim 1 , wherein the first light source emits light from the reduced diameter portion of the first longitudinal end.

4. a battery disposed within the main body; 10. The dental instrument of claim 1, further comprising: a switch disposed on or in the body configured to selectively couple at least one of the first light source and the second light source to the battery in response to user actuation of the switch.

5. The dental instrument of claim 1 , wherein the body portion is substantially cylindrical along its entire longitudinal length.

6. the first light source irradiates light at a first angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the body; the second light source emits light at a second angle relative to the longitudinal axis; The dental instrument of claim 1 , wherein the first angle has substantially the same absolute value as the second angle.

7. a battery disposed within the main body; a first switch disposed on or in the body configured to selectively couple the first light source to the battery in response to user actuation of the first switch; a second switch disposed on or in the body configured to selectively couple the second light source to the battery in response to user actuation of the second switch; The dental instrument of claim 1 , wherein the second switch is radially opposite the first switch.

8. The two or more tool attachments include: Bristle brush attachment, Orthodontic brush appliance attachment, Scaler instrument attachments, Scaler instrument attachment with mirror, scraper tool attachment, Scraper tool attachment with mirror, Mirror fixture attachment, or an interdental brush attachment; and an interdental brush attachment.

9. 10. The dental appliance of claim 1, wherein the two or more appliance attachments comprise an orthodontic brush appliance attachment including two sets of bristles laterally separated from one another, the bristles within each set increasing in length from an outer edge of the orthodontic brush appliance attachment to an inner side of the orthodontic brush appliance attachment.

10. 2. The dental instrument of claim 1, wherein at least one of the two or more instrument attachments includes a removable working tip insertable into a receiving formation on a neck of the at least one instrument attachment, the removable working tip including a lateral protrusion, the receiving formation defining two or more recesses configured to receive the lateral protrusion of the working tip, whereby the removable working tip can be coupled to the neck in two or more positions.

11. A dental instrument comprising: a body portion having a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end, the first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end defining respective reduced diameter portions, the body portion defining a longitudinal axis; two or more instrument attachments, each instrument attachment comprising a working portion and a base portion, the base portion configured to be removably coupled to one of the reduced diameter portions of the body portion to secure the instrument attachment to the body portion; a battery disposed within the main body; a first light source disposed within the body portion, the first light source being positioned to illuminate a working portion of one of the fixture attachments when the fixture attachment is coupled to the first longitudinal end of the body portion and the first light source is electrically coupled to the battery; a second light source disposed within the body portion, the second light source being positioned to illuminate a working portion of one of the fixture attachments when the fixture attachment is coupled to the second longitudinal end of the body portion and the second light source is electrically coupled to the battery; and a first switch disposed on or in the body configured to selectively couple the first light source to the battery in response to user actuation of the first switch; a second switch disposed on or in the body configured to selectively couple the second light source to the battery in response to user actuation of the second switch; Equipped with The second switch faces the first switch in the radial direction. Dental instruments.

12. a base of each of the two or more instrument attachments defining an opening; 12. The dental instrument of claim 11, wherein a portion of the body portion extends through an opening in one of the two or more appliance attachments when any one of the two or more appliance attachments is coupled to the body portion.

13. 13. The dental instrument of claim 12, wherein the longitudinal axis passes through an opening in one of the two or more instrument attachments when that one of the two or more instrument attachments is coupled to the body portion.

14. The dental instrument of claim 11 , wherein the first light source emits light from the reduced diameter portion of the first longitudinal end.

15. The two or more tool attachments include: Bristle brush attachment, Orthodontic brush appliance attachment, Scaler instrument attachments, Scaler instrument attachment with mirror, scraper tool attachment, Scraper tool attachment with mirror, Mirror fixture attachment, or an interdental brush attachment; and an interdental brush attachment.

16. The dental instrument of claim 11 , wherein the body portion is substantially cylindrical along its entire longitudinal length.

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