Intraoral phototherapy device and method of use

Abstract

Intraoral light therapy devices and methods for controlling and / or facilitating orthodontic tooth movement and methods of using the same. In some embodiments, the device comprises a housing, an emitter, and an electronic circuit. The housing is configured to fit snugly within the patient's mouth. The emitter is at least partially contained within the housing. The emitter is disposed in the mouth when the housing is placed in the mouth. The electronic circuit is configured to emit an effective amount of light to the alveolar soft tissue when the electronic circuit is activated. The electronic circuitry is operatively coupled to the housing when the housing is placed in the mouth and the device is used for orthodontic treatment. The device is configured to control the emitter when in use during the appliance and tooth movement. and their use for regulating or maintaining or improving the health of oral tissues are disclosed herein. do.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application is a division of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 894,400, filed October 22, 2013. No. 4, U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 984,667, filed April 25, 2014, and This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 045,439, filed September 3, 2014. and the disclosure of each of these documents is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002]

[0002] The present invention generally relates to an intraoral light therapy device and a method for controlling and / or correcting orthodontic tooth movement. and methods of use thereof, including methods of facilitating the same. [Background technology]

[0003]

[0003] Orthodontics involves tooth movement via bone. By applying pressure to the teeth, the bone To facilitate tooth movement, the anterior edge of the tooth may collapse. New bone is then created at the posterior edge of the tooth. Bone is resorbed (e.g., collapsed) in the area of ​​compression between the tooth root and the periodontal tissue. It is deposited (created) in the area of ​​tension between the root of the tooth and the periodontal tissue. Regardless of where along the Forces can cause deposition. Tooth movement through the bone occurs when teeth undergo traditional orthodontic treatment. The time is slow based on the speed of the remodeling process, thus achieving the desired tooth position. Tooth movement in adults is more difficult than tooth movement in young people. Long-term orthodontic treatment may increase the risk of root resorption, gingivitis, and caries Furthermore, tooth movement through bone may be difficult because the tooth may "tilt" due to the applied force. This means that the crown of the tooth may move in the desired direction faster than the root of the tooth. As a result, the tooth moves in a tipped position. When moving in a vertical orientation, teeth tend to move without or with only slight tipping movement. Move.

[0004]

[0004] Methods to increase the rate of tooth movement without damaging the teeth and periodontal tissues have been sought. For example, acceleration of tooth movement is due to the increased production of prostaglandins and vitamin D3 around the alveolar cavity. This can be achieved by local injection of activated forms of Calcium, and osteocalcin. This may increase the speed of tooth movement, but may cause local pain and discomfort to the patient during the injection process. It may also cause side effects such as discomfort. For example, phototherapy is used to treat bone diseases and to promote bone and cartilage regeneration. It has been shown to be effective in tissue biostimulation and to accelerate alveolar bone regeneration. Light can be effective, for example, by stimulating cytochrome C oxidase or nitric oxide synthase. By this, various biological activities of dysfunctional cells and tissues can be stimulated.

[0005]

[0005] Known phototherapy or light treatment procedures typically involve the application of light from a handheld light-emitting device. The known light-emitting devices are administered by a dentist, orthodontist, physician or therapist who directs the light at the affected area. Therefore, it may be difficult to stably position the device on the affected area. Laws are often administered by clinical professionals, which means that they manually monitor compliance and It also allows for addressing safety concerns, such as the need to administer phototherapy in clinical settings. This allows the professional to monitor the patient's compliance with the prescribed phototherapy treatment program. However, even with such manual supervision, patients may not be able to or skip prescribed treatment sessions or keep a log to record treatment sessions There is still a possibility that the patient may fail to receive the treatment. Experts must be able to accurately assess whether a patient is benefiting from the use of a light-emitting device. may not be possible.

[0006]

[0006] Also, the use of known devices for light therapy when not directed at the affected area Other complications and / or risks associated with light emission may be presented, such as the appearance of a patient's anatomy. Light directed at different locations (e.g., the eyes) may be potentially harmful. The temperature of the light emitting device may exceed a desired temperature threshold, thereby exposing the patient to potential harm. Among other things, it addresses safety concerns, including those related to excessive temperatures in light-emitting devices. Various regulations and / or industry standards have been promulgated to ensure that The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) published standard number 60601. This describes the general basic safety and essential performance requirements for medical electrical equipment. More specifically, IEC standard number 60601-2-57 is for light sources for medical and other uses. It describes the safety and performance requirements for equipment, and IEC standard number 60601-1-11 is It describes requirements for medical electrical equipment and systems used in the home environment. As an example, the IEC has published standard number 62471, which is for lamps and lamp systems. Compliance with these and any other applicable standards This can present a challenge to known methods and systems of light therapy.

[0007]

[0007] In addition, intraoral phototherapy typically involves repeated treatments over at least several days. Therefore, known methods of intraoral phototherapy require that patients undergoing phototherapy complete a treatment regimen. It requires multiple visits to a specialist's office or clinic to complete the procedure. Such repeated visits can be time consuming and expensive.

[0008] Furthermore, in a recent study, more than 65% of North American subjects Vitamin D serum concentrations were shown to be insufficient in these vitamin D-deficient subjects. In such cases, bone metabolism and remodeling can be adversely affected.

[0009]

[0009] Therefore, in order to reduce the number of treatments for patients without unwanted side effects or pain, Increase the rate and quality of tooth movement through the bone in response to orthodontic treatment There is a need for a method and device useful for providing intraoral administration of a patient's oral cavity. The desired tooth movement at a specific location or locations can be adjusted without undue difficulty. and the like. There is also a need for methods and devices that can be used to achieve the desired mode or quality. Used to administer light therapy in a home environment and monitor compliance with a prescribed treatment program There is also a need for a method and apparatus that can be applied to safety and Light therapy in home environments, including ensuring compliance with performance regulations and / or standards There is a need for methods and devices configured to address patient safety concerns associated with self-application of There is also a need for it.

[0010]

[0010] Furthermore, some known orthodontic treatment regimens, such as custom-made aligners, A set of orthodontic appliances is worn in a predetermined order for a certain period of time. A known method of treatment using such aligners involves the placement of each aligner. Known methods often specify a certain period (e.g., 6 days) that should be followed for a particular patient. A method for adopting a relevant (i.e., patient-specific) period of time Also, known methods of treatment with aligners do not involve light therapy. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011]

[0010] Therefore, an improved method for determining the length of time that orthodontic appliances should be worn and There is a need for the device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012]

[0011] The present invention provides a device including a housing, an emitter, and an electronic circuit. The housing is designed to fit snugly inside the patient's mouth. partially contained within the housing and associated with the alveolar soft tissue when the housing is placed in the mouth. The electronic circuitry is configured to operate the emitter to emit an effective amount of light to a selected area. and the housing is operably coupled to the device when the device is in use during orthodontic treatment. At some point, it is configured to control the emitter.

[0013]

[0012] This device is useful for regulating tooth movement or maintaining or improving the health of oral tissues. be.

[0014]

[0013] The present invention further provides a method for regulating tooth movement, maintaining the health of oral tissues, or preventing the formation of oral tissues. The present invention provides a method for improving tissue health by providing an emitter of a device to a patient in need thereof. The method includes administering an effective amount of light from a device.

[0015]

[0014] The device is useful for increasing the rate of healing of oral tissues after oral surgery.

[0016]

[0015] The present invention further provides a method for increasing the rate of oral tissue healing after oral surgery. This method provides a device to the tissue of a patient who has undergone oral surgery and needs to heal. The method includes administering an effective amount of light from an emitter in the device.

[0017] In some embodiments, the device includes a housing, an emitter, and electronic circuitry. The housing is configured to fit snugly in the patient's mouth. is optically coupled to the housing and is positioned in the mouth to contact the alveolar soft tissue. The electronic circuit is operatively coupled to the emitter and configured to emit an effective amount of light. and when the housing is placed in the mouth and the device is in use during orthodontic treatment, The transmitter is configured to control the

[0018]

[0017] The device is useful for regulating tooth movement or maintaining or improving the health of oral tissues. .

[0019]

[0018] The present invention further provides a method for regulating tooth movement, maintaining the health of oral tissues, or preventing the formation of oral tissues. The present invention provides a method for improving tissue health by providing a patient in need thereof with a radiation source from an emitter of a device. It involves administering an effective amount of light.

[0020]

[0019] The present invention provides a system including a first part and a second part, the first part being The first emitter is configured to be disposed in the patient's mouth. when the first portion is placed in the mouth, the first portion applies an effective amount of light of a first wavelength to alveolar soft tissue. The electronic circuit is operably coupled to the first emitter and configured to emit a The first portion is placed in the mouth and the device is in use during the first stage of orthodontic treatment. The first stage is configured to control a first emitter at a time T0. The second portion is different from the first portion and is configured to be placed in the patient's mouth. The second emitter is coupled to the second portion, and the second portion is disposed within the mouth. When positioned, the device delivers an effective amount of light of a second wavelength, different from the first wavelength, to alveolar soft tissue. The electronic circuit is operably coupled to the second emitter. The electronic circuitry detects when the second portion is placed in the mouth and the device is in a second stage of the orthodontic treatment. When in use, the second stage is configured to control the second emitter. This is followed by the stage T >0 Start with.

[0021]

[0020] In some embodiments, the method comprises administering orthodontic treatment daily for a predetermined number of days. and receiving an indication related to contact between the appliance and tissue within the patient's oral cavity. is one of a set of orthodontic appliances that are removably attached to the patient's teeth. The treatment duration associated with each orthodontic appliance is determined based on this indication. The method further includes generating a signal related to the treatment period.

[0022] In some embodiments, the method includes: attaching a first orthodontic appliance to the first orthodontic appliance; and placing the appliance in the patient's mouth so that the appliance is removably coupled to the patient's teeth. A period specific to the patient is determined. The first orthodontic appliance is placed in the oral cavity for that period. The method further includes, after the period of time, attaching a second orthodontic appliance to the second tooth. Positioning the orthodontic appliances in the patient's mouth so that they are removably coupled to the patient's teeth. Includes.

[0023]

[0022] The system is useful for applying light therapy to a patient's alveolar soft tissue. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1]

[0023] An oblique view of an intraoral phototherapy device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view of an intraoral phototherapy device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 3A] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 1 taken along line XX. [Figure 3B]

[0025] 1 is a side view of a portion of an intraoral light treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4]

[0026] 1 is a schematic diagram of an intraoral phototherapy device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic diagram of an intraoral phototherapy device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic diagram of an intraoral phototherapy device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7]1 is a schematic diagram of an intraoral phototherapy device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic diagram of an intraoral phototherapy device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9]

[0027] 1 is a schematic diagram of an intraoral phototherapy device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10]

[0028] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the device of FIG. 9. [Figure 11]

[0029] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of a portion of the device of FIG. 9. [Figure 12]

[0030] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the device of FIG. 9. [Figure 13]

[0031] 1 is a schematic diagram of an intraoral phototherapy device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14]

[0032] FIG. 14 is a side view of the device of FIG. 13. [Figure 15]

[0033] FIG. 14 is a side view of the device and charging station of FIG. 13. [Figure 16]

[0034] 1 is a schematic diagram of an intraoral phototherapy device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] 1 is a schematic diagram of an intraoral phototherapy device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18A]

[0035] FIG. 1 is a top view of a portion of an intraoral light treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18B]

[0036] FIG. 1 is a front view of a portion of an intraoral phototherapy device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19]

[0037] FIG. 1 is a top view of a portion of an intraoral light treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20]

[0038] 1 is a perspective view of an intraoral phototherapy device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 21]

[0039] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 20 taken along line AA. [Figure 22]

[0040] FIG. 21 is a bottom view of the device of FIG. 20. [Figure 23]

[0041] FIG. 1 is a side view of an intraoral phototherapy device according to one embodiment of the present invention in use intraoral. [Figure 24]

[0042] 1 is a side view of a portion of an intraoral light treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25] 1 is a front view of a portion of an intraoral phototherapy device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 26]

[0043] 1 is a perspective view of an intraoral phototherapy device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 27]

[0044] FIG. 1 is a top view of an intraoral phototherapy device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 28] FIG. 1 is a top view of an intraoral phototherapy device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 29] FIG. 1 is a top view of an intraoral phototherapy device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 30]

[0045] 1 is a perspective view of an intraoral phototherapy device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 31] 1 is a perspective view of an intraoral phototherapy device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 32] 1 is a perspective view of an intraoral phototherapy device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 33] 1 is a perspective view of an intraoral phototherapy device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 34]

[0046] FIG. 34 is a top view of the device of FIGS. 30-33 in a powered (i.e., "on") operating state. [Figure 35] FIG. 34 is a rear view of the device of FIGS. 30-33 in a powered (i.e., "on") operating state. [Figure 36]

[0047] FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIGS. 34 and 35 coupled to an electronic device. [Figure 37]

[0048] 30-36 are images of the device of FIGS. 30-36 positioned in a patient's mouth and in use by the patient. [Figure 38]

[0049] 1 is an image of an intraoral phototherapy device according to an embodiment of the present invention positioned in a patient's mouth and being used by the patient. [Figure 39]

[0050] Image of the patient's upper dental arch prior to phototherapy treatment using the intraoral phototherapy device of Figure 38. [Figure 40]

[0051] Image of the upper dental arch of the patient of Figure 39 after phototherapy treatment using the intraoral phototherapy device of Figure 38. [Figure 41]

[0052] Image of the patient's upper dental arch prior to phototherapy treatment using the intraoral phototherapy device of Figure 38. [Figure 42]

[0053] Image of the upper dental arch of the patient of Figure 41 after phototherapy treatment using the intraoral phototherapy device of Figure 38. [Figure 43]

[0054] FIG. 2 is a rear view of an oral appliance according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 44]

[0055] FIG. 44 is a front view of the oral device of FIG. 43. [Figure 45]

[0056] FIG. 1 is a side view of an oral appliance according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 46] FIG. 1 is a top view of an oral appliance according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 47]

[0057] FIG. 46 is a perspective view of a portion of the oral appliance of FIG. 45. [Figure 48A]

[0058] FIG. 46 is a bottom rear perspective view of the oral device of FIG. 45. [Figure 48B] FIG. 46 is a top rear perspective view of the oral appliance of FIG. 45. [Figure 49]

[0059] FIG. 46 is a perspective view of the oral appliance of FIG. 45 and an external station in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 50] FIG. 46 is a front view of the oral appliance of FIG. 45 and an external station in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 51]

[0060] FIG. 50 is a front view of the external station of FIG. 49. [Figure 52]

[0061] FIG. 46 is a schematic diagram of a portion of the oral appliance of FIG. 45. [Figure 53]

[0062] FIG. 1 is a top view of an oral appliance according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 54]

[0063] FIG. 1 is a side view of a portion of an oral appliance according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 55]

[0064] FIG. 55 is an end view of the oral appliance of FIG. 54. [Figure 56] FIG. 55 is a perspective view of the oral appliance of FIG. 54. [Figure 57]

[0065] FIG. 55 is a schematic diagram of a system including the oral appliance of FIG. 54 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 58]

[0066] 1 is a schematic diagram of an oral appliance according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 59]

[0067] FIG. 1 is a graphical representation of the individual rates of maxillary tooth movement of study group participants. [Figure 60]

[0068] FIG. 1 is a graphical representation of the individual speeds of mandibular tooth movement of study group participants. [Figure 61]

[0069] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a comparative extraoral phototherapy device. [Figure 62]

[0070] 1 is a perspective view of a light therapy device according to one embodiment. FIG. [Figure 63] 1 is a perspective view of a light therapy device according to one embodiment. FIG. [Figure 64A]

[0071] 63 is a right side view of the phototherapy device of Figure 62. The left side view of the phototherapy device of Figure 62 is a mirror image of the right side view. [Figure 64B]

[0072] 64B is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 64A taken along line BB of FIG. 64A. [Figure 65]

[0073] FIG. 63 is a rear perspective view of the phototherapy device of FIG. 62. [Figure 66]

[0074] FIG. 63 is a perspective view of the phototherapy device of FIG. 62 in an inverted position. [Figure 67]

[0075] FIG. 63 is a perspective view of a portion of the phototherapy device of FIG. 62. [Figure 68]

[0076] FIG. 68 is a front view of a portion of the phototherapy device of FIG. 67. [Figure 69]

[0077] FIG. 68 is a top view of a portion of the light therapy device of FIG. 67. [Figure 70]

[0078] FIG. 68 is a bottom view of a portion of the phototherapy device of FIG. 67. [Figure 71]

[0079] FIG. 63 is a perspective view of a portion of the phototherapy device of FIG. 62. [Figure 72]

[0080] FIG. 63 is a rear view of the phototherapy device of FIG. 62. [Figure 73]

[0081] FIG. 63 is a schematic diagram of a portion of the phototherapy device of FIG. 62. [Figure 74]

[0082] FIG. 63 is an electrical circuit diagram of a portion of the phototherapy device of FIG. 62. [Figure 75]

[0083] FIG. 63 is a perspective view of a portion of the phototherapy device of FIG. 62. [Figure 76]

[0084] 63 is a logic flow diagram representing code configured to be executed by the light therapy device of FIG. 62 in accordance with various embodiments. [Figure 77] 63 is a logic flow diagram representing code configured to be executed by the light therapy device of FIG. 62 in accordance with various embodiments. [Figure 78] 63 is a logic flow diagram representing code configured to be executed by the light therapy device of FIG. 62 in accordance with various embodiments. [Figure 79] 63 is a logic flow diagram representing code configured to be executed by the light therapy device of FIG. 62 in accordance with various embodiments. [Figure 80] 63 is a logic flow diagram representing code configured to be executed by the light therapy device of FIG. 62 in accordance with various embodiments. [Figure 81] 63 is a logic flow diagram representing code configured to be executed by the light therapy device of FIG. 62 in accordance with various embodiments. [Figure 82] 63 is a logic flow diagram representing code configured to be executed by the light therapy device of FIG. 62 in accordance with various embodiments. [Figure 83] 63 is a logic flow diagram representing code configured to be executed by the light therapy device of FIG. 62 in accordance with various embodiments. [Figure 84] 63 is a logic flow diagram representing code configured to be executed by the light therapy device of FIG. 62 in accordance with various embodiments. [Figure 85] 63 is a logic flow diagram representing code configured to be executed by the light therapy device of FIG. 62 in accordance with various embodiments. [Figure 86] 63 is a logic flow diagram representing code configured to be executed by the light therapy device of FIG. 62 in accordance with various embodiments. [Figure 87]

[0085] FIG. 63 is a perspective view of an external station according to one embodiment in which the light therapy device of FIG. 62 may be placed. [Figure 88]

[0086] FIG. 88 is a rear view of the external station of FIG. 87. [Figure 89]

[0087] FIG. 88 is a top view of the bottom of the off-board station of FIG. 87. [Figure 90]

[0088] FIG. 88 is a perspective view of the bottom of the off-board station of FIG. 87; [Figure 91]

[0089] FIG. 88 is a schematic diagram of the electronic components of the off-board station of FIG. 87. [Figure 92]

[0090] FIG. 1 is a side view of a barrier implant implanted in a tooth extraction site according to one embodiment. [Figure 93]

[0091] 10 is an image of a sample display screen of an external electronic device according to one embodiment. [Figure 94]10 is an image of a sample display screen of an external electronic device according to one embodiment. [Figure 95] 10 is an image of a sample display screen of an external electronic device according to one embodiment. [Figure 96] 10 is an image of a sample display screen of an external electronic device according to one embodiment. [Figure 97] 10 is an image of a sample display screen of an external electronic device according to one embodiment. [Figure 98] 10 is an image of a sample display screen of an external electronic device according to one embodiment. [Figure 99] 10 is an image of a sample display screen of an external electronic device according to one embodiment. [Figure 100] 10 is an image of a sample display screen of an external electronic device according to one embodiment. [Figure 101] 10 is an image of a sample display screen of an external electronic device according to one embodiment. [Figure 102] 10 is an image of a sample display screen of an external electronic device according to one embodiment. [Figure 103] 10 is an image of a sample display screen of an external electronic device according to one embodiment. [Figure 104]

[0092] FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a light therapy device according to one embodiment. [Figure 105] FIG. 1 is a rear view of a light therapy device according to one embodiment. [Figure 106]

[0093] FIG. 1 is a top view of a light therapy device according to one embodiment. [Figure 107]

[0094] FIG. 107 is a perspective view of the phototherapy device of FIG. [Figure 108]

[0095] FIG. 107 is a top perspective view of the light therapy device of FIG. [Figure 109]

[0096] FIG. 107 is a rear view of the phototherapy device of FIG. [Figure 110]

[0097] FIG. 107 is a perspective view of the phototherapy device of FIG. [Figure 111]

[0098] FIG. 1 is a front view of a portion of a light therapy device according to one embodiment. [Figure 112]

[0099] 1 is a flowchart of a method according to one embodiment. [Figure 113]

[0100] 10 is an image of a sample display screen of an external electronic device according to one embodiment. [Figure 114A]

[0101] Table of individual patient data for the space closure phase of orthodontic treatment for study group participants. [Figure 114B] Table of individual patient data for the space closure phase of orthodontic treatment for study group participants. [Figure 115A] Table of individual patient data for the space closure phase of orthodontic treatment for study group participants. [Figure 115B] Table of individual patient data for the space closure phase of orthodontic treatment for study group participants. [Figure 116]

[0102] A bar graph showing the average number of days per aligner for individual patients in the study described in Example 7. [Figure 117] A bar graph showing the average number of days per aligner for individual patients in the study described in Example 7. [Figure 118] A bar graph showing the average number of days per aligner for individual patients in the study described in Example 7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025]

[0103] As used herein, the term "about" in connection with reference to numerical designations A word may be used to denote its referenced numerical expression plus or minus up to 10% of its referenced numerical expression. For example, the expression "about 50" units means between 45 and 55 units. means.

[0026]

[0104] As used herein, the verb "surround" means to surround an object within approximately one centimeter of the object. For example, the oral tissue surrounding a tooth is located within approximately 1 cm of the tooth. In some embodiments, the methods disclosed herein include removing about 1 cm of a tooth. It is useful in preventing or minimizing inflammation within the

[0027]

[0105] As used herein, the term "patient" refers to a patient undergoing a medical procedure, including orthodontic treatment. A patient refers to any living subject capable of receiving a therapeutic agent. A patient is a mammal, such as a human being. The patient may be an adult patient or a pediatric patient. In some embodiments, In this case, the patient may be administered a phototherapy, for example, intraorally using an oral device as described herein. The subject may be a living subject receiving the emitted light.

[0028]

[0106] As used herein, the term "root zone" refers to the anatomical length of the root of a tooth. and width, as well as a small amount of surrounding tissue to facilitate attachment of the tooth to the alveolar bone within which it is located. This refers to part of the patient's anatomy, including at least part of the surrounding tissue. The surrounding tissue includes the periodontal ligament and the bone socket. The periodontal ligament may be located inside these and these may hold the tooth. The root zone extends from the gum line to a depth of about 10 mm to about 22 mm, depending on the type of tooth. The root zone may include tissues extending from the root zone of each tooth to a specific The root area may include an area within a specified distance (e.g., within about 0.1 cm to about 3 cm). References herein to the root area may vary depending on the type of tooth being examined. Unless otherwise specified, at least a portion of the root zone or the entire root zone may be included.

[0029]

[0107] As used herein, the term "flexible" refers to the ability to bend or deform due to an applied force. and / or the resistance of the object to displacement. For example, a mouthpiece with high flexibility The mouthpiece or intraoral structure has low flexibility when exposed to force. Lower resistance to deflection, deformation, and / or displacement than high stiffness structures. A mouthpiece having a stiffness of 0.05 is stiffer (or less flexible) than a mouthpiece having a low stiffness. In some embodiments, the flexibility and / or Deformability may be characterized by the linear flexibility and / or deformability of the object. The elasticity and / or deformability of an object is a function of the amount of force applied to the object and the resulting first deformation of the object. and the distance a part deflects, deforms, and / or displaces relative to a second part of the object. can be characterized.

[0030]

[0108] Flexibility is the extensibility of the object being described and therefore the flexibility of the object. It depends on the material it is made of and certain physical properties of the object (e.g., its shape and boundary conditions). For example, the flexibility of an object can be improved by selectively including a material in the object that has a desired modulus of elasticity. The modulus of elasticity is an intensive property of the material and can be increased or decreased by applying a force. It describes the tendency of an object to deform elastically (i.e., non-permanently) in response to stress. A material with a high modulus of elasticity will bend less than a material with a low modulus of elasticity when subjected to an equal force. Therefore, the flexibility of an object can be determined by, for example, using a material with a low modulus of elasticity. by introducing it into an object and / or by constructing the object from a material having a low modulus of elasticity. In another example, the flexibility of an object can be increased by adjusting the material from which the object is made. The flexural modulus can be increased or decreased by changing the flexural modulus. Used to describe the ratio of stress applied to an object to the corresponding strain at the outermost part of the object. For example, plastics have material properties that are substantially linear over a range of conditions. To characterize certain materials that do not have a flexural modulus, rather than a modulus of elasticity, the flexural modulus is used. The object having a first flexural modulus of elasticity has a second flexural modulus of elasticity that is lower than the first flexural modulus. The elasticity is less than that of the object in question, and the strain at the outermost part of the object is greater. The flexibility of an object is increased by including in the object a material with a low flexural modulus. It is possible.

[0031]

[0109] The flexibility of an object depends on the physical properties of the object, such as its shape or cross-sectional area. For example, a length and cross-sectional area of An object may have greater flexibility than an object of the same length but with a larger cross-sectional area Thus, the flexibility and / or stiffness of an object can be increased and / or decreased by increasing the cross-sectional area of ​​the object. can be increased by changing

[0032]

[0110] As used herein, the term "transparent" refers to the ability of an object to transmit light. The transparency of an object is the absence (or amount) of scattering of light within the object. An object is a very small object that cannot be seen clearly through it. A material is said to be "substantially transparent" if it can transmit visible light so that it appears transparent. In another embodiment, the object is a granular material that is resistant to corrosion and is resistant to wear, and is resistant to wear. The visible light input, when measured by any applicable test, such as D-1003, If it does not prevent the transmission of at least 60 percent of the incident light through any part of the object, In yet other embodiments, the object is said to be "substantially transparent." , which prevents the transmission through that part of the object of at least 70 percent of incident light in the visible region. In yet another embodiment, an object is said to be "substantially transparent" if it is free of means that the object transmits at least 80 percent of the incident light in the visible range through a portion of the object. An object is said to be "substantially transparent" if it does not prevent transmission of light therethrough. In this case, an object is designed to transmit at least 90 percent of the incident light in the visible range. An object is said to be "substantially transparent" if it does not prevent transmission through any portion of the object. In other embodiments, the object is configured such that the object absorbs at least 95% of incident light in the visible range. An object is said to be "substantially transparent" if it does not prevent the transmission of light through any part of the object. In yet another embodiment, the object is configured such that the object receives little incident light in the visible range. An object is considered "substantially transparent" if it does not prevent at least 99 percent of light from passing through that part of the object. It is said to be "Ming".

[0033]

[0111] Intraoral light treatment device

[0112] Some embodiments described herein involve treating alveolar soft tissue, such as the alveolar mucosa, with For example, from about 10 to about 200 mW / cm 2 It relates to exposing the material to light (having an intensity of 10 ... Applying a dental implant can alter the rate of tooth movement, increase the rate of healing, or improve the health of one or more other teeth. It may provide orthodontic benefits. For example, the administration of light to the extraction site increases the rate of healing. Some of the embodiments described herein can slow tooth movement to that site. Embodiments include an intraoral light device configured to administer light to one or more portions of the patient's alveolar soft tissue. Such devices may be used before, during, or after orthodontic treatment and / or may be used before, during, or after oral surgery. As disclosed herein, the device may be administered to a patient for 1 to 60 minutes per day. In other embodiments, the device can be used to administer light for minutes, hours, or days. The emitters of the device may be in contact with the patient's oral mucosa for weeks, months, or years. One or more of the light sources may illuminate for at least some of the time period.

[0034]

[0113] In some embodiments, the device is suitable for use in the alveolar soft tissue of any human patient. In other embodiments, the device is configured to fit over the teeth of a particular human patient. For example, the device may be adapted to accommodate, for example, a CT scan (e.g., (e.g., cone beam CT scan), a model of the patient's jaw, and a digitally scanned model of the oral cavity and / or using information obtained from photographs of the patient's jaws to identify any human patient or specific It may be configured to fit the particular dentition of a human patient. The placement of LEDs within the device, which is placed in the patient's mouth, is a CAD / CAM design application. can be custom designed using the In other embodiments, the anatomical features of the oral cavity of a human patient are generally adapted. A standardized device may be selected from a set of devices configured to In some such embodiments, the standardized device may be tailored to the characteristics of a particular human patient. It may be adjusted to suit.

[0035]

[0114] In some embodiments, the device conforms to the patient's oral anatomy. The device is configured to flex, bend, and / or deform as needed. In one embodiment, the device includes a mouthpiece, the mouthpiece being configured to a first configuration when the mouthpiece is outside the patient's mouth and a second configuration when the mouthpiece is inside the patient's mouth. In some embodiments, the device is configured to transition between the The device includes a mouthpiece and a light emitter. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece The is designed to fit snugly in the patient's mouth and is connected to the bite tray. In some embodiments, for example, the mouthpiece may include a flange that is joined to the patient's When outside the mouth, the inner surface of the flange forms a first angle with the upper surface of the bite tray. In some embodiments, the flange is adapted to be in contact with the patient's mouth when the mouthpiece is placed in the patient's mouth. and the occlusal tray is then aligned so that a second angle is formed between the inner surface of the flange and the top surface of the occlusal tray. In some embodiments, the light emitter is flexible relative to the beam. and emitting light to the patient's oral tissue when the mouthpiece is placed in the mouth. It is configured to:

[0036]

[0115] In some embodiments, the method for modulating tooth movement includes using a light treatment device. In some embodiments, the method further comprises placing the mouthpiece of the The mouthpiece includes one or more of a bite tray, a flange, and a light emitter. In some embodiments, the flange is coupled to the bite tray and optionally has an internal In some embodiments, the flange includes a light emitter at the inner surface of the flange and The angle between the upper surface of the bite tray has a first value before placement and a second value after placement. The occlusal tray is configured to move relative to the occlusion tray during placement, so that In an embodiment, the method further includes projecting an effective amount of light from a light emitter to a patient in need thereof. Be prepared to give.

[0037]

[0116] In some embodiments, the device provides customized dosing, e.g. configured to deliver light therapy based on a dosage customized for a particular patient Younger patients may have less compact bone than older patients. Before the treatment is administered, a scan, such as a computed tomography (CT), In some embodiments, the measurement may be performed using a cone beam CT. In this case, the patient's bone density can be measured using a device similar to that shown in FIG. 18A or The patient's teeth are illuminated (using an apparatus such as that shown in Figure 1) and the amount of light transmitted through the teeth is measured. Once the patient's bone density is determined, the desired tooth movement can be measured. The optimal light dosage to achieve this can be determined.

[0038]

[0117] In some embodiments, the device is adapted to be in contact with the patient's alveolar soft tissue. to improve patient comfort while wearing the device and / or to improve the positioning of the device in the patient's mouth For this purpose, a bite pad may be included.

[0039]

[0118] In some embodiments, the device is adapted to: It may also be used in conjunction with devices that apply force to muscle tissue such as the cheeks and tongue. In some embodiments, the device of the present invention is used in conjunction with two or more instruments that apply force to the patient. The method comprises applying one or more forces to the gingival area and administering light to the patient's alveolar soft tissues within the oral cavity. This means that the rate of tooth movement, the rate of healing of oral tissues, and the ability to In some embodiments, the applied force may be One or more of the forces is a heavy force. In some embodiments, the force One or more of the devices is a functional device. High force and functional devices are disclosed herein. are.

[0040]

[0119] In other embodiments, the device may be used in conjunction with orthodontic appliances.

[0041]

[0120] In some embodiments, the method of orthodontic treatment includes the use of a light treatment device. and placing a mouthpiece in the patient's mouth. The mouthpiece comprises a bite tray and a flat In some embodiments, the flange includes a bite tray. and optionally includes a light emitter therein. The flange is designed so that the angle between the inner surface of the flange and the top surface of the bite tray is a first value before placement. and a second value after placement. In some embodiments, the method further comprises administering a light emitter to the patient. and administering an effective amount of light from the device.

[0042]

[0121] In some embodiments, the device is configured to deliver vitamin D to the patient. Vitamin D treatment may be used in conjunction with a device or other suitable delivery system. Increases vitamin D serum levels in patients and, when combined with intraoral phototherapy, Increases the rate of tooth movement, increases the rate of healing of oral tissues, and is more effective than other orthodontic treatments. Vitamin D treatments are disclosed herein.

[0043]

[0122] In some embodiments, the device of the present invention is adapted to treat a patient's oral cavity, such as the patient's teeth. One or more devices configured to apply force to tissue and / or deliver vitamin D to a patient. In this way, the patient may The patient is subjected to light treatment and vitamin D treatment, and also has a force applied to, for example, one or more teeth.

[0044]

[0123] In some embodiments, the device comprises a mouthpiece that is placed in the patient's mouth. The device is configured to detect and / or transmit a signal when the device is turned on. The device initiates and / or controls the delivery of any of the light therapy methods disclosed herein. For example, in some embodiments, the phototherapy device may include a mouthpiece. The device may include one or more of a battery, a bill, and an electronics assembly. In an embodiment, the mouthpiece is configured to be placed in the patient's mouth, In some embodiments, the array of light emitters comprises In some embodiments, the light source is configured to emit light to the patient's alveolar soft tissue. In this case, the beak is connected to the front end of the mouthpiece, and the mouthpiece is placed in the mouth. When placed, the device is configured to be positioned outside the mouth. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the electronics assembly is disposed within the beak. In an embodiment, an electronics assembly is configured to control the operation of the light emitter. In some embodiments, the electronics assembly further comprises a first light-emitting The light source is configured to transmit a first signal to the light source to cause the light source to emit a light. In this embodiment, the electronics assembly is adapted to receive a second signal from a second optical emitter. the second signal being related to the light emitted from the first light emitter. The electronics assembly determines when the mouthpiece is placed in the mouth based on the second signal. is configured to detect

[0045]

[0124] 1 and 2 are schematic diagrams of the intraoral phototherapy device of the present invention. As shown, the device includes panels 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. Panels 1, 2, and 3 are It is configured to be placed near the root area of ​​one or more teeth in the jaw. In this embodiment, panels 1, 2, and 3 are positioned adjacent to the upper buccal alveolar soft tissue. For example, in one embodiment, panels 1, 2, and 3 may be configured as upper buccal alveolar In contact with soft tissue, while in other embodiments, panels 1, 2, and 3 , not in contact with the upper buccal alveolar soft tissue but within a certain distance (e.g., 0 The alveolar soft tissue may include, for example, the alveolar mucosa. In the configuration, panels 1, 2, and 3 are positioned adjacent to the upper lingual alveolar soft tissue. For example, in one embodiment, panels 1, 2, and 3 may be configured to In other embodiments, panels 1, 2, and 3 are in contact with the cisternal soft tissue. is not in contact with the upper lingual alveolar soft tissue but is within a certain distance (e.g. Similarly, in some embodiments, Panels 1, 2, and / or 3 may be configured to be positioned posterior to the maxillary root area. , while in other embodiments, panels 1, 2, and / or 3 are positioned anteriorly in the maxillary root area. Similarly, panels 4, 5, and / or 6 may be configured to be positioned in the mandibular root region. The ion implantation zone may be configured to be positioned adjacent to the front and / or rear of the ion implantation zone.

[0046]

[0125] In other embodiments, the panel (or other portion of the device) may be any of the components described herein. For example, in some embodiments, In the present invention, the panel is in contact with the upper buccal or lingual alveolar soft tissue or is in contact with the upper buccal or lingual alveolar soft tissue. Within a certain distance (for example, within 0.1 cm to 3 cm) from the soft tissue of the sac, Although described in detail, in other embodiments, the panel may be positioned on the lower buccal or lingual alveolar soft tissue. in contact with the tissue and / or within a certain distance (e.g., 0.1 cm) from the lower buccal or lingual alveolar soft tissue In yet another embodiment, the device is configured to be within 100 mm to 3 cm of the target. may include a plurality of panels, at least a first portion of which is upper buccal or lingual. In contact with the lateral alveolar soft tissue or within a certain distance (e.g. 0. 1 cm to 3 cm), at least a second portion of which is When the first portion is in contact with or at a distance from the upper alveolar soft tissue, the lower buccal or in contact with the lingual alveolar soft tissue, or within a certain distance (e.g., The distance is preferably within 0.1 cm to 3 cm.

[0047]

[0126] In some embodiments, the device is positioned only adjacent to the maxillary or mandibular root area. For example, in one embodiment, the device is configured to be placed in the maxillary root segment. In other embodiments, the device is in contact with the maxillary or mandibular root area. Not in contact with the maxillary or mandibular root area but within a certain distance (e.g., 0.1 cm to 3 cm) Similarly, while FIG. 1 illustrates a device including an upper and lower portion, In other embodiments, the device has only an upper portion or only a lower portion. Although shown with a panel, in other embodiments, the device may have one or more panels. For example, a single panel may cover at least a portion of the maxillary and / or mandibular root area or In other embodiments, one or more panels may be configured to cover the entire surface. , may be positioned adjacent the root region of each tooth. For example, in one embodiment, one or more In other embodiments, one or more panels contact the root area of ​​each tooth. The upper panel is not in contact with the root area of ​​each tooth but is within a certain distance (e.g. (within 0.1cm to 3cm).

[0048]

[0127] In some embodiments, the panels described herein may be used to treat most of the roots of a tooth. It covers at least some of the anatomical dimensions (e.g., length) but does not include the soft tissue and Variations in bone structure may prevent the panel from covering the apical area of ​​some roots. In such cases, the apical part of the tooth may be subjected to a lower energy density. While in some embodiments, the panel may be configured to direct light in the direction of the apical portion or otherwise provide power at the apical portion. The lighting fixture includes a recessed LED array configured to enhance the intensity of the panel.

[0049]

[0128] In some embodiments, such as the embodiment illustrated in FIG. a first portion of the device positioned adjacent to the anterior root zone and a second portion of the device positioned adjacent to the posterior root zone In such an embodiment, the implant is configured to encase the teeth so that the implant is positioned over the teeth. In this case, the appliance is fitted with an anatomical crown to provide freedom of tooth movement when the appliance is in operation. For example, in one embodiment, a first portion of the device is attached to the anterior root area. and / or a second portion of the device contacts the posterior root area. In the embodiment, the first portion of the device does not contact the anterior root zone, and / or the second portion of the device The first and / or second portions of the device contact the anterior root segment, respectively, but do not contact the posterior root segment. The root zone is within a certain distance (eg, within 0.1 cm to 3 cm) of the root zone or posterior root zone.

[0050]

[0129] FIG. 3A illustrates a cross section of the device of FIG. 1 taken along line XX. The device 10 is One or more wires 12, a reflective backing 20, a circuit 30, and a In some embodiments, one or more emitters 32 may be included. 32, at least a portion of the one or more emitters 32 is exposed, e.g., the device is The dental implant is partially within panel 40 so as to be in contact with the patient's alveolar soft tissue when in the patient's mouth. The panel 40 may be housed in a substantially transparent, flexible, and / or In other embodiments, the panel 40 may be constructed of acrylic or soft polymer. The panel 40 may be made of a hard plastic such as a plastic sheet. For example, the panel 40 may be shaped to cover a specific area of ​​the patient's mouth when the patient The panel may have a width and length effective to cover at least four of the roots of the teeth. Portion 42 of the device is provided with a flange area to provide comfort to the patient and allow the device to fit within the flange area. The panel portion 42 may be rounded and / or teardrop shaped. The tooth may have any shape that does not include sharp edges, such as those that stimulate the vestibule of the patient's mouth. This is because they are thought to be too deep or because their depth is thought to be uncomfortable.

[0051]

[0130] In some embodiments, the panel 40 is at least partially contained within the device. It may be shaped similarly to a mouthguard or clear dental aligner and may be worn in the mouth. The panel 40 may be constructed of any material suitable for use in The component is also at least partially housed within the device. The panel 40 is completely enclosed within the device. The panel 40 may be fluid-tight within the device so that saliva or another fluid cannot come into contact with the panel 40. Sealing the panel 40 in this manner provides safety benefits and For example, the life of the panel can be extended and / or require less maintenance. If panel 40 is not fluid-tight within the device, the device will keep fluids and other buildup away from panel 4. May require frequent maintenance to clean from scratch.

[0052]

[0131] Emitter 32 may be any suitable device operable to emit light. The emitter 32 may be, for example, a light emitting diode (LED). In some embodiments, the emitter 32 is an optical fiber (or a portion thereof) that emits light. In some embodiments, the emitter 32 is connected to one or more optical fibers from which The panel 40 is a device that receives light input. The panel 40 is made of LEDs and light filters as disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the emitter may include any combination of The photodiode 32 may emit monochromatic light having a wavelength of about 620 nm. Alternatively, emitter 32 may emit monochromatic light having a wavelength of approximately 850 nm. In one embodiment, the emitter 32 has a wavelength in the range of about 600 nm to about 1200 nm. to emit light at one wavelength, to emit light at two or more wavelengths, or to pass a range of wavelengths. and / or to emit broad spectrum light or any suitable wavelength or wavelengths. The emitter 32 may be configured to have any of the wavelengths or characteristics described herein. Such wavelengths and characteristics of the light may be as defined herein. It is described in more detail in

[0053]

[0132] Emitters 32 may be positioned and arranged within panel 40 in any suitable manner. The emitter 32 may, for example, cover a particular area of ​​the mouth when the device is worn by the patient. In one example, each emitter 32 may be arranged to emit light at a different tooth. In another example, the emitter 32 is a set of emitters. a light source positioned over a first area of ​​the patient's mouth (e.g., a tooth root) to illuminate the first area; Another set of emitters is positioned over a second, different area of ​​the patient's mouth (e.g., the roots of another tooth). In this way, the device and the corresponding The emitters 32 in the panel 40 are specifically designed to meet the specific needs of orthodontic treatment. As described herein, panels and The emitter 32 then contacts or is drawn from the alveolar soft tissue or tooth root. The dose of light emitted by the emitter 32 may be within a certain distance. Due to the energy loss that may occur over the distance between 32 and the tissue or root, The closer it is to the alveolar soft tissue or tooth root, the more effective it is for regulating tooth movement. However, in some embodiments, the radiation emitted by the emitter 32 The light power density is determined by placing the emitter 32 in contact with the tissue or root, as described herein. This can be maximized by placing the implant within a certain distance from the tissue or root. do.

[0054]

[0133] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3B, the light emitting array 100 The light-emitting array 1001 has a first portion 1002 and a second portion 1003. The first portion 1002 has a higher density of light emitters than the second portion 1003. In some embodiments, the light emitting array 100 is configured to include a density of The first portion 1002 of the light emitting array 1001 includes a denser weave in a portion of the light mat. The first portion 1002 (or light mat) may be located at the tip of the array. The increased power density at the tip, brought about by the tighter weave of the nozzle, extends to the flange. This allows the increased power output to be, at least in part, achieved through shorter extensions. This is to make up for the lack of

[0055]

[0134] Referring again to FIG. 3A, circuit 30 may be, for example, a flexible circuit. In some embodiments, circuitry 30 controls the operation of one or more emitters 32. In another embodiment, the circuit 30 may be coupled to a controller, such as an intraoral or extraoral controller. In some embodiments, the controller independently controls each of the one or more emitters 32. For example, using circuit 30, a controller may control the on / off of one or more emitters 32. On / off state, intensity, frequency, pulse, duty factor, and / or any other suitable The parameters can be controlled collectively and / or individually. Any one of the emitters 32 may be changed while the device is in use. By powering up one or more of the emitters, the controller can activate one or more emitters to emit light. The emitter 32 is then operable, thereby accelerating bone remodeling and / or tooth movement. By turning off power to one or more of the sensors 32, the controller Minimize tooth migration because bone remodeling may not be accelerated by light. In some embodiments, one or more emitters 32 in a panel 40 Some emitters 32 in 40 may be on while one or more other emitters 32 are off. In an embodiment, when the device is in use, one or more emitters 32 are in an on state. It may start up and then switch to the off state after some time. By increasing or decreasing the light intensity, the controller increases or decreases the dosage of light to the patient. The light dosage is based on intensity and time, so in some cases, By increasing the intensity of the light, the amount of time that the light needs to be administered to the patient can be reduced. In practice, a minimum of both duration and intensity is required to produce a therapeutic result. There is a biological threshold. The controller operates the emitter 32 at or above this threshold. In some embodiments, one or more of the emitters in the panel 40 The intensity of light emitted from the emitter 32 may be greater than or equal to the intensity of light emitted from one or more other emitters 32 in the panel 40. The intensity of the light applied may be increased while the intensity of the light applied may be decreased. This can happen while the device is in use.

[0056]

[0135] The controller adjusts the frequency and duty cycle so that a higher peak intensity can be achieved. Higher peak intensities are more effective in thicker tissue and / or This can be useful when a deeper dose of light needs to be administered. In this state, a first emitter in panel 40 is targeted by a second emitter in panel 40. The implant is placed adjacent to and targets a deeper bone area beneath the alveolar soft tissue than the intended bone area. In these embodiments, the controller may be configured to operate at a higher voltage than the second emitter. The first emitter may be programmed or controlled to emit light having a peak intensity. Controlling the duty factor can also protect the emitter from overheating. The controller turns emitter 32 on for 1 / 400 seconds and then off for 3 / 400 seconds. One or more emitters 32 are set at a duty factor of 25% and a frequency of 100 Hz so that The off time allows the emitter 32 to cool. This avoids any potential performance degradation associated with high temperatures.

[0057]

[0136] As disclosed herein, the controller controls each emitter 32 in the panel 40. The various light-emitting characteristics of each emitter 32 can be individually and selectively controlled, so that can operate independently of the other emitters 32 in the panel 40. Each emitter 32 in panel 40 can emit light with different characteristics if desired. Therefore, the panel 40 may or may not emit light at two or more wavelengths. Alternatively, light with multiple different characteristics can be emitted. The controller may collectively control the various light emitting characteristics of the emitters 32 in the panel 40. In some cases, all of the emitters 32 in the panel 40 emit light with the same characteristics. However, these emitters 32 are controlled to emit light in other panels of the device. For example, if emitter 32 is 850 nm, it may be operated and controlled independently of the other emitters. while in another panel (e.g., panel 3 shown in FIG. 1) The emitter emits light having a wavelength of 650 nm. Therefore, the characteristics of the emitted light are: In other cases, the emitters 32 in a panel 40 may be grouped together. The emitters in each group may be controlled together. For example, may include two groups of emitters 32, the first group of emitters being a second group of emitters may emit light at a second different wavelength; The panel 40 and the emitters 32 therein may be configured to deliver an effective amount or dose of light to the patient. and can be customized for a specific patient so that specific areas of the mouth are targeted. This customization may be achieved, for example, if one area of ​​the mouth receives a different light treatment than another area of ​​the mouth. This can be useful when

[0058]

[0137] In some embodiments, the device may have an internal power supply, such as a battery (not shown). In other embodiments, the device may include a power supply such that circuitry 30 is coupled to an external power source. The device may include a port so that the device can be connected to the network.

[0059]

[0138] In some embodiments, the circuit 30 controls the temperature of the device, the patient's alveolar soft tissue, and / or one or more sensors (not shown) for detecting the root zone of the patient. For example, a thermistor or similar temperature measuring device may be connected to emitter 32 (e.g., LE The temperature of the D array and panel 40 should be monitored, and the temperature inside the patient's mouth should be measured. This information may be provided in the circuit 30, as well as in the patient's blood pressure, in addition to obtaining temperature-related information. This can serve as a way to monitor compliance with the protocol. circuit 30 and the remaining panel circuits of the device) and when the device emits light, the emitter The temperature of the patient will rise from ambient temperature before treatment to near normal body temperature. Monitor the temperature change. By doing so, the controller can determine the temperature of emitter 3 based on the period during which the temperature rises and approaches body temperature. The duration that the device is in the mouth can be monitored. Alternatively, see Figures 18A-18C. As detailed in

[0010] , a photodetector is included in circuit 3 to measure the reflectance of light from the alveolar soft tissue. 0 and / or with emitter 32. This configuration may be used to assess patient compliance. It can serve as a way to monitor the patient's condition, and emits as long as the device is not in the patient's mouth. It may also act as a fail-safe mechanism to ensure that the switch 32 does not operate.

[0060]

[0139] The reflective backing 20 directs the light emitted by the emitter 20 in a desired direction, in one embodiment. In some embodiments, the lens is oriented substantially in one direction, for example, within about 1 degree to about 10 degrees of a particular direction. The backing may be a metal foil or other suitable reflective material operable to reflect light. 20, the light is directed at the patient's alveolar soft tissue or root area (e.g., the area below the alveolar soft tissue including the bone and root). The rear surface of the device may be defined to be oriented toward the front (the front area).

[0061]

[0140] The wire 12 is operable to conform the device to the alveolar soft tissue and / or gums. In some embodiments, the wire 12 may be one or more superelastic wires. Relatively large orthodontic and / or orthopedic forces, such as forces operable to move upper teeth This force may be, for example, from about 10 to about 1000 grams force. In some embodiments, the force is a strong force. In other embodiments, the device: Separate oral appliances such as braces, retainers, and / or any other suitable functional appliances and / or may be coupled to such a separate oral appliance. In some such embodiments, a separate oral appliance comprises a force generating wire 12 and Additionally or alternatively, a force may be generated.

[0062]

[0141] 4 to 6 are schematic diagrams of the apparatus of the present invention. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, one or more emitters 132 are positioned over the roots of one or more teeth 160. In another embodiment, one or more emitters 2 may be 32 may be placed between the roots 260 of one or more teeth. , the device and / or the root area 260 of each tooth may be removed to prevent exposure of the root area 260 to light. As disclosed herein, a mask may be applied to the one or more emitters 1 so that little or no light reaches the area covered by the The mask may be a dental mask. The mask may be opaque and In some embodiments, the mask may be light blocking and / or reflective. The adhesive surface is provided so that the mask can be placed and adhered to the exterior surface of the device where it is desired to apply the mask. In some embodiments, the mask is in the form of a sticker. The adhesive surface may contact and / or cover one or more panels (or portions thereof). In some embodiments, when the mask is adhered to the device and the device is in the patient's mouth, The opposing outer surface of the mask (or a part thereof) contacts the alveolar soft tissue (e.g., alveolar mucosa). In some embodiments, to protect the root area 260 from light exposure, Alternatively, two or more masks may be applied to the appliance and / or root area 260 of each tooth. In some such embodiments, more than one type of mask may be applied. For example, both opaque and reflective masks may be applied to the device.

[0063]

[0142] In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, one or more emitters 332 may be operable to illuminate the maxillary suture, for example the centerline of the maxillary suture. In some embodiments, one or more emitters 332 may be configured to emit light that is transmitted to the maxillary sutures when a shaping force is applied to the maxillary sutures. Before, during, and / or after application, a light is emitted that is directed toward the maxillary suture. The shaping force is, for example, that of a rapid maxillary expansion (RME) appliance. The RME appliance is an extension of orthodontic treatment (which moves only the teeth). The patient's molars are then opened and expanded to allow for skeletal expansion of the maxilla (as opposed to the maxilla). In these embodiments, the maxilla may grow and undergo skeletal expansion, resulting in a shaping force being applied to the teeth. Light therapy may be used to accelerate the rate at which any gaps that occur are filled. In an embodiment, the methods of the present invention provide for accelerated bone filling and / or orthodontic appliance removal. This is useful in reducing the likelihood of subsequent regression or narrowing of the maxillary arch. In an embodiment, one or more emitters 332 are configured to simulate bone regeneration by light therapy. In some embodiments, the light is directed toward the centerline of the palate so that the light is projected onto the palate. In this case, the device shown in FIG. 6 may be fitted over an RME appliance or other similar fixed orthodontic expander. In some embodiments, the device shown in FIG. , one or more emitters 332 for illuminating the maxillary suture and one or more emitters 333 for illuminating the alveolar soft tissue. Including other emitters.

[0064]

[0143] Emitters 132, 232 and / or 332 may be emitters 3 shown in FIG. 3A. It can operate in the same way as 2.

[0065]

[0144] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus according to one embodiment. The apparatus comprises four panels 401: 402, 403, 404, a light source 410, one or more fiber optic cables 420, and The panels 401, 402, 403, and / or 404 are and / or may be configured to be positioned adjacent to the root area of ​​the mandible. In the figure, panels 401, 402, 403, and / or 404 are upper and / or lower jaws. In contact with the root area, while in other embodiments, panels 401, 402, 403 and / or 404 are not in contact with the root areas of the maxilla and / or mandible, but are / or within a certain distance (e.g., within 0.1 cm to 3 cm) from the root area of ​​the mandible. Such a configuration can eliminate the need for electronic devices in the oral cavity.

[0066]

[0145] The light source 410 may be operable to emit light. For example, some In an embodiment, light source 410 may output monochromatic light. For example, light source 410 may The light source 410 may be a laser, an LED, and / or any other suitable light source. two or more wavelengths of light to emit light having wavelengths in the range of 0 nm to about 1200 nm. to emit an output, to pass a range of wavelengths, and / or to emit a broad spectrum light The light source may be configured to emit light or any suitable wavelength or wavelengths. Source 410 may output light having any wavelength or characteristics described herein.

[0067]

[0146] Light travels from the light source 410 to the controller 430 through one or more optical fibers 420 The controller 430 may be, for example, an optical switch. The controller 430 directs light from the light source 410 to the panels 401, 402, 403, and / or 404 via one or more optical fibers 420. For example, the controller 430 may control the panels 401, 402, 403, and / or The on / off state, intensity, frequency, pulse, and duty factor of the light delivered to 404 and / or any other suitable parameters can be controlled collectively and / or individually. The controller 430 may operate similarly to the controller illustrated in FIG. .

[0068]

[0147] In some embodiments, two or more optical fibers 420 are directed to each panel. The optical fiber may be attached to the optical fiber in a manner similar to that shown and described with respect to Figs. adjacent to (e.g., within 0.1 cm to 3 cm of) the root zone or terminating at the root zone Thus, each optical fiber can direct light from the light source 410 to the root area. By providing two or more fibers 420, light from source 410 can be focused to a specific area of ​​the root zone. In this way, the control Roller 430 is similar to the emitter roller 430 shown and described with respect to FIGS. 32, 132 and / or 232, selectively applying light to the root area of ​​one or more teeth. It is possible.

[0069]

[0148] 8 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus according to one embodiment. The apparatus comprises two panels 501, 502, a light source 510, an optical fiber ribbon 520, and a controller 530. The nuclei 501 and 502 are arranged to be positioned adjacent to the root area of ​​the maxilla and the root area of ​​the mandible. As disclosed herein, the panels 501 and 502 may be configured as For example, it may be initially placed adjacent to the root area of ​​the maxilla and then placed after orthodontic treatment of the maxilla is completed. After completion, panels 501 and 502 are removed from the upper jaw and placed adjacent to the root area of ​​the lower jaw. In one embodiment, the panels 501, 50 2 is in contact with the root area of ​​the maxilla and / or mandible, while in other embodiments , panels 501, 502 are not in contact with the root areas of the maxilla and / or mandible, but are Or within a certain distance (for example, within 0.1 cm to 3 cm) from the root area of ​​the mandible. Such a configuration can eliminate the need for electronic devices in the oral cavity.

[0070]

[0149] The panels 501, 502 may define an upper portion 542. Cross-section of the upper portion 542 The device should provide comfort to the patient and conform to the flange areas of the upper and lower jaws. rounded and / or teardrop-shaped (similar to panel portion 42 illustrated in FIG. 3A) For example, as disclosed herein, the device may include a panel 501, The upper portion 542 of 502 may be attached to the upper jaw so as to fit into the upper flange area, After this, the device is removed from the upper jaw and turned upside down, and then the upper part 542 is now placed over the lower jaw. The panel may be attached to the mandible so that it is positioned within the lunge area. The upper portion 542 of 501, 502 is positioned between the upper and lower flange areas of the patient's mouth. In some embodiments, the pad is configured to fit snugly into both the pad and the lid. The panels 501, 502 are designed to be inverted when the device is removed from the upper jaw, for example. The device has a rounded and / or teardrop-shaped cross section so that it can be attached to the mandible without any trouble. A lower portion 541 may also be defined, where the lower portion 541, in contrast to the upper portion 542, It is configured to be positioned and fit snugly within the lower flange area.

[0071]

[0150] Portions 541, 542 of panels 501, 502 do not include sharp or pointed edges. Such edges may have any shape that is not suitable for the patient's mouth. or because the depth is considered uncomfortable. In other words, portions 541 and / or 542 distribute forces to reduce pressure that would otherwise cause discomfort to the patient. In some embodiments, portion 54 has a shape or cross-sectional shape that minimizes the number of points. 1 and / or 542 have a thicker cross section than the rest of the panels 501, 502. In this manner, portions 541 and / or 542 deflect delicate mucosal soft tissue, preventing discomfort to the patient. Allows the flange to be fully expanded with little or no pleasurable sensation. Alternatively, portions 541 and / or 542 may deflect buccal tissue away from the alveolar cavity. .

[0072]

[0151] Light source 510 is operable to emit light similar to light source 410 with respect to FIG. Light may be transmitted from the light source 510 to the controller 530 through the optical fiber ribbon 520. The controller 530 may be similar to the controller 430 in FIG. , light from the light source 510 is guided to the panels 501 and / or 502 through the optical fiber ribbon 520. For example, the controller 530 may be operable to selectively transmit , the on / off state, intensity, frequency, pulse of the light delivered to the panels 501 and / or 502. collectively and / or by the speed, duty factor, and / or any other suitable parameters. can be controlled individually.

[0073]

[0152] The optical fiber ribbon 520 may be one or more ribbons 520, as shown in FIG. so that the optical fibers are electrically connected to and / or directed to each panel 501, 502. For example, one or more of the optical fibers in ribbon 520 may be coupled to the device shown in FIG. Similar to the devices described with respect to Fig. 5, the graft may be placed adjacent to the root zone (e.g., 0.1 cm to 3 cm) or at the root area. The fiber optics directs light from the light source 510 to the root area, similar to the optical fiber 420 in FIG. The optical fibers of the ribbon 520 optically couple the panels 501 and 502. The optical fiber ribbon 520 may be configured to include one or more optical fibers. For example, ribbon 520 may be used in a procedure. Depending on the particular lighting technology or pattern being used, there may be between 1 and 50 LEDs per panel 501, 502. The optical fiber ribbon 520 may have as many as 10 fibers. The ribbon extends from the device to the patient's mouth. The device may have any suitable shape and / or size so as to be able to comfortably extend to the exterior of the device. The ribbon 520 may have a width of, for example, about 0.5 cm to about 1.0 cm. The device of FIG. 8 has a single ribbon electrically coupled to both panels 501 and 502. Although shown and described as a ribbon, in other embodiments, the device may include two or more ribbons. For example, in one embodiment, the device includes two ribbons. In this case, one ribbon may be electrically connected to the panel 501 and the other ribbon may be electrically connected to a separate In some embodiments, the ribbon 502 may be electrically connected to the ribbon panel 502. 20 is an optical fiber woven fabric. More specifically, the ribbon 520 of this embodiment is made of a fabric. In some embodiments, the optical fiber may comprise one or more optical fibers. Light from optical fiber fabrics is emitted at approximately 90 degrees, or perpendicular to the plane of the fabric. An example of a woven optical fiber fabric that can be used with the device of FIG. ), which is commercially available from Lumitex, Inc. (http: / / www .lumitex.com / ).

[0074]

[0153] As disclosed herein, the device of FIG. 8 can be attached to either the upper or lower jaw. In some embodiments, the device of FIG. 8 can be removed during orthodontic treatment. For example, at the beginning of a procedure, the upper portion 542 of the device is placed on the upper flange area. The appliance may then be attached to the upper jaw so that the patient can The patient may remove the appliance from the upper jaw and place it on the lower jaw for the remainder of the treatment. In one embodiment, the device is configured such that the lower portion 541 of the device is positioned within the lower flange area. In this embodiment, the device may be placed face up on the mandible. However, in another embodiment, the device may be configured such that the upper portion 542 of the device is The jaw may be attached to the lower jaw so that it is positioned within the jaw flange area. After removing the device from his upper jaw, he turned the device 180 degrees upside down. The device is then attached to the mandible. The upper portion 542, in this embodiment, is an upper flange. The flange area fits snugly in both the flange area and the lower flange area.

[0075]

[0154] In some embodiments, the device may be configured to adjust the position or placement of the device relative to the patient's mouth. This includes electronic devices such as position sensors that can determine the orientation of the mandible. In embodiments where the device is turned upside down (e.g., rotated 180 degrees) for attachment to a In this case, the device determines the position or orientation of the device in the patient's mouth during orthodontic treatment. For example, the sensor may detect whether the device is being worn on the upper jaw or not. Such electronic devices can determine whether a tooth is attached to the lower jaw. It may be useful to monitor compliance during orthodontic treatment. For example, the electronic device may be one or more switches, sensors, and / or the like. good.

[0076]

[0155] Any of the devices shown and described herein with respect to FIGS. , any number of panels capable of operating and functioning in any of the ways described herein. Although not necessarily shown, in some embodiments the panel may include The panels may be combined and / or enclosed within one or more units. For example, panel 40 of FIG. 3 and 404 are bonded and / or attached to the upper teeth as well as to a mouth guard that fits snugly over the teeth. Similarly, panels 401 and 402 may be enclosed in a single unit. Similar to a mouthguard that fits snugly over the teeth, bonded and / or in a single unit Examples of mouth guards including light emitting panels are shown in Figures 30-37 and 4. 3-50. The mouth guard is positioned against the patient's upper teeth in FIG. Although shown as determined, the mouth guard is positioned against the patient's lower teeth. In another example, panels 403 and 404 are , at least a portion of panel 403 may be joined to overlap a portion of panel 404. In this example, panel 403 may have the same wavelength as panel 404 or a different wavelength. Furthermore, the stacking or overlapping of one or more panels can be used to control the output and light treatment intensity. can be increased.

[0077]

[0156] In some embodiments, any of the oral appliances described herein comprises: One or more of the following: a microprocessor, menu-driven software, and an LCD screen The controller may include a handheld controller that houses one or more light therapy sessions. The device may be programmed to calculate and / or monitor the time and duration of the time. The user interface displays, for example, the number of sessions the patient has completed and the progress of each session. Session information may be displayed to the patient so that they are aware of the time remaining. Any suitable power source may be used, including, for example, a UL certified power source. In embodiments, the oral appliance may include four treatment arrays, each of which: The device may include a flexible printed circuit board and a set of LEDs, The irregularly shaped heat sink and the infrared-transmitting lens, in one embodiment, a plastic lens and has a conductive cable that connects to the controller.

[0078]

[0157] 9 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus according to one embodiment for intraoral phototherapy of a patient. The device may be configured with four panels 601, 602, a light source 610, and a light fan. Panels 601, 602, 603 and 604 are similar to those shown in, for example, FIGS. adjacent to the root area of ​​the maxilla as well as the root area of ​​the mandible, as described herein with respect to More specifically, the panels 601 and 602 may be configured to be arranged in a manner similar to that of the panels 601 and 602. may be positioned adjacent to the anterior root area of ​​the maxilla (or mandible), and panels 603 and 604 may be positioned adjacent to the posterior root area of ​​the maxilla (or mandible). 1, 602, 603, 604 are the panels 601, 602, 603, 604 of the maxillary root area and the mandibular root area, respectively. 02) and rearward (for panels 603 and 604). In this way, in use, panels 601 and 602 may be configured to be in contact with panel 603. , 604, and the panels 603, 604 may be configured to emit light in a direction toward the panel The panels 601, 602 may be configured to emit light in a direction toward the panels 601, 602. 602, 603 and 604 are, for example, initially adjacent to the anterior or posterior root region of the maxilla, respectively. After orthodontic treatment of the maxilla is completed, the panels 601, 602, 603 and 604 are detached from the maxilla and are adjacent to the anterior or posterior root area of ​​the mandible, respectively. In one embodiment, the panels 601, 6 602, 603 and 604 are in contact with the root area of ​​the maxilla and / or mandible, while the other In this embodiment, panels 601, 602, 603, and 604 are not in contact with the root area of ​​the maxilla and / or mandible, but within a certain distance (e.g., 0 In some embodiments, the panels 601, 60 2 is adjacent to (e.g., in contact with or within a certain distance from) the upper and / or lower buccal-lingual alveolar soft tissues ) arrangement, with the panels 603, 604 being positioned on the upper and / or lower tongue sides. The implant may be configured to be placed adjacent to the alveolar soft tissue. This eliminates the need to install electronic devices inside the vehicle.

[0079]

[0158] The panels may be any of the panels described herein, including, for example, those described with respect to FIGS. Each panel 60 may be similar or identical in one or more respects to any of the panels included therein. 1, 602, 603, 604 are associated with a bundle of optical fibers 620 extending to a light source 610. More specifically, each of the panels 601, 602, 603, and 604 is provided with an optical fiber. The light source 610 is connected to the emitter 632 via a bundle of light sources 620. Each panel 601, 602, 603, 604 and any house to which each panel is connected 9) is optically coupled to the emitter 632 of the light source 610. .

[0080]

[0159] Light source 610 may be the same as light source 410 with respect to FIG. 7 and / or light source 510 with respect to FIG. 8. The light source 610 may be, for example, one, two, three, or four light sources. One, four, or more (e.g., ten) LEDs (e.g., LED6 shown in FIG. 9). For example, LEDs 612, 614, 616, and 618 may be included. At least a portion of the light source 610, including the light sources 614, 616, and 618, is disposed within the external housing of the device. At least a portion of the external housing of the device may be configured as described herein. The panels 601, 602, 603, 604 are positioned in the oral cavity adjacent to the root area so that When the device is in use, it is configured to be placed outside the oral cavity. The panels 601, 602, 603, 604 are root zones as described herein. When placed in the oral cavity adjacent to the area, the device passes through the opening formed by the patient's lips. The film may be stretched by the stretching.

[0081]

[0160] The apparatus includes a manifold 650 defining one or more openings 652 therethrough. Each opening 652 of the manifold 650 may be such that at least a portion of the opening 652 is The funnel shape may include a tapered surface 654. The light source 610 (e.g., an LED) 612, 614, 616, 618) and one of the panels (e.g., panel 601 ) through an opening 652 in the manifold 650. As shown in FIG. 10, the ends of the bundled optical fibers 620 may be The LED 612 may be positioned above or adjacent to the LED 612. For example, some In an embodiment, the ends of the bundled optical fibers 620 are connected to an LED package (e.g., 12, which may include, for example, LED 612) or other The LED package (or LEDs) in the opening 652 of the manifold 650 are mounted on a suitable light source. is a part close to the LED package (or other emitter) 632 or the LED package (or other emitter) 632 At least one of them is equal to or smaller than the diameter of the optical fiber bundle. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, a fiber optic bundle 620 and The openings 652 of the manifold 650 adjacent to the LED packages 632 each have a diameter D The use of a funnel-shaped manifold allows the optical fibers 620 to be grouped into smaller bundles. This allows for a compact arrangement of the wires, thereby eliminating the need for bulky mounting ferrules. Such an arrangement of optical fibers 620 through manifold 650 is herein The designations for the individual panels 601, 602, 603, and 604 are also provided as detailed below. To provide.

[0082]

[0161] The light is emitted from the LEDs of the light source 610 (e.g., LEDs 612, 614, 616, 618). to the panels 601, 602, 603 and / or 604 via optical fiber 620. For example, a controller (not shown in FIG. 9) may control the panels 601, 602, The on / off state, intensity, frequency, pulse, duration of the light delivered to 603 and / or 604 and / or any other suitable parameters collectively and / or individually. You can control it.

[0083]

[0162] The optical fiber 620 is arranged such that a bundle of optical fibers 620 is attached to each panel as shown in FIG. 601, 602, 603, 604. For example, the optical fiber 620 may be coupled to the device in the vicinity of the optical fiber 620. The terminal is coupled to or adjacent to at least one of the light source 610 and the manifold 650. and the distal end of the optical fiber 620 is connected to one or more panels 601, 602, 603. and / or 604. 20 (i.e., the distal end of one or more of the optical fibers) Similar to the device shown and described above, the root zone may be adjacent (e.g., 0.1 cm to 3 cm) 7. Each optical fiber 620 may terminate at the root region (within the root region) or at the root region. Similar to the optical fiber 420, light from the light source 610 can be directed to the root zone. Optical fiber 620 optically couples panels 601, 602, 603 and / or 604. The optical fiber 620 may be configured to have any suitable number of fibers. For example, each panel 601, 602, 603 and / or 604 may be Depending on the particular lighting technique or pattern used, anywhere from 1 to 500 fibers may be used. The optical fiber 620 may be associated with a bundle. The optical fiber 620 may extend from the panel to the outside of the patient's mouth. 610. The light source 610 may be of any suitable shape and / or size so as to be able to comfortably extend to the light source 610 located at the The optical fiber 620 may have a collection length of, for example, about 0.5 cm to about 1.0 cm. To keep the fiber bundle together, a collar 622 may be attached to the optical fiber. The device shown in Figures 9-12 may be arranged around one or more of the fiber bundles 620. The device may be attached to either the upper or lower jaw, for example during orthodontic treatment.

[0084]

[0163] 13 is a schematic diagram of a device according to one embodiment. The device is for intraoral phototherapy of a patient. The device may be configured, for example, as described herein with respect to Figures 9-12. Intraoral phototherapy devices similar or identical in one or more respects to those described herein, including devices The device may include an intraoral housing 780 and an intraoral device 782. The intraoral housing may be placed in the oral cavity. The intraoral housing is configured such that at least a portion of the housing is positioned outside the oral cavity when the intraoral housing is placed. and an outer housing 790 extending from the front of the gasket.

[0085]

[0164] The intraoral housing 780 comprises one or more panels 701, 702, 703, 704, 705, 706, 707, 708, 709, 710, 711, 712, 713, 714, 715, 716, 717, 718, 719, 720, 721, 722, 723 4. The panels 701, 702, 703, and 704 are made of a light-emitting array, a fiber mat, and a The light source may include a light emitting diode (LED), an organic light emitting diode ("OLED"), or any suitable combination thereof. Panels 701, 702, 703, and 704 are related to panels 601, 602, 603, and 604. and configured to be placed in the patient's oral cavity in any manner described herein. Good too.

[0086]

[0165] The intraoral housing 780 is adjacent to the anterior root area of ​​the jaw (or buccal alveolar soft tissue). and a posterior root area (or lingual area) of the jaw. between panels 703, 704 configured to be positioned adjacent to the alveolar soft tissue In some embodiments, the intraoral housing 780 may be connected to a panel The lower part of panel 701 (not shown in FIG. 13) and the lower part of panel 704 (not shown in FIG. 13) 13) and similarly between the lower portion of panel 702 (not shown in FIG. 13) and panel 703 13) and a lower portion configured to extend between the lower portion of the In this manner, the intraoral housing 780 is defined by the lower portion of the intraoral housing. The recesses 782, 783 and the intraoral housing including the panels 701, 702, 703, 704 and an upper portion of the ridge. The recesses 782, 783 may be adapted to receive at least a portion of the patient's dentition. More specifically, the recess 7 may be configured to be disposed in or around the recess 7. 82, 783 are the upper part of the intraoral housing including the panels 701, 702, 703, 704 The component is positioned adjacent to and / or in contact with the alveolar soft tissue or root area of ​​the maxilla and / or mandible. The lower portion of the intraoral housing is deep enough to accommodate at least a portion of the patient's dentition. The thickness of the conductor is preferably 1 / 2 mm.

[0087]

[0166] The optical fiber 720 is connected to the panels 701, 702, 703, and 704 and the outer housing. within the cavity 790 (e.g., configured to remain outside the oral cavity when the device is in use). 13) and a light source (not shown in FIG. 13) located at the front of the external housing. and / or For example, one or more of the optical fibers 720 may be extended to be directed in the direction of the arrows in FIGS. Similar to the device shown and described above, the root zone may be adjacent (e.g., 0.1 cm to 3 cm) 7. Each optical fiber 720 may terminate within 100 m of the fiber optic cable 710 or at the root region. Directing light from a light source to the root zone, similar to the optical fiber 420 described with respect to The optical fiber 720 can be connected to any combination of the panels 701, 702, 703, and 704. The apparatus may be configured to optically couple a combination of any suitable number of optical fibers. For example, the device may have a driver depending on the particular light emitting technology or pattern used in the procedure. Each panel 701, 702, 703, 704 has 1 to 500 fibers. The optical fiber 720 may be connected to the light source by a manifold 750. The manifold may be similar in one or more respects to the manifold 650 described with respect to FIGS. 10-12. may be similar or identical in some respects and therefore will not be described in detail herein. .

[0088]

[0167] The light source may be one similar to the light source 610 described herein with respect to FIGS. They may be similar or identical in the above respects, and therefore, in this specification, The light source may be operable to emit light. For example, in some embodiments In embodiments, the light source may output monochromatic light. For example, the light source may be a laser, an LED, and / or any other suitable light source. is light having a wavelength in the range of about 600 nm to about 1200 nm or any of the light sources described herein. and emitting light output at two or more wavelengths, such as emitting light at a wavelength or range of wavelengths. to pass a range of wavelengths and / or to provide a broad spectrum light output or any suitable The light source may be configured to emit light of any of the wavelengths described herein. The light source may output light having a wavelength or characteristic of

[0089]

[0168] The outer housing 790 contains a power supply 792 and electronic circuitry 794, as shown in FIG. 94. The power source 792 may be a battery, including, for example, a rechargeable battery. The electronic circuitry 794 may include a circuit board. The appliance may be configured to control the appliance, i.e., during orthodontic treatment. For example, the electronic circuitry may determine the operating state of the light source and / or optical fiber 720, the wavelength and intensity of the emitted light. , frequency, or duration. does not require any physical connection to external components during the procedure (e.g., external light source, The device is self-contained (no external controller or power connection required). It can be characterized as

[0090]

[0169] The device must be in an upright position or orientation, or in an inverted (e.g. (i.e., the appliance is oriented relative to the maxilla) The device is configured to determine whether the jaw is facing the front or oriented relative to the mandible. For example, in some embodiments, the outer housing 790 may include a position sensor , including at least one of a gyroscope and an accelerometer. or an accelerometer, one or more sensors configured to determine the position (or orientation) of a device. may also include:

[0091]

[0170] In some embodiments, the device may include a charging station, as shown in FIG. The charging station 770 may also be included in the system. At least a portion of the device (e.g., the intraoral housing 780 and / or the external housing 790) a receiving portion 774 configured to receive at least a portion of the connecting assembly 772; , and a display 776. The connection assembly 772 is mounted within an outer housing 790. The power supply 792 is configured to facilitate charging (or recharging) the power supply 792 located in the power supply 792. In some embodiments, the connection assembly 772 may be configured to facilitate charging of the power source 792. 796 of the device. For example, the connection assembly 772 may be located on either the device or the charging station 770. a socket and a corresponding plug located on the other side of the device or charging station. In some embodiments, the connection assembly 772 may include a power supply 79 For example, the connection assembly 772 may be configured to wirelessly charge the power source 79. 2 may be configured to inductively charge the charging station 770. The display 776 is configured to display information related to the device and / or the charging station. For example, the display 776 may display the status or charge of the power supply 792, the treatment plan, The parameters associated with the protocol and / or the charging station 770 or device The device may be configured to display information regarding instructions for using one of the devices. In some embodiments, the charging station 770 may communicate with the device in one-way or two-way communication. In this way, the treatment protocol and / or Treatment protocol and / or treatment history (e.g., updates including any changes to the treatment history) information related to the device (e.g., patient usage or compliance with prescribed treatment protocols) and the charging station.

[0092]

[0171] 16 is a schematic diagram of a device according to one embodiment, which is adapted to provide intraoral light treatment to a patient. The device may be configured for use as described herein with respect to Figures 13 to 15. and related components described herein, including may be identical, may contain components that are similar in one or more respects, or may be identical. For example, the device may include an intraoral housing 880 and an external housing 890. The intraoral housing 880 is configured to be placed in the oral cavity. 90, at least a portion of the outer housing passes through an opening formed by the patient's lips The outer housing is configured to be extendable and to have a width that is larger than that of the outer housing when the intraoral housing is placed in the oral cavity. extends from the front of the intraoral housing 880 so that at least a portion of it is outside the oral cavity .

[0093]

[0172] The intraoral housing 880 may be positioned within the oral cavity in any suitable manner as described herein. The intraoral housing 880 may be configured to be positioned in the upper jaw and / or configured to be positioned adjacent to the anterior root area of ​​the mandible (and / or the buccal alveolar soft tissues); a first light-emitting array 801 and a lingual root area (and / or lingual alveolar soft tissue) of the upper and / or lower jaw; and a second light-emitting array 802 configured to be positioned adjacent to the tissue. 16, the intraoral housing 880 has a U-shaped or It may have a shape similar to that of a horseshoe. The light-emitting array 801 is disposed on the outer portion of the U-shape of the intraoral housing 880, and the second The light emitting array 802 is disposed on the inner portion of the U-shape of the intraoral housing. During use, the light-emitting arrays 801 and 802 are oriented toward the light-emitting arrays 803 and 804. The light emitting arrays 803 and 804 may be configured to emit light to the light emitting arrays 801 and 804. It may be configured to emit light in a direction towards 802.

[0094]

[0173] The light emitting arrays 801, 802 are at least partially embedded in the material that constructs the intraoral housing 880. The intraoral housing 880 may be made of, for example, silicone or another It may be constructed of any suitable material, including soft, e.g., malleable, materials. The arrays 801, 802 are at least partially embedded in the material that constructs the intraoral housing 880. embedded LEDs, OLEDs, light emitting semiconductors, or any suitable combination thereof In some embodiments, the light emitting arrays 801, 802 may include an intraoral housing. The device is completely embedded in the 880 material.

[0095]

[0174] The intraoral housing 880 is similar to that described with respect to the recess 782 with reference to FIG. and thus recess 782 is referred to herein as It is not explained in detail.

[0096]

[0175] The outer housing 890 contains a power supply 892, electronic circuitry 894, and an orientation sensing mechanism ( 16). In this way, the device is considered to be self-contained. A power source 892 (e.g., a battery) supplies light via electronic circuitry 894. The electronic circuitry 894 is configured to provide power to the arrays 801, 802. The orientation sensing mechanism may be configured to control the device, for example, during orthodontic treatment. , the position or orientation of the device, e.g., whether the device is upright for positioning relative to the upper jaw, and is configured to determine whether it is inverted for positioning relative to the mandible. The orientation sensing mechanism may include a position sensor, a gyroscope (e.g., a semi-gyroscope), and a pressure sensor. The vehicle may include at least one of a speedometer.

[0097]

[0176] The device may be similar to the device described herein with respect to Figures 13 to 15, It is configured for use with a charging station, such as charging station 770. That's fine.

[0098]

[0177] The devices described with respect to FIGS. 13-16 may be used in a charging station (e.g., Although described as being configured for use with the In embodiments, the self-contained device may be configured to charge the power source and / or control the lighting of the device. For example, referring to FIG. 17, the device may be configured with differences in an intraoral housing 980 configured to be placed in the oral cavity; the patient's lips so that when positioned, at least a portion of the outer housing is outside the oral cavity. an outer housing 990 configured to extend through the opening formed by the The intraoral housing 980 may be any of the intraoral housings for intraoral phototherapy described herein. It may be similar in one or more respects to that of a device or apparatus, and may have similar or identical structure. The outer housing 990 may include any of the outer housings described herein. 790 and 890 may be similar in one or more respects, and may be similar or identical It may include components.

[0099]

[0178] A power supply (not shown in FIG. 17) within the outer housing 990 is connected to connector 972 It is configured to be charged via a USB mini-plug or USB micro-plug. The device is a smartphone (e.g., iPhone or Android) electronically linked with external electronic devices such as mobile phones, including Samsung Galaxy S10™-based devices The devices may be connected or paired via Bluetooth or other Wireless one-way or two-way communication with external electronic devices, such as via a wireless connection For example, the device may be configured to: to send information related to patient usage and / or treatment protocol compliance to the device. and may be configured to receive information related to medical, e.g., orthodontic, treatment. The application loaded on the external electronic device may be configured to: The device is used to monitor and control orthodontic treatment and / or to record patient usage history and and / or may be used to record and review compliance history with prescribed treatment protocols. good.

[0100]

[0179] In some embodiments, the device according to one embodiment may measure the amount of light, e.g. strength or the patient's periodontal tissue (e.g., portions of the root zones of the maxilla and / or mandible and / or alveolar soft tissue) The radiation is irradiated onto the patient's periodontal tissue and absorbed or reflected by the patient's periodontal tissue. The device is configured to detect the duration of the time that the signal is transmitted. The device according to one embodiment is adapted to administer a prescribed orthodontic treatment plan as described herein. It can be configured to assess patient compliance with the protocol. The device according to the embodiment may include a light emitting array that may be similar or identical to any of the light emitting arrays described herein. The array 1101 may include one or more photodetectors 1102. In one embodiment, the light emitting array 1101 is located on or near a portion of the root area of ​​the upper and / or lower jaw. one or more emitters operable to illuminate the area and / or alveolar soft tissue associated with At least a portion of the light detector 1102, such as one or more sensors of the light detector, includes a light emitting element. The light (i.e., photons) emitted by Ray 1101 penetrates the alveolar soft tissue (and associated alveolar cavity). The device is configured to be positioned within the oral cavity to detect transmission or reflectance from, for example, The photodetector 1102 or its sensor may be positioned on the oral cavity surface, and the photodetector The device may be in electrical communication with a portion of the device that is located outside the oral cavity. The detection of light transmission by the photodetector 1102 activates the photodetector every few seconds. configured to turn off the power supply if no optical attenuation is detected by the photodetector within a period of time The device may record a history of light detection and a history of powering off the device due to a lack of detection. Such usage information may be used to store a record of the medication that the patient is prescribed. This configuration can be used to determine compliance with a specific orthodontic treatment protocol. , to ensure that the light emitting array 1101 does not operate unless the device is in the patient's mouth. This configuration also serves as a fail-safe mechanism. This information may also be used to: It may also be used to customize the dosage of light therapy to be administered to a patient. The compliance assessment mechanism may be included or integrated into any of the intraoral phototherapy devices described herein. It can be done.

[0101]

[0180] In another example, referring to FIG. 18B, an apparatus according to one embodiment may be configured to measure the amount of light, e.g. the strength or the patient's periodontal tissues (e.g., parts of the root zones of the maxilla and / or mandible and / or teeth) The radiation is irradiated onto the alveolar soft tissues and absorbed by the patient's periodontal tissues, or The device is configured to detect the duration of the reflected light. from the amount or dose of light to which the root zone is exposed, irradiated to, absorbed by, or The method may be configured to determine the energy density reflected by the root area. The device may be configured to regulate the amount of light emitted by the device as described herein. whether to be irradiated into the patient's periodontal tissue, absorbed by the patient's periodontal tissue, or the detected amount, intensity and / or energy density of light reflected by the patient's periodontal tissues Alternatively, the determination may be made based on the duration.

[0102]

[0181] In some embodiments, the device comprises a first flange 1110 and a second flange 1111. The first flange 1110 includes one or more flanges 1116. a plurality of light emitters 1111, and when the mouthpiece is placed in the patient's mouth, and / or the root area of ​​the mandible and / or the first part of the alveolar soft tissue (collectively referred to as tissue T) In some embodiments, one or The plurality of light emitters 1111 are at least partially or completely encased in the first flange. In some embodiments, one or more light emitters 1111 may be , disposed on the surface of the first flange. One or more light emitters 1111 are The light emitted from the endodontic device is directed toward a first portion of the root area and / or alveolar soft tissue of the maxilla and / or mandible. One or more light emitters 1111 are positioned to emit light via paths 1113. 1114. In this case, the controller 1114 may control the light emitted by one or more light emitters 1111. The parameters of the effect (eg, duration, intensity, and wavelength) can be controlled.

[0103]

[0182] A second flange 1116 of the mouthpiece contains one or more photodetectors 1112. The mouthpiece was placed in the patient's mouth (and the first flange was positioned on the upper and / or lower jaw). When placed adjacent to the buccal side of the first portion of the root area and / or alveolar soft tissue of the jaw, a second portion of the root area and / or alveolar soft tissue of the jaw and / or mandible opposite the first portion; The photodetector 1112 is configured to be positioned adjacent to the palatal or lingual side. The photodetector 1 may be at least partially or completely enclosed by the second flange 1116. 112 is a root area and / or alveolar area of ​​the maxilla and / or mandible between the first part and the second part. The light detector 1112 is configured to receive light that has passed through the soft tissue. The optical detector is configured to be in electrical communication with the controller 1114, such as via a 1112 communicates information related to the light received by the photodetector 1112 to the controller 1114. For example, the photodetector 1112 may be configured to detect information related to the intensity of the received light. The information may be communicated to the controller 1114.

[0104]

[0183] The controller 1114 may, for example, control the optical transmission through the patient's tissue to achieve a desired optical penetration. To achieve this, parameters of the light emitted by one or more light emitters 1111 should be adjusted. For example, the controller 1 may be configured to execute an algorithm to determine whether the 114 is a signal that is transmitted to the controller 1114 from the light received by the photodetector 1112. Related information and one or more prior art signals related to the emission of light by one or more light emitters 1111 Execute the algorithm based on known parameters (e.g., duration, intensity, and wavelength) The controller 1114 may select one or more light emitters based on the above determination. It may be configured to adjust one or more parameters of the light emission by 1111. Co The parameters of the light emission that can be adjusted or otherwise controlled by the controller 1114 are the intensity of the light emitted by one or more emitters 1111, one or more light emitters the duration of the light emission by 1111, one or more wavelengths of the light, or one or more of the intensity, duration, and wavelength including one or more of them.

[0105]

[0184] In some embodiments, the controller 1114 is configured to determine whether the mouthpiece of the device is positioned (e.g., adjacent) relative to the maxillary root region or the mandibular root region. For example, the controller 1114 can cause one or more light emitters 1111 to emit light of a known intensity, duration, or wavelength. Then, the controller 1114 can receive information related to the transmission of light through the root region from the photodetector 1112, and then, based on the received information, determine whether the light <00018​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Thus, the mouthpiece is positioned against the upper jaw, after which the light is directed through one or more light elements. Energy density based on light emitted by the emitter 1111 and transmitted through the maxillary root area. The degree of the occlusion is detected by a photodetector 1112. For the upper jaw, the degree of the occlusion is detected by a photodetector 1112. is the reflectance value, and in this specification it is referred to as I ratio and can be calculated as follows: However, I delivery is the value of the light emitted by the emitter (e.g., mW / c m 2 (intensity measured at 1000 kJ / s), and I transmission is received by the photodetector The value of the vignetted light (e.g., mW / cm 2 (intensity measured at :

[0107]

number

[0108] Similarly, for the mandible, I ratio can be calculated as follows:

[0109]

number

[0110]

[0186] I ratio is based, for example, at least in part, on photon power density The controller 1114 may ratio value (i.e., γ 1max and / or γ1 mnd ) in the device. To determine whether the base is optimally positioned relative to the upper or lower jaw, a memory The value described herein with reference to FIG. 18A can be used to In the same way, the device monitors patient compliance throughout the duration of the orthodontic treatment regimen. During use, each I ratio The value is calculated as follows: and can be adjusted based on patient tolerance. In the delivery Selectively change the strength (e.g. (e.g., increasing or decreasing) to obtain the desired I transmission Achieved To be done I delivery is configured to adjust the

[0111]

[0187] In this specification, I ratio is mW / cm 2 is recorded as being measured at Although, in some embodiments, I ratio are the desired lighting parameters or may be measured using different units of measurement appropriate to the property. For example, I ratio teeth, It may be measured in terms of optical wavelength (e.g., in nanometers). The controller 1114 may be absorbed and / or transmitted by chromophores in the patient's tissue, for example. It may be configured to analyze the light absorption state of the cells as represented by the change in wavelength.

[0112]

[0188] Referring to FIG. 18C, a device according to one embodiment may be used to treat maxillary and / or mandibular root segments. The amount, intensity, wavelength and / or duration of light emitted towards the area and / or part of the alveolar soft tissue and through the root area and / or alveolar soft tissue of the maxilla and / or mandible. The device is configured to detect the amount, intensity, wavelength and / or duration of light. The devices described herein, such as those described with reference to Figures 18A and 18B, may be similar or identical in many respects to any other device of the It contains components that are similar or identical in many respects to components of any other device described. In some embodiments, the device is adapted to be placed on the buccal side of the root area. a first flange 1120 configured to be positioned on the palatal or lingual side of the root region; and a second flange 1126 formed thereon.

[0113]

[0189] One or more light emitters (e.g., a plurality of light emitters) 1121 are attached to the first flange. 1120, where one or more light emitters 1121 are individually addressable (or controllable). The light emitter 1121 includes a section 1123 that can be controlled to affect the emission of light by one or more sections of the light emitter 1121. The parameters (e.g., intensity, duration, and / or wavelength) affecting one or more light emitters. In other words, one or more light sources can be controlled separately and independently from the different sections of the light source. The intensity, duration, and / or wavelength of the light emitted by the emitter 1121 may be controlled by one or more The second flange 1126 may vary between the various sections 1123 of the light emitter. The plurality of photodetectors 1122 includes two photodetectors (e.g., a plurality of photodetectors 1122). In some embodiments, the optical fiber 1120 may include one or more separate optical detectors 1124. The number of the one or more photodetectors 1122 is equal to the number of the sections 1123 of the one or more photoemitters 1121. In this way, each photodetector 1124 detects one or more The light emitted by the corresponding section 1123 of the emitter 1121 and the light detector 11 24. In this way, one The light emitted by each section of the light emitter 1121 is used to treat different patients whose alveolar dimensions may differ. It can be adjusted to accommodate variations in implant target and / or anatomical structure. Such adjustments are based, at least in part, on the light received by the corresponding photodetector 1124. It's fine.

[0114]

[0190] In some embodiments, the components described herein with reference to Figures 18A-18C An apparatus including a photodetector for sensing light transmission or reflectance, such as the apparatus described above, For example, in some embodiments, the device may be configured to perform an initial calibration. To calibrate, the patient places the device in the upper arch of the mouth. The device has an internal orientation sensing mechanism (e.g. The orientation (i.e., upright or inverted) is recorded using one or more A light source, such as an LED, is activated. One or more optical fibers are then coupled to a distal end, which transmits photons or The device acts as a receiver and a photodetector configured to determine the transmission or reflectance of light. Activation of the light source and determination of the light transmission or reflectance by the receiver / photodetector fiber can be performed using, for example, The test is repeated two or three times. The average light transmittance or reflectance is calculated. It is used as a threshold or range during orthodontic treatment. The detected amount of light is used to determine the threshold or range. If a mismatch occurs, the appliance is deactivated to stop the orthodontic treatment.

[0115]

[0191] In some embodiments, the device is adapted to adjust the curvature and position of a patient's tissue within the patient's oral cavity. and / or other physical attributes of the oral cavity. For example, with reference to Figures 20-22, a device according to one embodiment may be placed adjacent to the patient's buccal alveolar soft tissue. an anterior portion 1282 configured to be positioned adjacent to the patient's lingual alveolar soft tissue; and a rear portion 1284 configured to be placed in the oral cavity. The core wire M is located on the left and right sides ( (also referred to herein as wings or flanges) respectively. In an embodiment, the left and / or right height is the average incisor root length and premolar length. and a length corresponding to the length of the canine tooth on that side. The area being treated is slightly underextended compared to a different area on that side (e.g., the incisor) or a different part thereof. For example, the buccal alveolar soft tissue may be positioned adjacent to the A first light-emitting array or mat (not shown in FIGS. 20-22) configured to: For example, the length of the lingual alveolar soft tissue on the palate side of the teeth may be approximately equal to the width of the two molars. A second corresponding light emitting array or mat configured to be positioned adjacent to the first The intraoral housing 1280 may have a length similar to that of the light emitting array. A palate that may be configured to move perpendicular to the second side, e.g., upward relative to the upper hard palate. It may include portions or wings 1288.

[0116]

[0192] The intraoral housing 1280 includes one or more separate segments 1286, each of which extends from (e.g., downwardly from) the underside of the front portion 1282 of the intraoral housing. a second portion extending from (e.g., downwardly from) the underside of the rear portion 1284 of the intraoral housing. and between the end of the first portion and the end of the second portion of the segment 1286 (e.g., horizontal Thus, segment 1286 (the bite pad and ) is a device for providing an intraoral cavity housing 1280 for intraoral use, as described herein. around at least a portion of the crown of one or more teeth adjacent to each segment when placed in The segment 1286 is configured to be positioned within the intraoral housing 1280. 1282. In this way, the When the intraoral housing 1280 is placed in the oral cavity as shown, segment 1 286 or occlusal pads are placed around the crowns of fewer than all teeth. In an embodiment, a first number of teeth of the patient are covered by segment 1286, and the first number A second number greater than 1286 is not covered by the segment. For example, each segment 1286 The implant has sufficient height, width, and / or depth to be placed around the crowns of one or two teeth. In use, a device may be provided to maintain the position of the intraoral housing 1280 in the oral cavity. The patient may bite on segment 1286 during orthodontic treatment, for example, to improve the appearance of the teeth. The use of segments or bite pads as described herein reduces the bulk associated with the surface area of ​​the appliance. This also serves to improve patient comfort.

[0117]

[0193] The segment 1286 comprises the front and rear portions 1282 of the intraoral housing 1280; It may be constructed of similar, identical or different materials to those of 1284. For example, The front and rear portions 1282, 1284 of the housing 1280 are made of a soft material such as silicone. For example, it may be constructed of a malleable material, with segment 1286 being harder and less malleable. soft materials, e.g. silicone overmolded with soft materials such as soft silicone It may be constructed with

[0118]

[0194] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 20-22, an intraoral housing 1280 The first segment has an anterior and posterior portion 1282, 1283. 84 along the centerline M. The second and third segments are At the left and right ends of the intraoral housing 1280, opposite the front and rear 1282 , 1284. However, in other embodiments, the segments The ports may extend from different points along the underside of the front and rear portions 1282, 1284. For example, as shown in FIG. 23, the device is aligned with the centerline defined by the intraoral housing (FIG. 23 (not shown) extending from the underside of the anterior and posterior portions of the intraoral housing. The segments and the front and rear lower surfaces of the intraoral housing are aligned along the center line and opposite the center line. One extending from one or more points between the left and right ends of the intraoral housing The dental implant 1300 may include an intraoral housing 1380 including the above segments.

[0119]

[0195] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the device is directed toward a portion of the patient's body. The device is biased, which helps to maintain the position of the device relative to the patient's mouth, for example. As shown in FIG. 24, the device is positioned adjacent to the root area of ​​the jaw to provide a bridge between the root area and the buccal mucosa. a first portion 1401 configured to be positioned between and adjacent to the chin side of the jaw root region; and a second portion 1402 configured to be placed on the first portion 1402. The first portion 1401 is biased in a first direction toward the root area, and the second portion 1402 is biased in a second direction toward the root area. More specifically, the first portion 1401 is biased in the opposite direction to the first portion's free The end is moved in a first direction indicated by arrow A1 toward the root zone and / or The second portion 1402 is spring loaded to apply pressure to the free end of the second portion. is moved in a second direction indicated by arrow A2 towards the root zone and / or In some embodiments, the first portion is spring loaded to apply pressure to the The pressure applied by the first portion 1401 and / or the second portion 1402 may be applied to at least the tissue of the patient. The first and second portions 1401, 1402 are located in the root region. , even if it is configured to pivot at a joint located immediately above and adjacent to the crown of the tooth. good.

[0120]

[0196] In another example, as shown in FIG. 25, the device is divided by a centerline M. The intraoral housing 1580 has a right flange 1501 and a left flange 1502. The right flange 1501 and the left flange 1502 each are adjacent to the root area of ​​the jaw. The right flange 1501 is configured to be positioned adjacent to the first flange 1502 toward the root region. The right flange 1501 is biased in the direction of the hinge. The device is connected to the device by two hinges 1503, 1505 so that the device can be inserted into the oral cavity. One or more wires (e.g., As shown in Figure 25, each has two Nitinol or For example, hinges 1503 and 1505 are arranged around a horizontal axis. The nitinol wires 1504, 1506 may move in an axis that is approximately perpendicular to the horizontal axis of the hinge. The wire 1504 may be embedded in the silicone of the intraoral housing 1580. 1506 is configured to be biased toward the root region. 04, 1506 presses the tip of the right flange to attach the tissue of the root area to the right flange 1501. The left flange 1502 may be configured similarly to the right flange 1501. In some embodiments, hinges 1503, 1505 and / or wires 1504, 1506 is a relatively large orthodontic force, such as a force operable to move one or more teeth. and / or may generate shaping forces.

[0121]

[0197] In another example, an apparatus according to one embodiment is shown in FIG. The device has an upper portion 1681 extending between a first end and a second end, and a lower portion 1682 extending between the first end and the second end. and a lower portion 1682 extending between the upper and lower ends. The upper and lower portions 1681, 1682 are each configured to be positioned adjacent to the root area in the oral cavity. The upper and lower portions 1681, 1682 are configured to approximately correspond to the curvature of the patient's dentition. The upper portion 1681 has a curve (e.g., a U-shape or a horseshoe shape) configured to The first end of the lower portion 1682 is connected to the first end of the lower portion 1682 by a shape-retaining member 1687. The shape-retaining member 1687 is, for example, a curved rigid plastic having shape-memory properties. The shape-retaining member 1687 is biased toward the open configuration, where the upper The first end of portion 1681 is oriented in a first direction indicated by arrow A3 toward the intraoral housing. 1680 is moved away from the first end of the lower portion 1682 of the lower portion 1682. The first end is rotated in a second, opposite direction indicated by arrow A4 toward the intraoral housing 1680. The second end of the upper portion 1681 is moved away from the first end of the upper portion 1681. The end is joined to the second end of the lower portion 1682 by a similar shape-retaining member 1687. Therefore, the second end of the upper portion 1681 and the second end of the lower portion 1682 are in an open configuration. In this manner, the intraoral housing 16 The upper and lower portions 1681, 1682 of 80 are adjacent to each root portion when the patient's jaw is open. The biasing force applied by the shape-retaining member 1687 The upper portion 1681 and / or the lower portion 1682 are attached to the patient's cheek / This force is sufficient to move the tooth toward the depth of the alveolar vestibule. may not be enough to open the patient's jaw.

[0122]

[0198] A portion of the device according to one embodiment is shown in Figure 27. The device is roughly U-shaped. The oral housing is constructed of soft silicone. Wire 1787 (e.g., Nitinol or other superelastic wire) or other shapes A retention member is embedded in the intraoral housing. The first end of the wire is attached to the intraoral housing. The second end of the wire is disposed at the first end 1782 of the lug 1780 and the second end of the wire is disposed at the The first and second ends of the wire are disposed at the second opposite end 1784. The first end of the suction cup and the second end of the intraoral housing are moved toward each other ( In other words, the wire is biased inward so that it can be inserted into the intraoral housing. First and second ends 1782, 1784 of ring 1780 are shown by solid lines in FIG. from an open position, which is positioned a first distance from a centerline M of the intraoral housing so as to 27, first and second ends 1782, 1784 are positioned within the oral cavity as shown by the dashed lines in FIG. a second distance from the center line M of the inner housing that is shorter than the first distance; In this way, the wire is biased to move into position within the intraoral housing. In some areas (e.g., left and right areas and / or light-emitting panels), the buccal side of the root area is Gentle pressure is applied towards the tongue or palate of the mouth. The housing 1780 is configured to cause displacement of a portion of oral soft tissue above the root of the tooth. are.

[0123]

[0199] In some embodiments, the device is an intraoral cavity housing, as shown in FIG. The intraoral housing may include an intraoral housing 1880. 27. The first and second ends 1882, 1884 of the optical fiber 1800 are shown in FIG. The wires are configured to bias the wires away from each other in the opposite direction to that described above. 1887 (e.g., Nitinol or other superelastic wire) or other shape-retaining material. In other words, the wire 1887 has first and second ends 1882, 1884 as shown in FIG. and a first distance from the center line M of the intraoral housing as shown by the solid line in FIG. From the closed position in which the first and second ends 1882, 1884 are shown by dashed lines in FIG. A second distance longer than the first distance is set from the center line M of the intraoral housing as shown by The wire is biased to move to an open position where it is placed in place. 28 shows a portion of the intraoral housing (e.g., the left and right portions and / or the light-emitting panel, (not shown) towards or in the direction of the buccal side of the root area, relative to the lingual or palatal side of the root area. In this way, the device is configured to apply gentle pressure in the oral cavity. The housing 1880 is configured to cause displacement of a portion of oral soft tissue above the root of the tooth. are.

[0124]

[0200] The wire 1887 may be positioned in any suitable location within the intraoral housing 1880. For example, as shown in FIG. 28, wire 1887 may be inserted into intraoral housing 18 80. However, in other embodiments, 29, the wire 1987 is inserted into the outer periphery of the intraoral housing 1980. Wire 1987 may be positioned adjacent to the curve. 7 connects the first and second ends 1982, 1984 of the intraoral housing 1980 to each other, respectively. 27 and 28, for example, opposite to that shown and described with respect to FIG. may be configured to bias in a direction similar to that shown and described with respect to In this respect, the wire 1987 may be similar to the wire 1887. In other words, the wire 1987 may be similar to the wire 1887. 29) to an open position (shown by a dashed line in FIG. 28). 28 to move in a manner similar to that described herein with reference to FIG. In this manner, the wire 1987 is biased to a portion of the intraoral housing 1980. Apply gentle pressure laterally and outward directly to the lingual or palatal side of the area. It is structured as follows.

[0125]

[0201] The devices shown in FIGS. 27 and 28 use wires (e.g., Nitto wires) as shape-retaining members. Although the present invention has been described as including a coil wire, in other embodiments, different shapes may be used. A retaining member (or biasing member) may be included in the device. For example, the shape-retaining member may be an It may also include a bar-molded plastic insert.

[0126]

[0202] An oral appliance 2000 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. The device 2000 is in many respects identical or similar to the oral devices described herein. or may contain components that are identical or similar in many respects. The device 2000 includes an intraoral housing 2080 configured to be placed in the patient's oral cavity. In some embodiments, the intraoral housing 2080 is located within the patient's oral cavity. and configured to be positioned relative to the upper jaw, the lower jaw, or each of the upper and lower jaws. The intraoral housing 2080 includes at least one light emitting panel 2002. The panel 2002 may include one or more light emitters 2004, such as LEDs. The device 2000 is configured to apply light in any suitable manner described herein. In some embodiments, for example, the oral appliance 2000 may have a power rating of about 60 mW / cm 2 The light source may be configured to emit light with a density of 1000 nm or less.

[0127]

[0203] The light emitting panel 2002 includes one or more light emitters 2004 arranged in three parallel rows. Although illustrated as a , in other embodiments, one or more light emitters may be (e.g., one or more vertical rows, one or more diagonal rows, a random pattern, or any other suitable configuration) It may be positioned differently relative to the light emitting panel and / or the intraoral housing. In some embodiments, the light emitting panel 2002 is at least partially enclosed within the intraoral housing. For example, the light emitting panel 2002 is enclosed within the intraoral housing 2080. The intraoral housing 2080 may be made of, for example, a soft silicone material. The intraoral housing 2080 may be constructed of any suitable material, including 43-44 )。 As shown in FIG. 44, the intraoral housing 208 0 may be coupled to the electronic device by a tether 2020.

[0128]

[0204] The oral appliance 2000 may be used to treat any dental condition, including any treatment as described herein. It may be configured for use in orthodontic treatment. For example, the oral appliance 2000 may be configured to apply pressure to at least a portion of the patient's upper jaw for approximately three minutes and to apply pressure to at least a portion of the patient's lower jaw for approximately three minutes. or at least a portion of each of the patient's upper and lower jaws for about 3 minutes. It is used to irradiate for a short time.

[0129]

[0205] An oral appliance 2100 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. The device 2100 is in many respects identical or similar to the oral devices described herein. or may contain components that are identical or similar in many respects. The intraluminal device 2100 is an intraoral device configured to be placed within the oral cavity (e.g., in the mouth) of a patient. a housing 2180 and an extraoral housing 219 coupled to the intraoral housing 2180; 0 (also referred to herein as the "beak"). 0 is coupled to the front of the intraoral housing 2180. For example, the extraoral housing 21 90 may be coupled to the intraoral housing 2180 by a protrusion 2188. In this manner, the protrusions 2188 are adapted to be inserted into the oral cavity of the patient when the intraoral housing 2180 is placed in the oral cavity of the patient. When the extraoral housing 2190 is inserted, at least a portion of the extraoral housing 2190 is positioned outside the patient's oral cavity. Extending through the opening of the patient's mouth, for example through the opening between the patient's lips, as shown. In this way, the extraoral housing 2190, or beak, can be attached to the intraoral housing 2190. When the intraoral housing 2180 and / or the protrusions 21 are placed in the patient's mouth, 88 may be supported against the patient's mouth. As will be described in more detail, one or more electronic components of device 2100 may be at least partially It is configured to be wrapped in

[0130]

[0206] The oral appliance 2100 is useful for light therapy on each of the patient's upper and lower jaws. In other words, the oral appliance 2100 is configured to and a device configured to administer light therapy to the patient's upper jaw when the device is in an inverted position. At other times, it may be configured to administer light therapy to the patient's lower jaw. The intraoral housing 2180 is positioned within the patient's oral cavity relative to each of the patient's upper and lower jaws. The oral device 2100 and the intraoral housing 2180 may be configured to is in an upright position when configured to be oriented relative to the upper jaw and is in an upright position when configured to be oriented relative to the lower jaw. Although the inverted position is described as being present when configured to be oriented in the opposite direction, other implementations may be used. In an embodiment, the oral appliance 2100 and the intraoral housing 2180 are attached to the patient's mandible. When configured to be oriented relative to the patient's upper jaw, the device is in an upright position and is oriented relative to the patient's upper jaw. Note that when configured to be inverted, the

[0131]

[0207] The oral appliance 2100 may be configured to determine the orientation of the appliance. In other words, the oral appliance 2100 is configured such that the intraoral housing 2180 is oriented in an upright position. and configured to determine whether the sensor is oriented in a reversed or inverted position. For example, the oral appliance 2100 may be configured such that the intraoral housing 2180 is oriented in an upright position. a gyroscope configured to determine whether the gyroscope is oriented in a reversed or inverted position; The device 2100 includes a gyroscope (not shown in FIG. 47). It is disposed within or otherwise coupled to an extraoral housing 2190 .

[0132]

[0208] The device 2100 includes at least one battery or other suitable power source. For example, as shown in FIG. 47, a first battery 2194 and a second battery 2195 , coupled to the extraoral housing 2190 of the device 2100. For example, the battery 219 4, 2195 may be disposed within the extraoral housing 2190. 94, 2195 are attached to the intraoral housing 2 as described in more detail herein. 180 to provide power to one or more light emitting panels (shown schematically in FIG. 52) located within The first battery 2194 may be configured to, for example, be a rechargeable lithium The second battery 2195 may include a silicon-ion battery. The second battery 2195 is configured for inductive charging. For example, the second battery 2195 may include a Qi-compliant charging coil. good.

[0133]

[0209] The microprocessor 2196 is coupled to the extraoral housing 2190 of the device 2100. The microprocessor 2196 is located within the extraoral housing 2190. The microprocessor 2196 may also store information about the patient's use of the oral appliance 2100. For example, the microprocessor 2196 may be configured to store, for example, Schedule one or more treatment sessions included in the program, during the treatment sessions the orientation of the device 2100, the duration of the treatment session, and the duration of one or more treatment sessions. The patient's treatment program and the duration of that treatment program, including the duration between the patient's previous treatment session and the treatment plan. may be configured to store information related to the use of device 2100 during a program. The microprocessor 2196 may be configured to determine whether the patient's oral appliance 2100 is being used or not. It may also be configured to determine whether the user is complying with the installation program. The microprocessor 2196 may also include a patient's usage history (e.g., application to the patient's upper and / or lower jaws). the number of treatment sessions administered, the duration of the treatment sessions, and whether any treatment sessions were interrupted (including whether the patient was interrupted) during the treatment session specified by the patient's treatment program. Compliance with treatment schedules, including checking for deviations from treatment programs, The microprocessor 21 may be configured to determine the patient's compliance. The determination of 96 may be based, at least in part, on information received from a proximity detector. For example, a proximity detector is activated when the device is fully placed in the patient's mouth. The microprocessor 2196 may be configured to control the patient's use of the device 2100. configured to transmit usage and / or compliance related information by an external device. For example, in some embodiments, the microprocessor 2196 The usage and / or compliance information may be transmitted to an external device (e.g., a mobile phone, personal digital assistant, terminal, computer, portable electronic device, etc.) to Bluetooth® or 47. In this way, the Bluetooth® communication module 2198 is connected to the extraoral housing 2 190.

[0134]

[0210] The extraoral housing 2190 includes indicia of the status of the treatment session. The display includes a communication mechanism (not shown in FIG. 47) configured to provide Terms are used herein in the singular ("indicium") unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. ) or plural ("indicia"). Indication can also be an audible indication (e.g. sound, beep, announcement, etc.), tactile indication (e.g. vibration), or visual indication (e.g. The display may include one or more of the following: For example, the extraoral housing 2190 may be configured to indicate the status or stage of a treatment session. The light indicator includes a light indicator configured to display a light during a first phase of the treatment session. and / or displaying a flashing or pulsating light during the second phase of the treatment session; A continuous light is displayed during the third phase of the treatment session. For example, at the beginning of a treatment session, a first predetermined duration (e.g., 2 minutes 30 seconds, 2 minutes The light may be configured to display a continuous light for a period of time (for example, 45 seconds, or 2 minutes and 10 seconds). The display may be for a first predetermined duration followed by a second predetermined duration (e.g., 10 seconds, 15 seconds, or 30 seconds) as a signal to the patient that the treatment session is nearing completion. The device may be configured to display a flashing or pulsating light. The light display may indicate the duration of the treatment session. The treatment session has ended (e.g., 3 minutes after the start of the treatment session) and the device 2100 is no longer emitting light. Sometimes it may be configured not to display any light.

[0135]

[0211] In some embodiments, the extraoral housing 2190 is At least a portion of the extraoral housing is visible to the patient when the ring is placed in the patient's oral cavity. (e.g., a first portion of the extraoral housing engaged with the intraoral housing 2080) end 2191 and a second opposite end 2193 of the extraoral housing (i.e., the intraoral housing) the end of the extraoral housing farthest from the patient's mouth when the device is placed in the patient's mouth In other words, for example, the second end 21 of the extraoral housing At least a portion of the extraoral housing 2190, including 93, is When positioned with the patient's mouth, it is within the patient's line of sight. In this way, the light indicator , in an extraoral housing 2 in such a way that the light indication is within the patient's line of sight during the treatment session. 190.

[0136]

[0212] As described herein, the intraoral housing 2180 is inserted into the patient's oral cavity. The upper jaw and the lower jaw are configured to be positioned relative to each other, or to be positioned relative to each of the upper jaw and the lower jaw. The intraoral housing 2180 can be reversible for positioning relative to the 13-15 and 43-44 in the document. The oral housing may be similar in one or more respects to the oral housings described herein, including The intraoral appliance may contain components that are similar or identical in more than one respect. Housing 2180 will not be described in detail.

[0137]

[0213] The intraoral housing 2180 includes a lower portion 2182 and an upper portion 2186. The upper portion 2182 has a first plane and the upper portion 2186 has a second plane that is different from the first plane. For example, the intraoral housing 2180 may be placed in the patient's oral cavity for a treatment session. When attached, the upper portion 2186 may be generally vertical and the lower portion 2182 may be generally horizontal. In this manner, the upper portion 2186 may be positioned adjacent to and / or against a portion of the side of the patient's tooth. The upper portion 2181 is positionable adjacent to the alveolar mucosa, and the lower portion 2182 is positionable adjacent to the occlusal surfaces of the patient's teeth. For example, the lower portion 2182 can be positioned over a bite pad that the patient bites down on during a treatment session. It may be configured as a

[0138]

[0214] As shown in FIG. 46, the lower portion 2182 of the intraoral housing 2180 is ridged. The ridge 2184 is located along the centerline of the intraoral housing 2180. and is elevated relative to the first plane of the lower portion 2182. When the housing 2180 is placed in the patient's oral cavity, the patient This facilitates positioning of the housing 2180. For example, the intraoral housing 2180 may be The protruding portion 2184 is positioned in the patient's mouth so that it is positioned between the patient's front central incisors. The patient's proprioception regarding the teeth and periodontal tissue is 80 ridge 2184 position will allow for sensory feedback to the patient. In this manner, the ridge 2184 facilitates centering of the intraoral housing 2180 within the oral cavity. and thus facilitates the performance of phototherapy treatments on the alveoli or other oral tissues on both sides of the patient's mouth. Promotes symmetry. In other words, to promote symmetrical application of light treatment to the root area, The intraoral housing 2180 may be configured such that the centerline of the intraoral housing 2180 is aligned along the sagittal plane or Positioned within 5 degrees of the sagittal plane (i.e., plus or minus 5 degrees) The raised portion 2184 may be positioned to facilitate obtaining such a position. obtain.

[0139]

[0215] The top portion 2186 has a first (or left) flange 2187 and a second (or right) flange 2188. The flanges 2187, 2189 each displace oral soft tissue at a tip. More specifically, the flanges 2187 and 2189 are each configured to The dental prosthesis is configured to displace buccal tissue away from the patient's alveolar cavity. In an embodiment, the inner surface 2185 of the upper portion 2186 is When the device is placed in the patient's mouth and the flanges 2187, 2189 displace the buccal tissue, In some embodiments, the upper portion 2186 may be spaced apart from the alveolar tissue. At least a portion of the inner surface 2185 is configured to accommodate the intraoral housing 2180 when placed in the patient's mouth. As the lunges 2187, 2189 displace the buccal tissue, they contact the patient's alveolar tissue. Good too.

[0140]

[0216] The intraoral housing 2180 may be made of, for example, an elastomeric material (e.g., soft silicone). ) may be constructed of any suitable material, including. More specifically, in some embodiments In this case, the intraoral housing is made from medical-grade injection-molded highly flexible silicone. The ridges 2184 may be made of the same material as the intraoral housing 2180, or at least It may be constructed of at least the same material as the lower portion 2182 of the intraoral housing 2180. In this way, when the patient bites down on the upper and lower jaws, the oral cavity including the protuberance 2184 The lower portion 2182 of the housing 2180 is urged downward by pressure exerted by the biting surfaces of the patient's teeth. Nevertheless, the raised portion 2184 is and / or the patient will recognize its position despite any slight deformation of the protuberance 2184. Should have sufficient dimensions.

[0141]

[0217] The intraoral housing 2180 includes at least one light emitting panel 2102 (including its circuitry). 2130 is shown schematically in FIG. 52. The light emitting panel 2102 includes a plurality of L The flexible circuit 2130 includes one or more optical emitters 2132, such as EDs. The oral appliance 2100 may be configured as described herein to irradiate the alveolar and / or root area of ​​the patient's teeth. The device may be configured to emit light in any suitable manner as described herein. Any suitable light emitter(s) including any of the configurations described herein. In some embodiments, the light emitting panel 2102 may include a plurality of light emitting elements. , the light emitting panel 2102 is at least partially enclosed in an intraoral housing 2180 For example, the light emitting panel may be located within the intraoral housing 2180 (e.g., the intraoral housing 218 2186) of the inner surface 2185 of the upper portion 2186 of the As shown, the intraoral housing 2180 may be constructed of a soft silicone material. In this way, the light emitting panel and, by extension, any LEDs or light emitters contained within the panel can be When the intraoral housing 2180 is placed in the patient's oral cavity, the light-emitting panel illuminates the patient. The implant may be embedded in a silicone material to prevent it from engulfing any part of the oral tissue. The light emitting panel 2102 is coupled to or attached to the top portion 2186 of the intraoral housing 2180. For example, as shown in FIG. 52, The light panel 2102 may have a height D1 and a width D2 that is greater than the height D1. In some embodiments, for example, panel 2102 is approximately 31.9 mm high and approximately 9 A part of the height D1 of the panel 2102 is located at the inner oral housing 21. 80 and the left flange 2187 and the right flange 2189 downwardly extending from the flange 2187 and the right flange 2189 The protrusion may have a height D3 and a width D4. In the configuration, for example, the protrusion has a height of about 6.9 mm and a width of about 12 mm. Although specific dimensions of panel 2102 are provided, such dimensions are provided by way of example only. This is not a limitation.

[0142]

[0218] The intraoral housing 2180 is configured such that the outer surface of the intraoral housing 2180 is in contact with the patient's teeth. It may be configured to be placed in the patient's mouth so as to be spaced from the alveolar soft tissue. In this manner, the intraoral housing 2180 may be adapted to accommodate the patient's alveolar soft tissue during a treatment session. In some embodiments, the fabric is configured to be spaced apart (i.e., not in contact with) the fabric. , for example, at least a portion of the intraoral housing 2180 over at least a portion of the patient's teeth. The intraoral housing 2180 may be configured to be placed in the patient's mouth. When placed, the first portion of the intraoral housing 2180 is positioned around that portion of the patient's teeth. and a second portion of the intraoral housing 2180 positioned adjacent and spaced from the alveolar soft tissue. will be done.

[0143]

[0219] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the intraoral housing 2180 (e.g., first portion) is inserted into the patient's mouth for a treatment session. When placed in the implant, the implant fits or otherwise fits snugly over at least a portion of the patient's teeth. For example, at least one of the intraoral housings 2180 is configured to fit snugly against the The portions are attached in a manner similar to that described herein with respect to Figures 24 and / or 25. In some embodiments, the intraoral housing 2180 may The device may include one or more retractors configured to facilitate opening of the mouth. In this embodiment, at least a portion of the intraoral housing 2180 is When the intraoral housing 1280 is placed in the patient's mouth, the alveolar soft tissue In some embodiments, the oral cavity At least a portion of the intraoral housing 2180 is secured to the intraoral housing 2180 for the treatment session. When placed in the patient's mouth, the 180 does not contact the alveolar soft tissue but is It is configured to be within a certain distance (for example, within 0.1 cm to 3 cm).

[0144]

[0220] 49-51, the extraoral housing 2190 may be, for example, 00 to be placed on the external station 2170 when not in use by a patient. or may be otherwise configured to be coupled to an external station 2170. may be, for example, a carrying case, a charging caddy or station, or a combination of the foregoing. It may also be a combination.

[0145]

[0221] Station 2170 includes a base 2178 and a lid 2176 (see FIG. 49-51) to the base 2178 and the lid 2176 when the lid is in the closed position. The lid 2176 may be secured by any suitable attachment mechanism. 49-51, and is connected to a base 2178 using a hinge, for example, as shown in In this manner, the lid 2176 may be moved between a closed position and an open position (not shown). The base 2178 is configured to be movable relative to at least a portion of the intraoral housing 2180. and a first recess 2172 configured to receive the first portion of the extraoral housing 2190. The first recess may define a second recess 2174 configured to receive a portion of the first recess. The periphery of portion 2172 may, for example, complement the contours of intraoral housing 2180. The periphery of the recess 2174 may complement the contours of the extraoral housing 2190, for example.

[0146]

[0222] The external station 2170 determines whether the device 2100 is located on the station. , or may be configured to charge device 2100 when coupled. In this way, the battery 2194 can be charged while the extraoral housing 2190 is in a charging station. In some embodiments, for example, The station 2170 may be used to inductively charge a second battery 2195, for example, as described herein. The device 2100 is configured to inductively charge by In an embodiment, the second end 2193 of the extraoral housing 2190 is connected to an external station. 2170 to be coupled to a complementary or mating connector (not shown in FIGS. 45-51). The connector (not shown in FIGS. 45 to 51) is configured to:

[0147]

[0223] The oral device 2100 is configured such that the intraoral housing 2180 is placed in the patient's mouth. The method is configured to determine when (i.e., in a manner appropriate for the treatment session). In some embodiments, for example, the oral appliance 2100 may be configured to absorb light from the patient's oral soft tissue. A sensor (not shown in FIGS. 45-49) configured to detect the reflection. The sensor may be, for example, a proximity detector included or embedded in the flexible circuit 2130. Such a proximity detector may include, for example, any suitable capacitive sensing device. The light emitting panel 2102 may, for example, adjust the lighting based on feedback from a proximity detector. When the device 2100 is removed from the external station 2170, the LE included in the light-emitting panel The LED may be configured to blink or pulse at a predetermined rate. The sensor may be configured to move.

[0148]

[0224] A pulsating or flashing LED is emitted towards the oral soft tissues of the patient's mouth. At least a portion of the light is reflected back into the intraoral housing 2180, thereby detecting the sensor or Other optical reflectance detection mechanisms (collectively referred to as "reflectance sensors") are not shown in Figures 45 to 49. The reflectance sensor is coupled to the left side of the intraoral housing 2180. A portion of the light emitting array 2102 and a light emitting array coupled to the right side of the intraoral housing 2180 2102. In this way, the reflectance sensor The sensor is attached to the left side of the intraoral housing 2180 before operating the device 2100 on the patient. and right side, facilitating the detection of any malfunction of the device 2100. To determine if the LEDs in the Ray 2102 are working properly, the reflectance should be measured. Instead, an appropriate reflectance threshold may be set. When it detects light reflection from the In some embodiments, the reflectance sensor may be configured to The reflectance sensor detects (e.g., at or above a predetermined threshold) Microprocessor 219 is configured to initiate a treatment session upon detecting a light reflection. 6.

[0149]

[0225] The oral appliance 2100 may be used in orthodontic treatment, including any of the treatments described herein. In some embodiments, the device may be configured for use in, for example, the mouth. The intraluminal device 2100 may be configured to apply pressure to at least a portion of the patient's upper jaw for approximately 3 minutes and at least a portion of the patient's lower jaw for approximately 3 minutes. or at least a portion of each of the patient's upper and lower jaws for about 3 minutes. More specifically, in one treatment program, the oral appliance 2100 are intraoral images associated with each of the upper dental arch of the patient's mouth and the lower dental arch of the patient's mouth (or vice versa). The tissue is irradiated for 3 minutes per day sequentially, and 6 minutes per day for the entire treatment session. It is useful for administering phototherapy treatment sessions.

[0150]

[0226] During a treatment session, for example, the device 2100 may generate 12 Joules / cm 2 Use In some embodiments, the device is configured to deliver light therapy using a 12 J le / cm 2 150mW / cm for a duration of 3 minutes 2 Therefore, LEDs in contact with or within a certain distance of oral tissues produce a heat of approximately 41 degrees Celsius. It tends to stay below the threshold (and therefore below the maximum limit of 43 degrees Celsius). In some embodiments, 12 Joules / cm 2 is higher intensity, e.g., about 600m W / cm 2 for about 20 seconds, or about 1 W / cm 2 It may be administered for approximately 12 seconds. In this embodiment, the light is about 60 to 12 mcm 2 It is administered at a strength of

[0151]

[0227] Light is emitted at a wavelength of 850 nm during the treatment session. In this configuration, light is emitted at a wavelength of 850 nm (± 5 nm) during the treatment session. In other words, LEDs emit a mixture of wavelengths, rather than a single wavelength like lasers. The peak emission wavelength (λ max ) is 855 nm. The program may be used for any suitable period of time, including but not limited to, a period of four to twelve months. Such a treatment program can be applied, for example, to help the patient achieve the desired orthodontic result. The average age at which you would expect to need to use orthodontic appliances (e.g. braces) to achieve this The duration of the period may be reduced from two years to six months. and / or any of the treatment regimens described herein may be administered by phototherapy, as described herein. Reduce the duration of orthodontic treatment without treatment by about 50 percent to about 75 percent It can be shortened.

[0152]

[0228] Intraoral housing (e.g., intraoral housings 780, 880, 980, 12 80, 1680, 1780, 1880, 1980, 2080, 2180) are herein The dental arch has an arch shape similar to at least one of the upper and lower dental arches of the patient's teeth. Although shown and described as such, in other embodiments, the light therapy device may be configured in other suitable ways. The implant may include an intraoral housing having any suitable configuration. For example, referring to FIG. configured to administer light therapy to the patient's intraoral tissue (e.g., oral mucosa and / or root area). The oral device 2200 includes an intraoral housing 2280 and an oral device coupled to the intraoral housing. and an extraoral housing 2290. The extraoral housing is shown herein in FIGS. 7. The extraoral housing 2190 may be similar in many respects to the extraoral housing 2190 described with respect to They may be the same and therefore will not be described in detail herein. The housing 2280 is shown and described as being coupled to the extraoral housing 2290. However, in other embodiments, the intraoral housing 2280 is into a separate electronic device (e.g., a singular or a plurality of fiber optic cables or other electronic devices such as those shown and described with respect to FIG. The sensor may be configured to be electrically coupled to the sensor (via a sensor).

[0153]

[0229] The intraoral housing 2280 includes a light emitting array 2202. may be the same as or similar in many respects to the light emitting arrays described herein, Therefore, it will not be described in detail with respect to Figure 53. The intraoral housing 2280 contains a light emitting array. The oral cavity is so that all of the (2202) are positioned on the lingual side of the upper and / or lower dental arches of the patient's teeth. The intraoral housing 2280 may be configured to be received within a cavity. For example, the intraoral housing 2280 may be spherical, disc-shaped, etc. For ease of explanation, the intraoral housing 2280 may be configured similarly to a lollipop. It may also have a shape and be placed in the patient's mouth as well. The light emitting array 2202 is shown by arrows A1, A2, A3, A4, and A5 in FIG. As shown by A6 and A7, the patient's oral tissue (e.g., oral mucosa) is irradiated from the central axis A. around the intraoral housing 2280 to emit light toward the In some embodiments, the intraoral housing 2280 may be positioned adjacent to the at least in part, by contacting the alveolar soft tissue when the intraoral housing 2280 is placed in the patient's mouth. In some embodiments, the ion exchange membrane may be configured to contact at least a portion of the fabric. In this case, at least a portion of the intraoral housing 2280 is configured to be When placed in the mouth, it is not in contact with the alveolar soft tissue but is at a certain distance from the alveolar soft tissue. The distance is configured to be within (for example, within 0.1 cm to 3 cm).

[0154]

[0230] As used herein, an oral appliance refers to an upper and / or lower arch of a patient's teeth. Although shown and described as being configured to administer light therapy to some In embodiments, the oral appliance is adapted to a portion or section of the patient's oral mucosa (e.g., alveolar). For example, referring to FIG. 54, in some embodiments, In some cases, the device 2300 may be used on three or four of the patient's teeth, one quadrant of the patient's teeth, or the patient's Such an intraoral appliance is configured to deliver light therapy to one arch of teeth. This may be beneficial in cases of implant surgery and / or oral surgery.

[0155]

[0231] The device 2300 includes an intraoral housing configured to be placed in the patient's oral cavity. The intraoral housing 2380 includes a first segment 2382 and a second segment 2383. Segment 2384 and a third segment connecting the first and second segments. The intraoral housing 2380 defines a patient's mouth and an oral cavity 2386 for a treatment session. When placed in the oral cavity, the first segment 2382 of the intraoral housing is in contact with the patient's teeth. the second segment 2 is configured to be positioned (e.g., perpendicularly) between the buccal mucosa of the subject; 384 is configured to be placed lingually (e.g., vertically) on the crown of the patient's tooth, and the third segment The cemetery 2386 may be positioned adjacent to and / or on the occlusal surfaces of the patient's teeth (e.g., The second segment 2384 is configured to be positioned (horizontally) within the intraoral housing. This prevents the tooth 2380 from tilting towards the patient's cheek (i.e., from the occlusal surface to the root area). have sufficient height (measured in the direction of the area).

[0156]

[0232] In some embodiments, the layer of moldable material 2381 is formed in the intraoral housing. The third segment 2386 of the ring 2380 is disposed on a surface opposite the occlusal surface. A moldable impression of the inserted teeth can be made using layer 2381 so that the housing can be later (e.g. When reinserted into the oral cavity by the patient (e.g., for a subsequent treatment session), This makes it easier to install the inner housing 2380.

[0157]

[0233] The flexible circuit 2330 is connected to the first segment 2 of the intraoral housing 2380. 382. The flexible circuit 2330 may be used to The light emitting array 2302 is configured to apply light therapy to the subject's teeth. The light circuit 2330 has 15 LEDs or 15 LEDs per tooth that will be the target of light therapy. The light emitting array 2302 may include 600 LEDs. and an LED configured to administer or emit light in the range of 1200 nm to 1200 nm. The flexible circuit 2330 of the intraoral housing 2380 may include a sensor 2387. Sensor 2387 is the same as the sensor shown and described herein with respect to FIG. 3A. The sensor 2387 may be similar in one or many respects. It may be configured to detect the temperature of the alveolar soft tissue and / or root area of ​​the patient. For example, a thermistor or similar temperature measuring device may monitor and measure the temperature of the light emitting array 2302. Circuitry 2330 may be configured to measure the temperature inside the patient's mouth. , serving as a method for obtaining temperature-related information and monitoring patient compliance. When the intraoral housing 2380, and thus the circuit 2330, is placed in the mouth, When the device 2300 emits light, the temperature of the light emitting array 2302 increases from the ambient temperature before treatment to By monitoring the temperature change, The controller 2314, which will be described in more detail below, determines the temperature based on the duration of the temperature increase and approaching body temperature. Based on this, the period during which the light emitting array 2302 is in the oral cavity can be monitored.

[0158]

[0234] In some embodiments, the circuit 2330 may include a first segment and / or contact of light emitted by the light emitting array 2302 with the patient's oral mucosa and / or root area. Or it is configured to detect proximity within a certain distance (for example, within 0.1 cm to 3 cm). In this way, the controller 2314 can The intraluminal housing 2380 can detect when it is placed in the patient's oral cavity, It can be determined that a treatment session may begin.

[0159]

[0235] Referring to FIG. 57, the intraoral housing 2380 may be, for example, wired or wireless. The external electronic device is configured to be coupled to the external electronic device via a connection. , for example, for operation of the light emitting array 2302 during a treatment session, an intraoral housing The external electronic device may be configured to provide or transfer power to the power supply 2380. It may also be configured to control the operation of the light emitting array 2302.

[0160]

[0236] In some embodiments, the external electronic device is a controller 2314. The intraoral housing 2380 is removably connectable to the controller 2314. In some embodiments, the intraoral housing 2380 is disposable. In this way, the controller 2314 can be reused. 380 may be disposed of after a predetermined number of uses and / or after a predetermined period of time, and a second port An intraluminal housing (not shown) is optionally used with controller 2314. The controller 2314 may be connected to a charger 2317, such as a medical-grade USB charger. , may be electrically coupled via a cable 2315, such as a USB cable.

[0161]

[0237] The controller 2314 may be any controller described herein (e.g., may be similar or identical in many respects to the controller 430, 1114 The controller 2314 is also located within the extraoral housing 2190 of the device 2100. The controller 2 may include many components that are the same as or similar to those described above. 314 may include a microprocessor. In many respects, the same as any microprocessor (e.g., microprocessor 2196) The controller may be similar in other embodiments and will not be described in detail here. The controller 2314 may be pre-configured with a treatment protocol. button 2318 for initiating a treatment session. It can also be configured to pause or stop a session.

[0162]

[0238] The controller 2314 comprises a controller, an intraoral housing 2380, and / or or an LED indicator that may be configured to provide the patient with an indication of the status of the treatment program. LED indicator 2316 indicates the status of the treatment session. or stage, for example, as described herein. The communication mechanism may be similar to or identical to that of housing 2190. LED indicator 2316 will light up during the first phase of the treatment session. and / or displaying a flashing or pulsating light during the second phase of the treatment session; The LED is configured to display a continuous light during the third phase of the treatment session. The indicator 2316 may, for example, be activated at the beginning of a treatment session for a first predetermined duration (e.g., For example, 2 minutes 30 seconds, 2 minutes 45 seconds, or 2 minutes 10 seconds. The LED indicator 2316 may be configured to illuminate for a second period following a first predetermined duration. for a predetermined duration (e.g., 10, 15, or 30 seconds) until the treatment session is completed. configured to display a flashing or pulsating light as a signal to the patient that completion is approaching. The LED indicator 2316 may be turned on when the treatment session is finished (e.g., treatment (3 minutes after the start of the placement session) when the device 2100 is not irradiating the patient with light. may be configured not to display light.

[0163]

[0239] In some embodiments, the external electronic device 2314 is a mobile phone ( For example, smartphones such as iPhone (registered trademark) and tablets such as iPad (registered trademark). Personal electronic devices such as tablets, personal digital assistants, etc. 380 may be coupled to device 2314 using connector 2319. In one embodiment, where 2390 comprises, for example, a smartphone, the smartphone may is configured to perform any operation or function that the controller is configured to perform. For example, the device 2314 may be configured to provide power to the intraoral housing 2380. In another example, the device 2314 may be configured to 2302 and / or to provide a visual interface to the patient and / or physician. to record usage information (e.g., compliance information) for later access to that information by The application may include an application configured as follows:

[0164]

[0240] In some embodiments, the system comprises: a first portion configured to administer light therapy to the patient for a first period of time; The patient is then administered light therapy for a second period of time that is different from the first period of time as described. and a second portion configured to: The method comprises disposing a plurality of devices (or intraoral housings) such that at least a portion of each device is positioned within the patient's mouth. Each device of the plurality of devices may be configured to perform any of the functions described herein. For example, the system may include a first oral appliance and an intraoral housing. and a second oral appliance different from the first oral appliance. The first appliance is a first oral appliance starting at TO. The phototherapy session is configured to begin administering phototherapy to the patient for a period of time. Initiation of the treatment (e.g., when the patient is assigned the first device and / or when the patient begins using the first device) For at least some patients, T0 may also represent the date of maxillary bonding and / or the start of orthodontic treatment. For example, the date when traditional fixed orthodontic brackets and wires were attached to a patient's teeth. The first device may include a first tooth positioning device that determines the position or configuration of the patient's teeth before the light treatment is administered. The first device may be selected to have a first wavelength of, for example but not limited to, about 850 nm. The device is configured to administer light of a wavelength.

[0165]

[0241] The second device is T following T0. >0 The patient is then given light therapy during the second period beginning at In some embodiments, the second device is configured to provide at least one of the following: The device is optimally configured to administer light therapy to the patient based on the position of the patient's teeth after the application of the light therapy. For example, the second device may have a light emitting array configured differently from the light emitting array of the first device. The second device may include a wavelength of, for example, but not limited to, about 620 nm. The device may be configured to administer light at a second wavelength that is different from the first wavelength. In this way, the second device may, at least in part, perform the phototherapy performed in conjunction with the first device. During treatment and between T0 and T >0 may be selected based on tooth movement that occurred during the period between For example, the first device may be used by the patient at the beginning of the light treatment program and for a first period of time. The second device may be used starting about three months after the start of the light treatment program. The system may be used by a patient for a period of time. The device may include any suitable number of devices, such as two, three, four or more devices. For example, the system may include a first device configured to administer light therapy beginning at T0. a second device configured to administer light therapy beginning at T1; and a second device configured to administer light therapy beginning at T2. and a third device configured to:

[0166]

[0242] In another example, the system includes a first light-emitting array (e.g., a first portion) and and a second light-emitting array (e.g., a second portion). The array is adapted to administer light at a first wavelength, for example, but not limited to, about 850 nm. The second light emitting array may be configured to emit light at, for example, but not limited to, about 620 nm. The device may be configured to administer light at a second wavelength different from the first wavelength, without the need for a second wavelength. The first light-emitting array and the second light-emitting array may be contained within a single intraoral housing. The light source emits light of a first wavelength for a first period of time and light of a second wavelength for a second period of time. The system includes at least a first portion configured to emit a signal for a patient treatment. Higher light during the light therapy program may help initiate increased bone mineralization at the site This is beneficial because it allows for a transition from lower wavelengths to lower wavelengths of light. The increase may help ensure a more consistent outcome for moved teeth after orthodontic treatment. do.

[0167]

[0243] In some embodiments, the phototherapy devices described herein are configured for use in conjunction with functional dental appliances, as described in detail in In other embodiments, the phototherapy device is a device as described in more detail herein. The functional appliance is configured to apply a force to the patient's teeth, such as a functional appliance For example, referring to FIG. 57, a system 2400 according to one embodiment is The system 2400 is configured to adjust the movement of one or more light emitters (e.g., (e.g., fiber optic cable(s)) 2420 and an orthodontic bracket system 2 The light emitter 2420 includes the fiber optic cable 420 shown in FIG. The same or similar to any light emitter described herein, including but not limited to The light emitter 2420 may be coupled to a bracket system 2490. For example, , the light emitter 2420 may be attached to one or more brackets 2492 of the bracket system 2490. , one or more wires 2494 of a bracket system 2490, or any combination of the foregoing. In this way, the patient's teeth, root area and / or oral cavity may be attached to the implant. No separate intraoral housing is required to maintain the position of the light emitter 2420 against the mucosa The light emitter 2420 can be coupled to the light source 2402. The light source 2402 can be any suitable light source, including any of the light sources described herein (such as light source 402 illustrated in may be.

[0168]

[0244] A phototherapy system according to one embodiment is illustrated in Figures 62-91. The system comprises a phototherapy device 2500 (see, e.g., FIGS. 62-75) and an external station 2580. (See, e.g., Figures 87-91). The light therapy device 2500 may, for example, The light may be applied in any suitable manner as described herein, including by irradiating the root zone and / or the root area. Similarly, the light therapy device 2500 is configured to treat the patient's teeth and / or The phototherapy device 2500 is configured to administer phototherapy to the oral mucosa. More specifically, the phototherapy device 2500 is , to the patient's teeth and / or oral mucosa to accelerate orthodontic movement of the patient's teeth and orthodontic treatment. configured to administer sufficient light to reduce the overall treatment time for the patient undergoing the procedure The light therapy device 2500 may be used with orthodontic appliances such as brackets and wires or aligners. The device is designed to be used in conjunction with traditional orthodontic treatment using appliances. 2500 may be the same as or contain many of the oral devices described herein, including, for example, device 2100. may be similar in many respects or contain the same or similar components The light therapy device 2500 may include, as described in more detail herein, , when the device is not in use for a phototherapy treatment session, an external station 258 It is configured to be placed in or on top of 0.

[0169]

[0245] The light therapy device 2500 is placed inside the patient's oral cavity (e.g., in the mouth, as shown in Figures 62 and 63). an intraoral housing 2510 (as defined herein) configured to be placed in When the mouthpiece 2510 is placed in the patient's mouth, an oral cavity device coupled to a mouthpiece 2510 and configured to be placed outside the patient's mouth; and an outer housing 2560 (also referred to herein as the "beak").

[0170]

[0246] The light therapy device 2500 is intended to be useful for light therapy of the upper and / or lower jaws of a patient. In other words, the phototherapy device 2500 is configured such that the device (for example, as shown in FIG. 62) and configured to administer light therapy with respect to the patient's upper jaw when in an upright position (such as when When the device is in the inverted position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 66), the patient's mandible may be Therefore, the mouthpiece 2510 may be configured to administer light therapy to the are configured to be placed in the patient's mouth for each of the patient's upper and lower jaws. Similarly, the mouthpiece 2510 may be configured to accommodate the upper and lower jaws, as described herein. The jaws are configured to fit snugly over both the upper and lower jaws, thus providing separate Eliminates the need for a mouthpiece. The light therapy device 2500 generally does not require a mouthpiece 25 10 is in an upright position when configured to be oriented with respect to the upper jaw and the lower jaw. is described as being in an inverted position when configured to be oriented about In other embodiments, however, the light therapy device 2500 and mouthpiece 2510 is in an upright position when configured to be oriented about the patient's lower jaw and Note that when configured to be oriented about the jaw, it is in an inverted position. .

[0171]

[0247] Mouthpiece 2510 may be any of the mouthpieces shown in FIGS. 44 and 45 to 50, including an intraoral housing or mouthpiece It may be similar in one or more respects to the intraoral housing described herein, and may be The mouthpiece 2510 may include similar or identical components in the above respects. The occlusal tray 2512, flanges 2522, 2524, and light array 2542 (see, e.g., FIG. 7) 2) and a support plate 2554 (see, e.g., FIG. 72). The dental implants are configured to receive at least a portion of the patient's upper and / or lower jaw teeth. Thus, the occlusal tray 2512 is generally U-shaped as shown in FIG. Ray 2512 is designed to facilitate proper positioning of mouthpiece 2510 in the patient's mouth. The bite tray 2512 generally includes the lower portion of the mouthpiece 2510. The occlusal tray 2512 has an inner periphery (or sidewall) 2515 and an outer periphery (or sidewall) 2517. Including a bite pad 2514. A flange 2522, which is described in more detail herein. 2524 generally defines the upper portion of the mouthpiece 2510 and surrounds the periphery of the bite pad 2514. 2517. The inner ridge 2516 is attached to the inner periphery 2515 of the bite pad 2514. , bonded or otherwise formed. The flange 25 of the mouthpiece 2510 22, 2524 and inner ridge 2516 each extend in a first direction from bite pad 2514. Therefore, when the mouthpiece 2510 is placed in the patient's mouth, When placed, the occlusal tray 2512 has an occlusal pad 2514 adjacent to the occlusal surface of one or more teeth. , flanges 2522, 2524 are positioned between one or more teeth and the buccal tissue, and an inner ridge 2516 is positioned in the mouth so that it is located between one or more teeth and the tongue. When the mouthpiece 2510 is placed in the mouth, the bite tray supports one or more teeth. At least a portion of the flanges 2522, 2524 is located between the inner ridge 2516 It is designed to be determined.

[0172]

[0248] The bite tray 2512 may have any thickness suitable for receiving bite forces. In some embodiments, the bite pad 2514 may have a uniform thickness. In other embodiments, the thickness of the bite pad 2514 may vary spatially. For example, the bite tray 2512, and more specifically the bite pad 2514, a first thickness at a front end portion of the bite tray and a thickness less than the first thickness at a rear end portion of the bite tray Similarly, in some embodiments, the second thickness may be greater than the first thickness. The thickness of the bite pad 2514 is determined by the thickness of the first (anterior) portion of the bite pad 2514 and the thickness of the bite pad 2514. The thickness of the pad increases along the length of the bite pad 2514 between the first and second (posterior) portions of the pad. For example, in some embodiments, the thickness of the bite pad 2514 at the anterior portion is about 5 mm. mm to about 25 mm, and the thickness of the bite pad 2514 at the posterior portion is about 7 mm to about The increased thickness of the first portion of the bite pad 2514 allows for better contact with the patient's teeth. Force most of the contact between the mouthpiece 2510 and the back teeth (e.g. molars) The second, thicker portion of the head 2514 is located between the head 2514 and the second, thicker portion of the head 2514. Any pressure applied to the teeth on the ray 2512 is prevented by the thicker portion of the bite pad 2514. The bite force will be more concentrated in the posterior portion of the bite tray 2512. Having such a tooth improves patient comfort and reduces the risk of bruising that may be caused by the patient's sharp front teeth. This helps to avoid damage to the mouthpiece 2510.

[0173]

[0249] Furthermore, the positional variability of the posterior teeth is often less than that of the anterior teeth, so the occlusal The increased contact interface between the Ray 2512 and the molars also provides a more universal patient fit. Similarly, the position of a patient's molars may differ from the position of the anterior and incisors between different patient anatomy. This configuration is more durable (procedure-to-procedure and patient-to-patient) because there is often less variability than the In some embodiments, the bite pad 2514 provides a fit of approximately 34 Constructed to withstand bite forces up to 0 N (i.e., withstand bite forces up to approximately 340 N) (constructed from a material and / or having a thickness sufficient to withstand a bite force of up to approximately 340 N). In some embodiments, the bite pad 2514 is repeatedly attached to the bite tray 2514. It has shear and / or fatigue strength to withstand an applied force of 50N.

[0174]

[0250] As shown in FIG. 65, the upper surface of the bite pad 2514 includes a raised portion 2518. The raised portion 2518 is located along the centerline M of the mouthpiece 2510 and is The raised portion 251 is elevated relative to the upper surface 2512 and / or bite pad 2514. 8 is attached to the inner periphery 2515 of the bite pad 2514 and the bite pad 2516, as best shown in FIG. 64B. The ridge 2518 may extend between the outer periphery 2517 of the pad 2514. This facilitates the positioning of the mouthpiece 2510 in the oral cavity. 2510 is positioned such that the ridge 2518 is positioned between the patient's front central incisors (either upper or lower). The device is configured to be positioned in the patient's oral cavity so that the device can be easily attached to the teeth and periodontal tissue. The proprioception of the patient is based on the sensory feedback to the patient regarding the position of the ridges on the mouthpiece 2510. This may result in feedback.

[0175]

[0251] In this manner, the ridge 2518 aids in the centering of the mouthpiece 2510 within the oral cavity. and thus facilitates phototherapy treatment of alveoli or other oral tissues on both sides of the patient's mouth. In other words, to promote symmetrical application of light treatment to the root area, The mouthpiece 2510 is configured such that the centerline M of the mouthpiece 2510 is aligned along the sagittal plane or along the sagittal plane. Positioned so that it is resting within 5 degrees (i.e., plus or minus 5 degrees) of a flat surface The ridges 2518 may be positioned to facilitate such positioning during use. 2518 may have any suitable shape, including, for example, an inverted V-shape as shown in FIG. The tip of the V may be positioned between the patient's front central incisors.

[0176]

[0252] As mentioned above, the upper portion of the mouthpiece 2510 is formed by the first (or left) flange 2 522 and a second (or right) flange 2524. The upper portion of the mouthpiece 2510 ( That is, the flanges 2522, 2524 are disposed transversely to the bite plate 2514. The flanges 2522 and 2524 are formed so that the mouthpiece 2510 is positioned in the patient's mouth. When the bite tray is placed adjacent to the occlusal surfaces of the patient's teeth, adjacent to portions of the sides of the patient's teeth, and and / or configured to be placed adjacent to the alveolar mucosa. , as described in more detail herein, enclosed by flanges 2522, 2524. The optical array 2542 may be used to administer light to the patient's teeth and / or alveolar mucosa. .

[0177]

[0253] The flanges 2522, 2524 collectively contain a light array 2542 and Each is configured to be positioned between the buccal tissue and the alveolar cavity. The flanges 2522 and 2524 are used to position the optical array 2542 relative to the patient's anatomy. Displaces oral soft tissue to maintain a desired position. More specifically, flange 252 2, 2524, each configured to displace buccal tissue away from the patient's alveolar cavity. In some embodiments, the inner surface 252 of the flanges 2522, 2524 6, the mouthpiece 2510 is placed in the patient's mouth, and the flanges 2522 and 2524 are positioned on the buccal side. While the tissue is being displaced, it may be spaced apart from the patient's alveolar tissue. In this embodiment, at least a portion of the inner surface 2526 of the flanges 2522, 2524 is The piece 2510 is placed in the patient's mouth and the flanges 2522, 2524 displace the buccal tissue. The dental implant may be in contact with the patient's alveolar tissue while being applied.

[0178]

[0254] The flanges 2522, 2524 of the mouthpiece 2510 are flexible and / or Similarly, the flanges 2522, 252 4 is constructed from a material that provides the desired flexibility, as described herein. Both have a geometry and / or configuration that provides the desired flexibility. Each of the second flanges 2522, 2524 may be mated to the mouthpiece 2510 and / or each other. In this way, the mouse Piece 2510 may be configured to accommodate a variety of different anatomical structures, as described herein. The device can be easily placed in the oral cavity of a variety of different patients.

[0179]

[0255] For example, mouthpiece 2510 may comprise (or consist of) mouthpiece 2510. In order to provide the desired flexibility, deformability and durability in conjunction with the material or materials, specific geometric features (e.g., stress concentration risers, areas with desired bending moment of inertia, etc.) As shown, the mouthpiece 2510 includes flanges 2522, 2524 as shown in FIG. As shown by arrows AA in 8, it can bend inward toward the teeth, gums, jaw, etc. notches 25 configured to increase the ability to deflect otherwise. 30 and grooves 2532, 2533. As shown in FIG. 10 is the center line M of the mouthpiece (see, for example, FIG. 64B) and the first flange 25 22 and the upper portion of the second flange 2524. The notch 2530 allows the first flange 252 to move in response to pressure, for example, from the patient's lips or inner cheek. and second flange 2524 to allow for independent and / or inward deflection of each of first and second flanges 2524. In particular, the flanges 2522, 2524 are each configured to Similarly, the mouthpiece 2510 is configured to bend inward relative to the When outside the mouth in an unshaped state (i.e., first configuration), first flange 252 The second and third flanges 2524 are each approximately perpendicular to the bite pad 2514. When the mouthpiece 2510 is placed inside the mouth, the upper portion and / or The flanges 2522 and 2524 are connected to the bite pad 2514. and is sufficiently flexible so that the angle formed between them (the "flange angle") is acute. This "sloping" allows the flanges 2522, 2524 to conform to the interior surface of the mouth. , thereby facilitating the desired alignment of the light array 2542 relative to the bone and / or teeth.

[0180]

[0256] As shown in FIG. 68, the notch 2530 may be V-shaped. The width Y is the width of the occlusal tray 2512. The upper end of the cut is adjacent to the free end of the screws 2522 and 2524, and is smaller than the depth X of the cut. The edges of each flange 2522, 2524 that form each side of the notch 2530 are V-shaped. The tip tapers to a point that is approximately aligned with the upper edge of grooves 2532, 2533. Similarly, the lower boundary of the notch 2530 of the mouthpiece 2510 may be defined by a The portion of the mouthpiece 2510 that defines the grooves 2532, 2533 is in the horizontal plane. However, in other embodiments, the notches in the mouthpiece 2510 may be aligned with the top edge. The portion defining the lower boundary of groove 2530 may be at any suitable location relative to grooves 2532, 2533. The groove may be located at a location (for example, above or below the groove).

[0181]

[0257] The mouthpiece 2510 has first and second flanges 2522, 2524, respectively. at least one groove 2533, 2534 defined by the lower outer (or front) surface of For example, as shown in FIG. 68, mouthpieces 2510 each include a mouthpiece The first groove 2532 and the second groove 2532 are defined by the outer or front surface 2528 of the 2510. 33. In particular, each groove is formed between the bite pad 2514 and the lower edge of the flexible circuit board 2546. (See, for example, FIG. 71 ). In other words, the groove 2532, 2533 is defined by the base of each of the first and second flanges 2522, 2524. The grooves 2532, 2533 may each have a first end 2534, 2535 are located at or adjacent to the rear end portion of the mouthpiece 2510, respectively. and the second ends 2536, 2537 of each groove 2532, 2533 are The mouthpiece 2510 is attached to the front end of the mouthpiece 2510 or adjacent thereto. between the rear end portion of the mouthpiece 2510 and the front end portion of the mouthpiece 2510 Extends around 528.

[0182]

[0258] As shown in FIG. 68, the second ends 2536, 2537 of the grooves 2532, 2533 In other words, the second ends 2536 of the grooves 2532, 2533, 2537 do not necessarily meet at the front end of the mouthpiece 2510. Similarly, the groove 2532, 2533 are discontinuous and / or do not share a common boundary. The second ends 2536, 2537 of the tubing 2532, 2533 extend from the front of the mouthpiece 2510. 68. In another example, the width of the extending bridge 2506 may be spaced apart. As such, the second ends 2536, 2537 of the grooves 2532, 2533 are spaced apart by a distance Z (which may be at least as large as the width Y of the notch 2530 The grooves 2532, 2533 may have any suitable shape, including, for example, a semicircular or U-shape. The grooves 2532, 2533 may also have hinge-like structures (i.e., "living hinges"). The flanges 2522, 2524 may rotate, curve, and / or flex about the center of the flanges. In this manner, the grooves 2532, 2533 and the notches 2530 are 2, 2524 collectively enable the device to deflect inward in response to pressure, for example, from the patient's lips or inner cheek. To perform Noh.

[0183]

[0259] Therefore, the grooves 2532, 2533 and the notches 2530 form the mouthpiece 25 10. Collectively facilitates the transition between the first and second forms. Mouthpiece 25 When the jaw 10 is in the first configuration, the flanges 2522, 2524 and the bite pad 2514 The angle formed between them (the "flange angle") has a first value. When in the second configuration, the flange angle has a second value different from the first value. The mouthpiece 2510 may be transferred to the second configuration when placed in the patient's mouth. In some embodiments, the second value is less than the first value (i.e., franc The jaws 2522 and 2524 are inclined inward when the mouthpiece 2510 is inserted into the mouth. In some embodiments, the flange angle is such that the mouthpiece is in the first configuration. and an acute angle when the mouthpiece is in the second configuration. In some embodiments, when the mouthpiece is in the second configuration, the flange angle The angle is approximately 80 degrees (e.g., flanges 2522, 2524 are angled inward by approximately 10 degrees). In other embodiments, the flange angle is from about 75 degrees to about 80 degrees (e.g., Flanges 2522, 2524 are angled inward by approximately 10 to 15 degrees. In an embodiment, when the mouthpiece is in the second configuration, the flange angle is approximately 85 degrees. , 75 degrees, 70 degrees, or 65 degrees (e.g., flanges 2522, 2524 are (Tilting inward by approximately 5 degrees, 15 degrees, 20 degrees, and 25 degrees).

[0184]

[0260] The flexibility of the mouthpiece 2510 and especially the flanges 2522, 2544 is remarkable. For example, they may be constructed of hard plastic and / or may not be permanently deformed (or shaped). In contrast to a mouthpiece with a suction cup, the current configuration provides easier access to the patient's oral tissues. The flexibility of the mouthpiece 2510 allows for better insertion and fit. Anatomical variability (even between two different patients, as patient anatomy changes over time) For example, some patients may have a pronounced overbite. may require an inward deflection (or "tilt") of more or less than 10 degrees. In such cases, the mouthpiece 2510 may be in direct contact with the internal structures and / or structures within the patient's mouth. As another example, orthodontics for a patient can work over time. As the patient's dental anatomy changes, the mouthpiece 25 10 is designed to accommodate such changes without requiring new mouthpiece molding, etc. , which may be adapted to the internal structure and / or anatomical structure of the patient's mouth. The 510's flexible design is provided by a mouthpiece constructed from hard plastic. Providing greater comfort to the patient than would otherwise be possible.

[0185]

[0261] Furthermore, the flexibility of the mouthpiece 2510 and / or flanges 2522, 2524 The properties of the flange provide manufacturing advantages, especially the angle between the occlusal surface and the side of the flange ( Manufacture and / or manufacture of mouthpieces with acute flange angles (i.e., flange internal angles or "flange angles"). However, the design of the mouthpiece 2510 allows for easy handling of sharp corners during use. flange angle (e.g., when mouthpiece 2510 is While allowing for molding and / or manufacturing at approximately 90 degrees (or more) of flank angle (when in a shape) This allows the device to be implemented at different angles.

[0186]

[0262] The mouthpiece 2510 of the light therapy device 2500 is generally shown in FIGS. and includes an electronics assembly 2540 as shown schematically in FIG. In this embodiment, at least one or more portions of the mouthpiece 2510 are One or more components embedded in mouthpiece 2510 are visible through mouthpiece 2510. As shown, the device is constructed from a substantially transparent material (e.g., silicone). Therefore, the first flange 2522, the second flange 2524, and the The portion containing the bite tray 2512 includes an electronics assembly 2540 disposed therein. 71 and 72 as transparent to show the portion of the support plate 2554. The electronics assembly 2540 is configured to provide the light therapy described herein. The beak 2560 is configured to function cooperatively with an electronics board 2570 disposed within the beak 2560. As shown, the electronics assembly 2540 of the mouthpiece 2510 are mainly disposed on the first flange 2522 and the second flange 2524. The optical assembly 2540 includes an optical array 2542, a flexible circuit board 2546, and a pair of 73 includes a capacitive sensor 2549 and one or more heat transfer tiles 2558. At least one of the electronics assembly 2540 of the mouthpiece 2510 according to some embodiments The light array 2542 includes a plurality of LEDs (each flash in FIG. 72). One or more optical emitters, such as one optical emitter 2544, are identified in the range. 2544. The light emitter 2544 is electrically and / or are physically coupled (see also Figure 64B). 2543a, 2543b, 2543c, 2543d (see, e.g., Figure 73), etc. This electrically couples the light emitter 2544 to the electronic circuitry within the beak 2560. In this manner, light emitter 2544 can provide the desired light as described herein. The device can receive power and / or signals to operate.

[0187]

[0263] Referring to FIG. 72, the light emitter 2544 is mounted on a flexible circuit board 2546. In this way, the light emitter 2544 is When the mouthpiece 2510 is placed in the patient's mouth, the patient's teeth and / or adjacent The light emitter 2544 is configured to emit light toward the tissue in the oral cavity. configured to emit light of any suitable intensity, wavelength and / or frequency as described herein. For example, in some embodiments, the light emitter 2544 may be an infrared or near-infrared For example, in some embodiments, In this example, light emitter 2544 is configured to emit light at a wavelength of approximately 850 nm. In some embodiments, the light emitter 2544 emits light at a wavelength of 850 nm ± 5 nm. The light emitter 2544 is configured to emit light in any manner described herein. and (b) providing sufficient light to transmit light energy to the patient's bone to facilitate and / or perform the procedure. The light emitter 2544 may be configured to emit 150 mW / cm 2 less than The light source may be configured to emit light of

[0188]

[0264] The light emitter 2544 is mounted on a flexible circuit board 2546 and / or a flange. 2522, 2524 may be arranged in any suitable configuration, including those described herein. For example, in some embodiments, the light emitter 2544 may be a flexible circuit. Two or more parallel rows and / or columns of LEDs coupled to a wiring substrate 2546. As shown schematically, the light array 2542 includes approximately 54 light emitters 2544 or L 27 of which are embedded in the first flange 2522. Approximately 27 light emitters 2544 are embedded in the second flange 2524. The 27 light emitters 2544 may have, for example, three spaced LEDs per row. The flexible circuit board 254 may be arranged in any suitable configuration, including nine equally spaced rows. 6 and light emitter 2544 are connected to flanges 2522, 2524 of mouthpiece 2510. The light emitter may have any suitable dimensions to be bonded to or embedded in the light emitter. 2544 are equally spaced within the first flange 2522 and the second flange 2524. Although shown with a first flange 2522 and a second flange 2523, in other embodiments, the light emitter may be and / or may be unevenly spaced within the second flange 2524. For example, In this embodiment, the mouthpiece is compressed by a first amount near a front portion of the mouthpiece. a series of optical elements spaced apart at a distance from the center of the mouthpiece and a second different distance from the center of the mouthpiece near the rear portion of the mouthpiece; It may also include a limiter.

[0189]

[0265] As shown in FIG. 71, one or more heat transfer tiles 2558 are attached to the mouthpiece 25 The tile is placed on the second or cheek side of the flexible circuit board 2546. The phototherapy device 2 may be constructed of a suitable conductive material (e.g., copper, aluminum, etc.). 500 and / or to facilitate heat transfer to the patient's buccal tissue away from the light emitter 2544. Similarly, in use, the copper tile 2558 is removed from the device 2500. Heat can be transferred to the patient's cheek, where the patient's naturally occurring circulatory system transfers heat from the cheek area. In this way, the tile 2558 will be able to The temperature regulations and industry standards (e.g., IEC 60601, IEC 60602, etc.) 01-2-57, IEC60601-1-11, EN62471, etc.) It is possible.

[0190]

[0266] The tiles 2558 are operably coupled to the light emitters 2544 in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, the flexible circuit board 2546 may be The second side has a layer that includes one or more heat transfer tiles 2558. The tiles 2558 are spaced apart from one another. They may be characterized as being separate and therefore distinct. This separate nature of 2558 allows for the possibility of flanges 2522, 2524 of mouthpiece 2510. However, in other embodiments, the flexibility is increased or at least not decreased. Ill2558 does not have to be separate elements.

[0191]

[0267] In some embodiments, at least one of the flexible circuit boards 2546 A portion is disposed within the bridge 2506 of the light therapy device 2500. For example, a flexible The circuit board 2546 may include a tab portion 2548 disposed on the bridge 2506. The tab portion 2548 of the flexible circuit board 2546 is connected to the electronics of the mouthpiece 2510. Assembly 2540 is placed within beak 2560, which is described in more detail herein. The device is configured to be electrically coupled to the electronic components disposed thereon. The electronic components disposed within bridge 2560 may be configured as described in more detail herein. , the operation of the device 2500 and the emission of light using the light array 2542 can be controlled.

[0192]

[0268] The mouthpiece 2510 may be made of, for example, an elastomeric material (e.g., soft silicone). It may be constructed of any suitable material, including hardness (or softness, as applicable), strength, The terms thickness and / or deformation resistance are used herein in connection with mouthpiece 2510. These terms are used to describe many related characteristics that are attached to the To refer to specific material properties such as strength, modulus of elasticity, shear modulus, hardness and / or elongation The material or hardness of the mouthpiece 2510 may be determined by the construction of the mouthpiece. "Durometer" refers to the device used to measure the hardness of the types of materials used in You might say "data".

[0193]

[0269] In some embodiments, the mouthpiece 2510 is made of medical grade It may be made from injection molded highly flexible, very low durometer silicone. For example, in manufacturing the mouthpiece 2510, silicone is used to form the flexible circuit board 2 546, a mouthpiece including one or more of a light emitter 2544, and a copper tile 2558. 2510 is overmolded onto at least a portion of the electronics assembly 2540 In this way, the flexible circuit board 2546, the light emitter 2544, and That portion of the electronics assembly 2540, such as one or more of the copper tiles 2558, may be molded. In this way, the electronics are completely encapsulated or embedded in the silicone. In some embodiments, the composition may be protected against repeated application in the mouth. In some cases, the silicone may have a hardness (or softness) of about 22 Shore A. However, silicone is tear-resistant, which means it can be easily damaged by the sharpness of the patient's teeth (and especially the front teeth). Furthermore, silicones are hydrophobic and therefore do not absorb water. Suitable silicones are available from B. Provided by Luestar Silicones under the Silbione® trademark This includes Silbione® LSR4305, Silbi one (registered trademark) LSR4310, Silbione (registered trademark) LSR4325, and and Silbione® LSR4325PEX (www.bluesta rsilicones.com).

[0194]

[0270] In some embodiments, silicone and / or mouthpiece 2510 Some of these have one or more components embedded in the silicone that are visible through the silicone. Furthermore, in this way, the mouthpiece 2510 can be used as a light emitter. The light generated and / or transmitted by 2544 is directed to the desired target tissue by mouthpiece 2. 510. In the embodiment, the mouthpiece 2510 and / or flanges 2522, 2524 are filtering, focusing, and / or otherwise controlling the light generated by 2544; The light may include one or more components configured to act on the light. In this configuration, the mouthpiece 2510 is configured to accommodate the light emitter 2512 to facilitate focusing of the light. 544 and the surfaces of the flanges 2522, 2524. However, However, as shown in FIG. 64B, the mouthpiece 2510 is made of silicone material and electronics. The light emitter 254 is positioned such that there are no spaces or gaps between it and any part of the assembly 2540. 4 is constructed so that it is completely enclosed or embedded in molded silicone. In other words, the mouthpiece 2510 is made of a light emitter 2544 and a material of the mouthpiece 2510. , and the desired optical properties of the light generated by the light emitter 2544 are achieved. No gap lens effect is required to provide this.

[0195]

[0271] The raised portion 2518 is made of the same material as the mouthpiece 2510, or at least The bite tray 2512 of the piece 2510 may be constructed of the same material. When the patient bites down on the upper and lower jaws, the mouthpiece 25 including the ridge 2518 The occlusal tray 2512 is slightly displaced by the pressure exerted by the occlusal surfaces of the patient's teeth. Nevertheless, the ridges 2518 may be attached to the bite tray 2512 and / or The patient should be able to recognize the position of the ridge 2518 despite any slight deformation of the ridge. It has sufficient dimensions.

[0196]

[0272] The extraoral housing or beak 2560 is attached to the mouse by the bridge 2506. beak 2560 is attached to the front of the mouthpiece 2510. When the sensor 2510 is placed in the patient's oral cavity, it is positioned outside the patient's oral cavity. In this manner, the beak 2560 can be used to position the mouthpiece 2510 in the patient's mouth. When the mouthpiece 2510 and / or bridge 2506 It can be supported.

[0197]

[0273] The apparatus 2500 may include a support plate 2554. The support plate 2554 may It is designed to provide structural support to the silicone material of the Space 2510. Plate 2554 may be configured to support, for example, mouthpiece 2510 when it is placed in the patient's mouth. The beak 2560 is configured to help support the base 2510. The support plate 2554 has a proximal portion 2551 (see, e.g., FIG. 72) and a distal portion 2553 (see, e.g., 70). The proximal portion 2551 of the support plate 2554 is connected to the mouthpiece 251. 0 and / or within this mouthpiece. For example, the support plate 2554 The proximal portion 2551 may be embedded in the silicone material of the bite pad 2514 . The support plate 2554 may be generally planar, and a proximal portion 2551 of the support plate 2554 may The plate is placed in the mouthpiece 2510 so that it is approximately parallel to the upper surface of the bite pad 2514. At least a portion of the support plate 2554 is disposed within the bridge 2506. The distal portion 2553 of the retaining plate 2554 connects the mouthpiece 2510 and the beak 2560. For example, the distal portions 2553 of the support plates 2554 are each configured to have a beak. 70 and 72. The hole may define two holes 2555, 2557. The distal portion 2553 of the support plate 2554, which defines at least the holes 2555, 2557, It is exposed to (or not located within) the material of the mouthpiece 2510.

[0198]

[0274] The beak 2560 of the light therapy device 2500 comprises a first portion or tip 2562 and It includes a second portion or bottom 2564 forming a cavity (not shown) therebetween. At 66, the beak 2560, in combination with the bridge 2506, forms a roughly T-shape. Although shown as a beak, in other embodiments, beak 2560 may be any suitable The beak 2560 may have any of the shapes described in more detail herein. configured to at least partially encase one or more electronic components of device 2500 so as to The electronic components may be located within a cavity in the beak 2560.

[0199]

[0275] The device 2500 includes at least one battery or other suitable power source. A battery 2568 is disposed within the cavity of the beak 2560. The battery 2568 may be, for example, For example, an electronics board 2570, a microcontroller 2572, a system clock, , a wireless transmitter 2576, and one or more of the other electronic components of the beak 2560. may be electrically coupled to and provide power to one or more electronic components of the device 2560. Battery 2568 provides power to electronics assembly 2540 of mouthpiece 2510. More specifically, the battery 2568 is configured to provide power to the light emitter 254. 4 to provide light during the treatment session. The battery 2568 may be, for example, a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. In some embodiments, the battery may include a lithium polymer or L In some embodiments, the battery is a lithium ion polymer battery, also known as an IPO battery. The battery 2568 houses the accelerometer 2567 and the electronics board in the cavity of the beak 2560. It is placed between the 2570.

[0200]

[0276] In some embodiments, the device 2500 wirelessly connects the battery 2568 For example, the inductive receiver coil 2569 is configured to charge or recharge the battery. The inductive receiver coil 2569 may be disposed within the cavity of the coil 2560. 2568. The battery 2568 may be configured to inductively charge the battery 2568, as described in more detail below. The inductive receiver coil 2569 may include, for example, a Qi-compliant charging coil.

[0201]

[0277] An electronics board 2570 is located within the beak 2560 of the device 2500 . The electronics board 2570 is attached to the flexible circuit board 2546 of the mouthpiece 2510 ( For example, via tab portion 2548 of flexible circuit board 2546 This allows the electronic components of the beak 2560 to be connected to the electronic assembly of the mouthpiece 2510. 2540. The electronic circuitry within the beak 2560 is electrically coupled to the electronics board 257. 0, Microcontroller 2572, System Clock, Radio Transmitter 2576, One or More The switches and other electronic components of the beak 2560 are electrically coupled.

[0202]

[0278] The light therapy device 2500 is configured to detect movement of the device. In general, device 2500 is configured such that the device is moved in any one of three axes or dimensions. (also referred to herein as three-dimensional movement) Referring to FIG. 74, in some embodiments, the device 2500 includes a beak 256 The accelerometer 2567 may be, for example, a piezoelectric sensor. The accelerometer 2567 may be attached to an adhesive, including but not limited to, double-sided tape. beak 2560 (e.g., first portion 2 of the beak) by any suitable coupling mechanism. 562). The accelerometer 2567 may be electrically connected to the electronics board 2570. In some embodiments, two electrical leads or wires (FIG. 7) are coupled to the 4 or 75) couples the accelerometer 2567 to the electronics board 2570. The accelerometer 2567 is configured to detect three-dimensional or three-axis movement of the light therapy device 2500. It is composed of:

[0203]

[0279] The accelerometer 2567 detects three-dimensional movement by detecting the microphone of the device 2500. The microcontroller 2572 may be configured to transmit an electrical signal to the microcontroller 2572. Microcontroller 2572 is placed in the cavity of beak 2560. 572 is in electrical communication with the accelerometer 2567 and is adapted to receive electrical signals from the accelerometer 2567. The detected movement of the device 2500 may be used to determine the emission and / or performance of the device. It may also be used to control other aspects. For example, in some embodiments: When the microcontroller 2572 detects the movement of the device 2500, the microcontroller Controller 2572 prevents device 2500 (light emitter 2544 from being activated). From a "sleep" state to a "wake" state (with the light emitter 2544 enabled) can be moved to.

[0204]

[0280] In some embodiments, the light therapy device 2500 determines the orientation of the device. In other words, the phototherapy device 2500 may be configured as a mouthpiece. Whether the sensor 2510 is oriented in an upright position or an inverted position For example, in some embodiments, The speedometer 2567 indicates whether the device 2500 is oriented in an upright position or an inverted position. The accelerometer 2567 is configured to determine whether the device 250 is oriented. configured to transmit a signal associated with an orientation of 0 to the microcontroller 2572. In this way, the electronics board 2570 and / or the microcontroller 2572 as a function of the orientation of the mouthpiece 2510 as described herein. The operation of the device 2500 may be adjusted and / or controlled using the control signal.

[0205]

[0281] The electronic circuitry located within the beak 2560 of the device 2500 is a switch 2575 (as defined herein) movable from a first position (or configuration) to a second position (or configuration) (also called a magnetic switch or sensor in some cases, and is shown diagrammatically in Figure 74) More specifically, the switch 2575 includes a magnet located in close proximity to the switch. configured to move from a first position to a second position when the switch is activated by the When switch 2575 is in the second position, device 2500 Even if movement is detected by the speedometer 2567, it will remain in a sleep state. In an embodiment, the external station 2580 is configured to activate the switch 2575. 90. In this way, the device 2 When the 500 is placed in the external station 2580, the mag of the external station 2580 Net 2596 moves the switch from the first position to the second position, thereby increasing the acceleration Whether or not the thermometer 2567 detects the device's movement, the device 2500 is in a sleep state. This prevents an external station 2580 (e.g. This may occur when the device 2500 is moved while placed inside (e.g., for transportation). This helps prevent accidental waking and / or activation of device 2500. The microcontroller 2572 determines whether the switch 2575 is in the first position or the second position. In this way, the microcontroller The controller 2572 determines whether the device 2500 is located in an external station 2580. is configured to determine

[0206]

[0282] The light therapy device 2500 has a mouthpiece 2510 placed in the patient's mouth. The system may also be configured to determine whether (i.e., in a manner appropriate for the treatment session) In this way, the device 2500 can be operated with the mouthpiece 2510 positioned in the patient's mouth. The device 2500 is configured to only illuminate for a treatment session when the device 2500 determines that the patient is In some embodiments, for example, the light therapy device 2500 may be configured to The piece 2580 is configured to detect a change in capacitance when placed in the patient's mouth. 71 to 74, the capacitive sensing system includes , disposed within the beak 2560 and each of which is a flexible A first capacitive electrode 2550 and a second capacitive electrode 2552 are coupled to the circuit board 2546. 74. The sensor 2549 includes a capacitive sensor 2549 (see, e.g., FIG. 74) configured for wireless communication. The flexible circuit board 2546 may have paths 2543a-b and 2543b. The electrodes 2550 and 2552 are connected to the capacitance sensor in the beak 2560 via c to d. 2549.

[0207]

[0283] At least some of the sensors 2550, 2552 may be associated with, for example, an optical array 2542. and the flange of mouthpiece 2510 in a manner similar to that described herein. The electrodes 2550, 2552 may be embedded in the flexible In some embodiments, electrodes 2550 are spaced apart on the wiring circuit board 2546. , 2552 indicates that the first electrode 2550 is attached to the first flange 2522 of the optical array 2542. A second electrode 2552 underlies the recessed portion and is connected to a second flange of the optical array 2542. The flexible 2524 is placed underneath the recessed portion as shown in Figure 72. The circuit board 2546 is disposed at opposite locations. , configured to detect capacitance changes bilaterally. As each electrode 2550, 2552 extends posteriorly within the patient's mouth, the capacitance change It provides more "horizontal" contact with the patient's oral tissue for robust detection.

[0208]

[0284] The electrodes 2550, 2552 are inserted into the patient's mouth so that the mouthpiece 2510 is ready for treatment. to be placed in close proximity to the patient's buccal tissue, which has high capacitance when placed in The patient's saliva or moist buccal tissue increases the capacitance of each electrode 2550, 2552. The device 2500 can activate the amount after a predetermined capacitance change is recorded. In other words, the device 2500, more specifically The microcontroller 2572 activates the photoelectric effect only after a predetermined capacitance change has been recorded. The capacitance change is configured to turn on the emitter 2544. The threshold for the change is measured by the capacitance sensor 2549 for each electrode 2550, 2552 (i.e., (i.e., bilaterally), and / or (2) when the capacitance change lasts for a predetermined duration (e.g., for at least 2 seconds) to record the change in capacitance. The recorded data is stored in a microcontroller 2572 configured to execute a When the microcontroller 2572 records the capacitance change, a switch (referred to herein as " Although not shown in FIG. 74, the capacitance sensor 2549 is also called a "capacitance switch." element) to move the light emitter from a first position where the light emitter 2544 is off. The light emitter 2544 is moved to a second position where it is on, thereby The device 2500 is moved to an active state in which the light is being emitted.

[0209]

[0285] A bilateral capacitance change is required to move the switch to the second position. Therefore, the incidence of false positives that may result from using only one electrode is limited. However, in other embodiments, the phototherapy device includes only a single capacitive electrode. In yet another embodiment, the light therapy device may be configured such that the mouthpiece 2510 is and any other suitable detection mechanism for determining whether the good.

[0210]

[0286] Additionally, the capacitance detection system of the light therapy device 2500 may be used to monitor patient safety and / or For example, light emitter 2544 may be configured to emit infrared light. may be used, thus avoiding the possibility of emitting radiation that may be harmful to the eyes (e.g. (to prevent light emission until mouthpiece 2510 is properly placed in the patient's mouth) The capacitance sensor placement is similar to the manual "on / off" switch on the Beak 2560. Such manual switches are prone to user error. For example, However, patients may not be able to easily tell whether the light emitter is off or on. Therefore, you may accidentally turn off the light emitter when you are about to begin a light therapy treatment session. It might end up like this.

[0211]

[0287] In some embodiments, the device 2500 collects light from the patient's oral soft tissue. The light emitter 2544 is configured to detect a reflection of light such as a blinking or pulsating light. The light emitter 2544 may be configured to emit light at a predetermined rate. The light emitter 254 may be configured to flash or pulse. At least a portion of the light emitted from the mouthpiece 4 toward the oral soft tissue of the patient's mouth is 2510, thereby reflecting the light to a sensor or other light reflectance detection mechanism ("reflectance sensor"). The reflectance sensor is collectively referred to as a reflectance sensor (not shown in Figures 62 to 75). A portion of the optical array 2542 coupled to the first flange 2522 of the mouthpiece 2510 and and a portion of the optical array 2542 coupled to the second flange 2524 of the mouthpiece 2510. In this manner, the reflectance sensor is configured to assess the functionality of the patient. Before operating the device 2500, the flanges 2522, 254 of the mouthpiece 2510 4 facilitates the detection of any malfunction of the device 2500. To determine if the 42 light emitters 2544 are operating properly, the reflectance is measured. An appropriate reflectance threshold may be set to detect the reflectance sensor detecting the presence of oral soft tissue. When detecting optical reflections from tissue and / or when a capacitance detection system detects a threshold capacitance change, When this is detected, the device will initiate irradiation of the intraoral tissues (i.e., begin the treatment session). In some embodiments, a reflectance sensor or a capacitance sensor may be used. At least one of the extraction systems may be configured such that the reflectance sensor detects the amount of light emitted from the oral soft tissue (e.g., a predetermined threshold). When the capacitance sensor 2549 detects a reflection of light (above a predetermined threshold or above a predetermined value), When a change in capacitance is detected, the beak 2560 is activated to initiate a treatment session. The microcontroller 2572 is configured to transmit a signal to the microcontroller 2572.

[0212]

[0288] The reflectance sensor is also configured to track patient compliance with a treatment program. For example, the reflectance sensor may detect when the mouthpiece 2510 is in the patient's mouth. The microcontroller detects a light reflection of the appropriate reflectance threshold, indicating that the device has been placed in The microphone may be configured to transmit a signal to the microphone 2572. The controller 2572 detects the occurrence of a sound when the patient places the mouthpiece in the patient's mouth. Tracking can be based on signals transmitted by reflectance sensors.

[0213]

[0289] Controlling the operation of device 2500 based on its movement and / or position within the mouth In addition, the microcontroller 2572 may also be configured to and controlling the operation of the device 2500 and / or the light emitter 2544 based on the temperature of various regions of the In particular, regulatory requirements and / or Alternatively, industry standards may set limits on the temperature of the medical device in the patient's mouth. Therapeutic device 2500 ensures that the device complies with applicable regulatory requirements and / or industry standards. A temperature sensor 2577 such as a thermocouple (shown schematically in FIG. 74) is provided. The sensor (which is located inside the beak 2560) communicates with the microcontroller 2572. The temperature sensor 2577 is connected to the flexible circuit of the mouthpiece 2510. 7. The substrate 2546 is coupled to one or more contacts 2545, 2547 disposed on the substrate 2546. As shown schematically in Figures 3 and 74, contacts 2545, 2547 are connected to paths 2543e , 2543f may be coupled to the temperature sensor 2577.

[0214]

[0290] The temperature sensor 2577 may measure the temperature of the object (e.g., the temperature of the contact 254) during a light therapy treatment session. 5, 2547) to measure the temperature of the mouthpiece 2510. The temperature sensor sends an electrical signal related to the measured temperature to a microcontroller such as 2572. In some embodiments, the flexible circuit board is configured to transmit The location of the temperature sensor or its contacts 2545, 2547 relative to the plate 2546 may be determined by regulations or industry standards. The temperature may vary from the standard position. The temperature measured by the temperature sensor is compared with the actual position of the sensor and the position defined by the regulation or standard. a temperature algorithm (e.g., 2572) and This calculates the adjusted temperature used to control the operation of the phototherapy device 2500. will be done.

[0215]

[0291] In some embodiments, the light therapy device 2500 may measure the temperature or At least one of the regulated temperatures reaches or exceeds a first predetermined temperature threshold. When the temperature reaches a predetermined threshold, the light irradiation is temporarily stopped. High enough to cause patient discomfort but below regulatory (or industry standard) limits When a first predetermined temperature is reached or exceeded during use, the light The emitter 2544 is turned off and the treatment session is stopped. The temperature of the device 2500 is at least up to a predetermined temperature or below a first predetermined temperature threshold. The process may be stopped for a cooling period to allow the temperature to drop to a lower value. For example, a 3 minute process During the placement session, the cooling period may be about 20 seconds or about 30 seconds. Once the temperature has dropped sufficiently, the light emitter 2544 (e.g., the microcontroller 257 2) and the treatment session resumes.

[0216]

[0292] In some embodiments, the light therapy device 2500 may measure the temperature or At least one of the adjusted temperatures is greater than a second predetermined temperature threshold. The light is configured to cease irradiation when a temperature threshold is reached or exceeded. The second predetermined temperature threshold may be a temperature equivalent to a regulatory (or industry standard) limit. In some embodiments, the second predetermined temperature threshold is between about 45 degrees Celsius and about 55 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the second predetermined temperature threshold is about 48 degrees Celsius. If a second predetermined temperature threshold is reached or exceeded, light emitter 2544 is turned off. In such an embodiment, the device 2500 At least one of the measured adjusted temperatures of the device 2500 is equal to a second predetermined temperature. When the intensity threshold is reached or exceeded, the treatment program is not automatically restarted.

[0217]

[0293] The light therapy device 2500 is configured to administer the prescribed treatment program for the patient's light therapy treatment session. The device 2500 is configured to track the patient's compliance with the program. The device 2500 is configured to store data relating to the usage history of the device 2500. 0 = (1) The total number of phototherapy treatment sessions initiated and / or completed using the device , (2) the total number of days the device was used to administer phototherapy treatment sessions; (3) (e.g., (per treatment session) whether the device was used to deliver light therapy to the upper or lower jaw (4) whether the device was used to administer light therapy to a specific patient at a specific time and date; duration of treatment (e.g., if a patient completes less than a full treatment session) (5) if so, the device may store the duration for which light was administered; and data including one or more of the following: the date and time that light was administered; or any combination of the foregoing The information processing device may be configured to store the information.

[0218]

[0294] The microcontroller 2572 processes the stored data (i.e., patient compliance status). For example, the phototherapy device 2500 may be configured to transmit the information to an external device. , patient compliance information via mobile phones, personal digital assistants, computers, portable electronic devices, The device 250 may be configured to transmit the signal to a network, an external station 2580, or the like. The antenna 2560 may include a transmitter 2576 disposed within the beak 2560. In an embodiment, the transmitter 2576 is configured to wirelessly transmit data to an external device. The wireless transmitter 2576 is configured as a Bluetooth (registered configured to transmit data via the IEEE 802.11b / g (R) trademark or another suitable wireless mechanism and / or protocol In some embodiments, the device 2500 may be configured as, for example, a transmitter 2 576 to an external device. However, in other embodiments, the transmitter is a transceiver, and therefore can communicate with an external device. configured for two-way communication of data.

[0219]

[0295] As described herein, the light therapy device 2500 may be any suitable For example, in some embodiments, the optical The therapy device 2500 may have a sleep state and a wake state. In this case, the device 2500 is prevented from emitting light for the phototherapy treatment session. The device 2500 is in a low power state during the sleep state so that electrical activity is minimized. However, even in the sleep state, the system clock (not shown) Certain electronic components may continue to operate. The device 2500 may have a charging status or a communication status. In this case, the battery 2568 of the device 2500 is being charged (or recharged), but the device The device 2500 remains asleep. In charging status, the device 2500 wirelessly transmits The transmitter 2576 or other wireless mechanism transmits information (e.g., patient compliance data) to an external device. The device remains asleep, although configured to transmit wirelessly.

[0220]

[0296] In the wake state, the device 2500 displays the ready status, the error status, status, waiting status, advertising status, active status, cooling status, dormant status status, and completion status, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the device 2500 may be configured to Alternatively or additionally, the communication status is when in the awake state. It is structured as follows.

[0221]

[0297] In the ready state, the device 2500 turns on the light for a treatment session. It is ready to start emitting light, but it has not started emitting light. For example, the ready status In this case, the device is configured such that the mouthpiece 2510 is placed in the patient's mouth. If an error is detected, the light therapy treatment session may be initiated. In this status, the device 2500 has detected an error and is not ready for the treatment session. As in the ready status, the device 2 in the standby status is prevented from irradiating the The 500 is ready to begin irradiating light for a treatment session, but The device 2500 may be a ready-to-use device, as described in more detail herein. After the advertising status, the system enters a waiting status. The apparatus 2500 notifies the patient that the device is ready for use in a treatment session. In active status, the device 2500 is irradiating light for the treatment session. In cooling status, the device The light emitted from the device 2500 is stopped or paused for a predetermined period of time to allow the device to cool. In the resting state, light administration is temporarily suppressed for reasons unrelated to temperature. In the completed status, the device 2500 turns on the light for the treatment session. The irradiation is completed and the administration of light is stopped. In the communication status, the device 2 500 is configured to communicate with an external device.

[0222]

[0298] The device 2500 (e.g., via the microcontroller 2572) may various logic sequences to control the state or status of For example, the algorithm shown in FIG. As shown, device 2500 determines whether the device can transition from a sleep state to a wake state. The following description is configured to execute an algorithm 2600 for determining Although reference is made to specific parts of the light treatment device 2500, any of the methods described herein may include: This may be implemented by any of the devices described herein. In the sleep state 2602, the system clock operates to keep time. 604. At 2606, the algorithm 2600 determines if the battery 2568 is charging. If the battery 2568 is charging, the device 2500 enters charging mode. If the battery 2568 is not charging, the algorithm 2600 In 2610, (1) the accelerometer detects movement (or three-dimensional movement of the device 2500) (2) whether the magnet (e.g., at external station 2580) In response to either query (1) or (2), If the answer is negative, i.e., the accelerometer is not moving (or detecting three-dimensional movement), If no magnet is detected, the device 2500 remains asleep. If the answer to both questions (1) and (2) is affirmative, i.e., accelerometer If the magnet is not detected, the device 25 00 peripheral electronics are woken up at 2612. When this state is reached, the device 2500 is generally said to be in a wake state (see FIG. 76). (Not shown). The device 2500 then performs a self-test to verify the functionality of the peripheral electronics. The algorithm 2600 is configured to perform the following in 2614: Query whether device 500 passes self-test. If device 2500 fails self-test, If so, the device 2500 transitions to an error status 2616. If the test passes, the algorithm 2600 returns a fatal error at 2618. If a fatal error is detected, the device 500 moves to error status 2616. If no fatal error is detected, the The station 2500 moves to the ready state 2620.

[0223]

[0299] Referring to FIG. 77, in charging status 2608, the device 2500 i.e., via the microcontroller 2572), the battery 2568 has finished charging (e.g., fully charged, or at least charged to a predetermined charge level) configured to execute an algorithm 2622 that queries whether If the battery is not fully charged, the device 2500 remains in charging status 2608. If the battery is fully charged, the device 2500 goes into a (non-charging) sleep state. Return to state 2602.

[0224]

[0300] Referring to FIG. 78, in the ready state 2620, the device 2500 , 2628, whether the magnet is detected (e.g., at an external station 2580). The device 250 is configured to execute an algorithm 2626 that queries whether the device 250 is 0 is the magnetic switch in the beak 2560 as described herein. The magnet detects whether the switch is in the first or second position. If the magnetic switch is in the second position, The Microcontroller 2572 has an electronic circuit with a magnetic switch inside. It can be determined that the magnet is detected. If a battery is detected, the algorithm determines in 2630 that the battery 2568 is low. Inquires whether the battery is full or depleted and needs to be charged. If 2568 is low or depleted, device 2500 will display advertising status 2 632. The device 2500 enters the battery 2502 when the device is in the advertising status 2632. 568 is low or depleted and needs to be charged. Or it may be configured to alert other users. For example, in the advertisement status In this case, the device 2500 may provide an audible or visual indication, as described herein. one or more (e.g., the color and / or pattern of light emitted by light indicator 2578) The battery 2568 may be configured to provide power to the device (via the power supply). If it is not depleted and therefore does not require charging, the device 2500 goes to sleep. State 2602 is entered.

[0225]

[0301] Returning to operation 2628, the device 2500 determines that no magnet is detected. If so, the algorithm 2626 determines in 2634 whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed. The predetermined period is the period when the patient removes the device 2500 from the external station 2580. and place the device in the patient's mouth to begin the phototherapy treatment session. Generally, a predetermined period of time is on the order of a few seconds or minutes. For example, the predetermined period may be 20 seconds, 30 seconds, 40 seconds, 50 seconds, 60 seconds, 70 seconds, or more. In some embodiments, the predetermined period is 60 seconds. If a certain period of time has elapsed, the device 2500 enters the sleep state 2602. The device 2500 then determines if the device has maintained itself in the ready status 2620 for more than a predetermined period of time. It is designed to help prevent battery 2568 wear caused by carrying If the predetermined period has not elapsed, the algorithm 2626 proceeds to 2636. , to query whether the capacitive sensor 2549 is on. The algorithm 2626 determines whether the electrodes 2550, 2552 have a capacitance change at the time of interrogation. Query whether the capacitance sensor 2549 indicates that it is detecting capacitance. If the quantity sensor 2549 is on, the device 2500 enters a wait state 2638. If the capacitance sensor 2549 is not on (in other words, the capacitance electrode 2550, At least one of the 2552 does not detect a capacitance change at the time of the query, i.e. If the sensor 2549 is "off," the device 2500 is in the ready state 262. If the device 2500 remains in the ready status 2620, The algorithm 2626 determines whether the device is in advertising status 2632, sleep status 2602, or will be retried until it enters a different status, such as one of the waiting statuses 2638. That's fine.

[0226]

[0302] Referring to FIG. 79, in some embodiments, the device 2500 includes: Algorithm 264 for determining whether 2500 is properly placed in the patient's mouth More specifically, the device 2500 is configured to execute the wait status 2 When 638, the device detects in 2642 that the capacitance sensor 2549 is on. (e.g., whether the sensor 2549 detected a capacitance change) In some embodiments, the processor 2600 is configured to execute an algorithm 2640 that performs the following steps: The capacitance sensor 2549 detects capacitance by the capacitance electrodes 2550 and 2552. configured to turn on when the capacitance change is at or exceeds a predetermined threshold; The query at 2642 is to determine whether the device 2500 is eligible for a light therapy treatment session. The purpose of the capacitive electrodes is to determine whether they have been placed in the patient's mouth for use. At least one of 2550 and 2552 has a capacitance of or above a predetermined threshold. If no change in volume is detected, the capacitance sensor 2549 is off and the device 2500 returns to ready status 2620.

[0227]

[0303] If it is determined that the capacitance sensor 2549 is on, then Algorithm 2 640 determines in 2644 that the capacitance sensor 2549 is on. The query at 2642 asks whether a certain period of time has elapsed. The purpose of this study is to determine whether the 00 is properly placed in the patient's mouth. This ensures substantially balanced application of light to each side of the patient's mouth. The period is a duration of about several seconds. For example, the predetermined period is within a range of 1 to 5 seconds. In one embodiment, the predetermined period is 2 seconds in duration. The algorithm 2640 determines if the capacitive sensor 2549 has not been on for a predetermined period of time. If it is determined that the electrostatic discharge has occurred, the device 2500 remains in the waiting state 2638. If the capacitance sensor 2549 remains on for a predetermined period of time, the device 2500 enters the active status 2646. In some embodiments, the microcontroller The controller 2572 measures capacitance at or above a predetermined threshold for a predetermined period of time. Bilateral detection of change is recorded.

[0228]

[0304] Referring to FIG. 80, when in active status 2646, device 250 0 indicates whether a temperature sensor 2577 (e.g., a thermocouple) is detected in 2650. is configured to execute an algorithm 2648 that queries whether the For example, temperature sensor 2577 may be mounted on one or more flexible circuit boards 2546. The temperature sensor can determine the temperature based on the information received from contacts 2545, 2547. And check that the temperature sensor is working on the microcontroller 2572 If the temperature sensor 2577 is not detected or is not functioning, If the temperature sensor 2577 is detected, the device 2500 enters an error status 2616. , or if it is determined to be functional, the algorithm 2648 performs the following in 2652: , configured to query whether a magnet is detected. If it is determined that an error has been detected, the device 2500 enters an error status 2616. As can be understood in light of the description of device 2500 in the specification, device 2500 , so that the magnet can be detected at the same time as it is in active status (capable of emitting light). It is not intended to be placed on an external station 2580.

[0229]

[0305] If 2652 determines that a magnet is not detected, the algorithm The system 2648 determines at 2654 whether the temperature of the device 2500 exceeds a predetermined temperature threshold. As described herein, In some embodiments, the temperature of the device 2500 is measured by a temperature sensor 2577. In other embodiments, the temperature of the device 2500 is determined based on the measured temperature. This is the adjusted temperature calculated by the microcontroller 2572 based on the temperature. If it is determined that the predetermined temperature threshold has been exceeded, the device 2500 enters a cooling status 2656. Enter.

[0230]

[0306] The temperature does not exceed the first predetermined temperature threshold (i.e., the first predetermined temperature threshold). If it is determined that the temperature is above or below the first predetermined temperature threshold, the algorithm 2648 At 2658, inquire whether there is time remaining to administer a treatment session. As discussed herein, for example, The duration of the treatment session may be approximately 3 minutes. Are there any remaining minutes of that time for the session, i.e., the time remaining for the session that has not yet been completed? The system is designed to determine whether there is any time remaining in the treatment session. If it is determined that there is no error, the device enters a completed status 2660.

[0231]

[0307] If it is determined that time remains in the treatment session, the algorithm The program 2648 asks at 2662 whether the capacitance sensor 2549 is off. When the capacitance sensor 2549 is off, the device 2 The 500 enters a resting state 2664. The capacitance sensor 2549 detects, for example, whether the patient is Removal of the mouthpiece 2510 from the patient's mouth or the patient's 2510 in the patient's mouth due to inadvertent repositioning of at least one electrode 2550, 2 552 may be turned off by not having a threshold capacitance charge. If the capacitance sensor 2549 is on, the device 2500 enters the active status 264 6 and algorithm 2648 is re-executed. 2500, Error status 2616, Cooling status 2656, Completion status 26 60, or one of the dormant statuses 2664, other than active status 2646 The process may be configured to be automatically re-executed until the process enters the "status" of "0".

[0232]

[0308] Referring to FIG. 81, when the device 2500 is in the completed status 2660 The device 2500 is configured to determine whether the device should enter a ready state. Specifically, the algorithm 2666 is configured to execute the algorithm 2666 indicates that the device 2500 has entered the completion status 2660 and is ready to proceed with the next step 2668. The predetermined period may be, for example, It may be on the order of a few seconds, such as 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 seconds, or even longer. In some embodiments, the algorithm 2666 determines whether the device 2500 is in a completed state. The algorithm is configured to check whether 5 seconds have passed since the last time the The sensor 2666 is also configured to query whether the capacitance sensor 2549 is off. The algorithm is based on both queries, i.e., and whether the capacitance sensor 2549 is off. If (1) a predetermined period of time has elapsed, and (2) the capacitance sensor 254 If 9 is determined to be off, the device 2500 enters the ready state 2620. Either a predetermined period of time has not elapsed or the capacitance sensor 2549 is on. In either case, the device 2500 remains in the completed status 2660 and the device 2500 The algorithm continues until the device enters a different state (e.g., ready state 2620). The program 2666 may be configured to be re-executed.

[0233]

[0309] Referring to FIG. 82, when the device 2500 is in error status 2616 The device 2500 may be configured to allow the device to enter a different status, such as advertising status 2632. and configured to execute an algorithm 2670 for determining whether Algorithm 2670 asks at 2672 if a magnet is detected. If a magnet is detected (for example, In the case where the device 2500 is located at an external station 2580, the device 2500 If it is determined that a magnet is not detected, the device 2 500 remains in error status 2616. The device 2500 is in a different status. Re-run algorithm 2670 until the device enters a certain status (e.g., advertising status 2632). It may be configured as follows.

[0234]

[0310] As described herein, when the device 2500 is in a cooling state, When the device is in the treatment mode, light emitted from the light array 2542 during the treatment session is reduced to allow the device to cool. The device 2500 is at least temporarily stopped so that the device is in a cooling state 265 6 to active status 2646, completed status 2660, or paused status 2 Algorithms to determine whether a user should move to a different status, such as 664 Referring to FIG. 83, the device 2500 may be configured to execute two algorithms. At 676, a device is connected to a power supply for inquiring whether the temperature of the device is below a predetermined temperature threshold. 2674. More specifically, some implementations In an embodiment, the algorithm 2674 determines in 2676 whether the temperature of the device 2500 is It is configured to query if the temperature is below a given temperature threshold minus a hysteresis value. In the cooling status 2656, the temperature of the device 2500 is It should continue to decrease until it reaches the ambient temperature of the environment. 6, the real-time temperature of the device 2500 at the time the device determines the answer to the query. The degree is a measured (or calibrated) measure used to judge the response to a query. ) temperature. The hysteresis value is the difference between the temperature during measurement (or adjustment) and the This is a value used to adjust the time difference between the execution of the algorithm. If the temperature is determined to be below a predetermined temperature threshold, and in some embodiments If the temperature is determined to be lower than a predetermined temperature threshold minus a hysteresis value, The device enters (or returns to) the active status 2646.

[0235]

[0311] If the temperature of the device 2500 is determined to be equal to or greater than a predetermined temperature threshold, and In some embodiments, the temperature is greater than or equal to a predetermined temperature threshold minus a hysteresis value. If so, the algorithm 2674 determines in 2678 that the device 2500 is cooled. It now asks whether a certain period of time has passed since the system entered the 2656 state. The predetermined period may be on the order of a few seconds, for example, in the range of 5 to 30 seconds. In some embodiments, the predetermined period is 20 seconds. If so, the device 2500 enters a completed status 2660 .

[0236]

[0312] If it is determined that the predetermined period has not elapsed, algorithm 2674 , 2680, configured to determine whether the capacitance sensor 2549 is off. If the capacitance sensor 2549 is determined to be off, the device 250 0 enters the sleep status. If the capacitance sensor 2549 is determined to be on, The device 2500 remains in cooling status 2656. The device 2500 remains in cooling status 2656. Active status 2646, completed status 2660, or paused status 2664 It is configured to re-run algorithm 2674 until it enters a different state. Good too.

[0237]

[0313] When the device 2500 is in the dormant state 2664, the device is in the ready state. status 2620, waiting status 2638, or advertising status 2632. The system may be configured to determine whether a different status should be entered. 84, the device 2500 is in a quiescent state 2664. At 684, a check is made to determine whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the device 2500 entered a dormant state. 2682, which is configured to execute an algorithm 2682 configured to query whether The predetermined period may be on the order of a few seconds, for example, in the range of 5 to 30 seconds. In some embodiments, the predetermined period is 20 seconds. If the power is turned off, the device 2500 enters a ready state 2620. If it is determined that the capacitance is not It is configured to query whether the capacitance sensor 2549 is on. If the sensor 2549 is determined to be on, the device 2500 enters a standby state 26 38. If it is determined that the capacitance sensor 2549 is not on, the algorithm is configured to query whether a magnet is detected in 2688. If it is determined that a magnet is detected, the device 2500 enters the advertising status 262. If it is determined that no magnet is detected, the device 2500 enters a sleep state. The device 2500 remains in the ready state 2620, the waiting state 2664. until it enters a different status, such as advertising status 2638 or advertising status 2632. The system may be configured to re-run algorithm 2682.

[0238]

[0314] When the device 2500 is in the advertising status 2632, the device Status 2602, communication status 2692, error status 2616, or Ready Determine whether it should be placed into a different status, such as one of Status 2620 Referring to FIG. 85, device 2500 may be configured to: When the status is 2632, in 2694, ask whether a magnet is detected. The device may be configured to execute an algorithm 2690 configured to match the As discussed herein, the magnet may be, for example, It may be detected when placed in station 2580. If it is determined that the device 25 Query whether a given period of time has passed since 00 entered advertising status 2632 The predetermined period is about a few seconds or a few minutes, for example, in the range of 20 seconds to 2 minutes. In some embodiments, the predetermined period may be between 45 seconds and 75 seconds. In some embodiments, the predetermined period is 60 seconds. If it is determined that the time has elapsed, the device 2500 enters a sleep state 2602 . If it is determined that the predetermined period has not elapsed, the algorithm 2690 performs 2698 In the above, an external device (also called a host device, such as a mobile phone or a personal digital assistant) , computer, portable electronic device, etc.) is connected or communicating with the apparatus 2500. If an external device is determined to be connected or communicating with the apparatus 2500, If an external device is connected or disconnected from the device 2500, the device enters the communication status 2692. If it is determined that the device is not communicating, the device remains in advertising status 2632. The device 2500 may then re-execute the algorithm 2690 .

[0239]

[0315] The algorithm question in 2694 about whether the magnet is detected Returning to the inquiry, if no magnet is detected, the device 2500 will As shown, it is configured to reset the wireless transmitter or other wireless mechanism. The algorithm 2690 determines in 2702 whether the device 2500 passes the self-test. In some embodiments, the query is configured to As part of this, algorithm 2690 may be configured to perform a self-test. In another embodiment, the algorithm 2690 may include a Although different algorithms (not shown) may be configured to run on the device 2500, The self-test verifies that the wireless transmitter 2576 or other wireless mechanism of the device 2500 is functioning. If the device 2500 passes the self-test, If it is determined that there was no error, the device enters an error status 2616. If it is determined that the self test passes, the algorithm 2690 proceeds to 2704 It is configured to query whether a fatal error is detected. If it is determined that a substantial error has been detected, the device 2500 displays an error status 261. If it is determined that no fatal errors are detected, the device 2500 enters the ready state. The device 2500 enters the sleep state 2602, the communication Status 2692, Error Status 2616, or Ready Status 2620 Rerun at least part of algorithm 2690 until it enters a different state. The present invention may be configured as follows.

[0240]

[0316] The device 2500 is in the advertising state when the device is in the communication state 2692. status 2632, error status 2616, or ready status 2620 The device may be configured to determine which of the different states to enter. 6, the device 2500 may be in a communication state 270 8, an algorithm configured to query whether a magnet is detected The system may be configured to execute algorithm 2706. Thus, the magnet can be, for example, positioned when the device 2500 is located in an external station 2580. If it is determined that a magnet is detected, Algorithm 2706 receives an external device (also called a host device) at 2710. , e.g., a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant, a computer, a portable electronic device, etc.) is device 2 500 and is configured to query whether the device is disconnected or not communicating. If it is determined that the external device is disconnected or not communicating with the device 2500, If the external device is not disconnected from the device 2500, the device enters the advertising state 2632. If it is determined that the device is still communicating, the device remains in the communicating status 2692. The device 2500 may then re-execute the algorithm 2706 .

[0241]

[0317] Going back to the algorithm's query of whether the magnet is detected: If no magnet is detected in 2708, the device 2500 returns to step 2712. The device is configured to reset the wireless transmitter or other wireless mechanism as described above. The algorithm 2706 determines in 2714 whether the device 2500 passes the self-test. In some embodiments, the algorithm is configured to query whether System 2706 may be configured to perform a self-test. For example, algorithm 2706 may be a different algorithm (as shown) for performing the self-test. The device may be configured to perform the following steps (not including the steps described herein): Thus, the self-test verifies that the wireless transmitter 2576 or other wireless mechanism of the device 2500 is functioning. If the device 2500 passes the self-test, If it is determined that the device has not been self-tested, the device enters an error status 2616. If the test is determined to pass, the algorithm 2706 performs a match at 2716. It is configured to query whether a fatal error is detected. If it is determined that a fault is detected, the device 2500 enters an error status 2616. If it is determined that no fatal errors are detected, the device 2500 returns to the ready state. The device 2500 enters the advertising status 2632, the error status 2633, and the The algorithm continues until it enters a different state, such as 2616, or the ready state 2620. The system may be configured to re-execute algorithm 2706.

[0242]

[0318] As used herein, algorithms (e.g., algorithms 2600, 2622) , 2626, 2640, 2648, 2666, 2670, 2674, 2682, 2690 , 2706) are illustrated as performing certain queries or steps in a certain order. Although described above, in some embodiments certain queries or steps may be may be in a different order and / or certain queries or steps may be omitted For example, in some embodiments, whether the device 2500 passes a self-test In another example, some algorithmic queries regarding whether In this embodiment, the algorithm determines whether the capacitive sensor 2549 is on (or if a particular (as applicable to the inquiry) after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. after querying whether the wait status has been met (e.g., for the wait status algorithm) ) or before (for example, with respect to the ready status algorithm).

[0243]

[0319] Further, as used herein, algorithms (e.g., algorithm 2600, 2622, 2626, 2640, 2648, 2666, 2670, 2674, 2682, 2690, 2706) are shown and described as being separate algorithms, In some embodiments, the executables represented by the algorithms described herein In other embodiments, the code may be contained in a single algorithm. The executable code represented by the algorithm described in the specification is two or more algorithms The device 2500 may also include multiple accessories in addition to those described herein. For example, the device 2500 may be configured to execute an algorithm. to allow a maximum of two treatment sessions to be administered by device 2500. The processor may be configured to execute a configured algorithm. Therefore, the device 2500 may provide up to four treatment sessions per day (e.g., up to four treatment sessions per day). (two treatment sessions per upper and lower arch) good.

[0244]

[0320] In some embodiments, the light therapy device 2500 may display a status or state of the device. The term "indication" is used in this In the specification, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular ("indicium") or plural Indicia are used to include audible indications (e.g., sounds, beeps, etc.). sound, announcement, etc.), tactile indication (e.g. vibration, etc.), or visual indication (e.g. light, displayed The beak 2560 may include one or more of the following: Certain patterns may be displayed to indicate the status of the device 2500 or the treatment session being administered by the device. an indicator configured to emit at least one of a certain color of light and a certain color of light, or both More specifically, for example, indicator light 2578 may include (1) the color of the light being emitted, and (2) whether the light is being emitted in a continuous pattern or a slow flashing pattern. Whether it is emitted in a turn or in a fast flashing pattern The indicator is configured to display the status of the device based on the The light source 2578 may be or may include a light pipe.

[0245]

[0321] For example, indicator light 2578 is lit when device 2500 is turned off. In some embodiments, the patient may be When no light is emitted by indicator light 2578, device 2500 is connected to an external station. The indicator light 2578 may be instructed to return the device 25 When 00 is ready to begin a treatment session, it will emit a solid green light. Indicator light 2578 may be configured to indicate when device 2500 is about to begin a treatment session. The green fast light indicates when the device is ready to use and should be charged after a treatment session. The indicator light 2578 may be configured to emit a flashing light. When the device 2500 is charging and / or when the device 2500 is communicating wirelessly with an application on an external device When the signal is being received, the signal may be configured to emit a slow flashing green light.

[0246]

[0322] Indicator light 2578 indicates when device 2500 is activated to provide a treatment session. The indicator light may be configured to emit a continuous blue light when the indicator light is on. 2578 indicates that the treatment session has been stopped but the treatment session may continue. The indicator may be configured to emit a rapidly flashing blue light when the Light 2578 indicates that the treatment session is complete and the device 2500 should be removed from the patient's mouth. The indicator may be configured to emit a blue slow flashing light when Light 2578 emits a flashing red light when battery 2568 is low, indicating that the device Indicates that the 2500 should be returned to the external station 2580 for recharging. Indicator light 2578 may be configured to indicate when device 2500 detects an error. When the device is released, it emits a continuous red light to indicate that the patient should place the device 2500 on the external station 25. 80 and / or contact customer support. 0 reset protocol should be followed.

[0247]

[0323] In some embodiments, the device 2500 provides an audible indication to the patient. For example, in some embodiments, the device 2500 is configured to: ) a treatment session has begun, (2) a treatment session has stopped, (3) a treatment session has ended The system is configured to beep when at least one of the following conditions is met: It has been completed.

[0248]

[0324] Indicator light 2578 indicates a particular status (e.g., ready to begin treatment). configured to emit a specific color and pattern (e.g., green, continuous) for Although the device 2500 is described as being a 25 indicator lights in any suitable combination of colors and patterns for different status 78 may be programmed to emit a light.

[0249]

[0325] The light therapy device 2500 may be used in orthodontic treatment, including any of the treatments described herein. It may be configured for use in

[0250]

[0326] In use, the light therapy device 2500 is housed in a case as described herein. When removed from the device, it automatically wakes from sleep and goes into ready state (or pre-treatment mode). In the ready state, the device 2500 determines tissue contact. The patient should place the mouthpiece 2510 in their mouth and begin the procedure. Position the device 2500 comfortably. Correct positioning is achieved by placing the mouthpiece 2510 in the mouth. and positioning the ridge 2518 between the patient's central incisors. Once the device 2500 is properly positioned, the patient places the bite pad 2 514. The light therapy device 2500 detects when tissue contact is achieved and Treatment will begin automatically, as explained in more detail in the specification.

[0251]

[0327] In some embodiments, for example, the light therapy device 2500 may be used to treat the upper jaw of a patient. at least a portion of the patient's mandible for about 3 minutes, or at least a portion of the patient's maxilla for about 3 minutes and mandible for about 3 minutes. In one treatment program, the light therapy device 2500 is used to treat the upper arch of the patient's mouth and the oral tissues associated with each of the lower dental arches (or vice versa) of the mouth for 3 minutes per day, The entire treatment session lasts for 6 minutes per day. During a treatment session, light is emitted from all light emitters 2542 of the light array 2542. During treatment, light emitter 2544 may be simultaneously irradiated. The implanted LED is configured to move and directly illuminate the alveolar mucosa and alveolar bone. The application of the first light therapy session of the treatment program may include orthodontic treatment of the patient's teeth. The same day treatment begins (e.g., the day brackets and wires are attached to the patient's teeth) , for example, T0).

[0252]

[0328] The light may be of any suitable wavelength or combination of wavelengths according to the methods described herein. In some embodiments, the light may be emitted at about 85°C during a treatment session. In other embodiments, the light is emitted at a wavelength of 850 nm during the treatment session. In some embodiments, light emitter 2 emits at a wavelength of 0 nm (±5 nm). 544 and / or LEDs emit a mixture of wavelengths rather than a single wavelength like a laser. The peak emission wavelength (λ max ) may be, for example, 855 nm stomach.

[0253]

[0329] Treatment sessions may be of any duration, including but not limited to, 4 to 12 months. In some embodiments, the treatment regimen may be administered for any suitable period of time. Use of the light therapy device 2500 to administer a light therapy treatment session in accordance with the method described herein is not intended to be limiting. The patient's Little's Irregularity Index ("LII"), which is described in more detail in The test continues until the regularityIndex score is determined to be less than 1 (i.e., T1). The patient's treatment program will be completed to ensure that the patient's teeth are completely corrected (e.g., the patient's L II is approximately zero) and / or acceptable clinical results are achieved. which in some embodiments is suitable for orthodontic appliances (e.g., brackets and This will be determined at the patient's final orthodontic appointment, when the wires will be removed. In some embodiments, a device for administering a phototherapy treatment session according to a treatment program. Use of the light therapy device 2500 is performed after the patient's orthodontic appliances have been removed from the patient's teeth (i.e., The light therapy device 2500 may be used in a clinical setting or in a home environment. The treatment session may be configured to be applied in a

[0254]

[0330] Such a treatment program may, for example, be used to help a patient achieve a desired orthodontic result. The average expected duration for which an individual will need to wear orthodontic appliances (e.g. braces) to For example, the device 2500 may shorten the duration of the treatment program during the treatment program. It may be used to shorten the duration of the program from 2 years to 6 months. The program and / or any treatment program described herein may be administered as described herein. Thus, the duration of orthodontic treatment performed without light therapy can be reduced by about 50 percent to about 75 percent. This can reduce the time by one cent.

[0255]

[0331] Referring to Figures 87-91, the phototherapy device 2500 may be, for example, When not in use by a patient, the external station 2580 is configured to be placed on or in the The external station 2580 may be configured to , for example, a carrying case, a charging caddy or station, or the like, It may also be a combination of the above.

[0256]

[0332] Station 2580 includes a base 2584 and a lid 2582 (see FIG. 8). 7) formed by base 2584 and lid 2582 when the lid is in the closed position. The lid 2582 defines a cavity therebetween (not shown in FIGS. 87-91). Any suitable coupling mechanism may be used, for example, hinge 2583 as shown in FIGS. In this manner, the lid 2582 may be coupled to the base 2584 in the closed position. and an open position (not shown).

[0257]

[0333] The base 2584 may include a lock configured to secure the lid 2582 to the base 2584. For example, the base may include a recess (not shown) to secure the lid in the closed position. ) to matingly engage the lid 2582. 2584 and lid 2582 are made of plastic, such as bisphenol A-free polypropylene. The material may be constructed of any suitable material, including plastic. At least one of the base 2584 and the lid 2582 is resistant to impacts and / or scratches. Constructed of durable materials.

[0258]

[0334] The base 2584 is configured to receive at least a portion of the mouthpiece 2510. A first recess 2586 is formed in the beak 2560 and configured to receive at least a portion of the beak 2560. In some embodiments, the second recess 2587 may be formed in the first recess 2582. As shown at 9 and 90, a first recess 2586 is connected to a second recess 2587. The periphery of the first recess 2586 may, for example, complement the contour of the mouthpiece 2510. The periphery of the second recess 2587 may, for example, complement the contour of the beak 2560.

[0259]

[0335] The external station 2580 determines whether the device 2500 is located on the station. , or may be configured to charge device 2500 when coupled. In this way, the battery 2568 can In some embodiments, for example, the station 2580 is connected to the battery via, for example, the inductive receiver coil 2569 of the mouthpiece 2510. configured to inductively charge device 2500 by inductively charging 2568. More specifically, electronics assembly 2590 (shown diagrammatically in FIG. 91) 2569) is a wireless charger configured to induce an electromagnetic field in an inductive receiver coil 2569. (e.g., an inductive transmitter coil) 2588, and an inductive receiver coil that transmits the received energy It is configured to convert the current to charge the battery 2568.

[0260]

[0336] In some embodiments, the external station 2580 is A USB, micro USB, or other suitable cable that is accepted by port 2589 of application 2580. may be coupled to a computer or other electronic device, such as via a cable (not shown). For example, the USB cable is configured to charge the external station 2580. In another embodiment, the external station 2580 may be configured to , may be configured to be charged by any conventional power source. In this embodiment, the external station 2580 is manufactured by TRUMPower. Configured to be coupled to a medical-grade power source, such as a medical-grade 6W power supply The power supply may be configured to comply with applicable regulatory standards and / or regulations. For example, the power supply may be designed to comply with IEC 60601-1 and / or other applicable standards. The electronic circuitry 2592 may connect the port 2589 to the inductive transmitter coil 258. 8, thus connecting the device 2500 to the external station 258 0.

[0261]

[0337] In some embodiments, the external station 2580 is a phototherapy device 2 500. The external station 2580 may be configured to receive the data when the device 2500 is placed in the external station 2580. To disinfect the mouthpiece 2510, use ultraviolet light or other suitable wavelength light such as blue light. In some embodiments, the optical system may include a light emitter 2594 configured to emit light. In the external station 2580, the lid 2582 is configured to allow the station to emit disinfecting light. For example, in some embodiments, the lid 25 When 82 is in the closed position, a switch (not shown) is moved to the closed position, thereby , completing an electrical circuit including the light emitter 2594 so that the light emitter 2594 can emit light. In some embodiments, the emission of disinfecting light is It is controllable via electronics assembly 2590.

[0262]

[0338] The external station 2580 includes a magnet 2596 (shown diagrammatically in phantom in FIG. 90). As mentioned above, the magnet 2596 allows the device 2500 to When placed at the base 2584 of the station 2580, the magnet The switch 2575 is configured to move from a first position to a second position.

[0263]

[0339] The phototherapy device 2500 and external station 2580 are referred to herein as: Although described as being configured to comply with various industry standards, device 25 00 and / or external station 2580 may be adapted to comply with additional or alternative industry standards. For example, the device 2500 and the external station 2580 may be configured as follows: It may be configured to comply with one or more of the following standards, or any combination thereof: IEC / EN60601-1 Ed.3.1:2012-Medical Electrical Equipment Part 1 General requirements for basic safety and essential performance;IEC / EN60601-1-2 Ed. 3:2007-Collateral: Electromagnetic compatibility - Requirements and tests; EN62471:2009-La Photobiological safety of lamps and lamp systems; IEC 60601-2-57: Ed.1. 0:2011-Medical electrical equipment Part 2-57: Non-therapeutic, diagnostic, monitoring and cosmetic / aesthetic applications Particular requirements for basic safety and essential performance of laser light source equipment; EN60529 Ed.2.1 :2001-Enclosure protection rating;IEC60601-1-11-Collateral rules:Ho Requirements for medical electrical equipment and medical electrical systems used in home healthcare environments; SO10993-1:2009-Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices-Part 1: Risk Management Process evaluation and testing; ISO / BS / EN14971:2012-Medical devices- Applying risk management to medical devices.

[0264]

[0340] A phototherapy device (e.g., phototherapy device 2500) is herein referred to as a mouthpiece. a mouthpiece (e.g., mouthpiece 2510) into the patient's mouth (i.e., appropriate for the treatment session). shall include a capacitance detection system to determine whether the device is positioned (by a method Although shown and described as such, in other embodiments, the light therapy device may include a mouthpiece It may include different mechanisms for determining whether it is placed in the patient's mouth. As shown in FIGS. 104-105, in some embodiments, the phototherapy device 30 The light therapy device includes a mouthpiece 3010 configured to be placed in the patient's mouth. The device 3000 may be similar or identical to the light therapy device 2500, and may include a mouthpiece 301 0 may be similar to mouthpiece 2510 except as described herein. For example, the mouthpiece 3010 is connected to the bite tray 3012 and transversely to the bite tray. and flanges 3022, 3024, each similar to a corresponding component of mouthpiece 2510. The optical array is similar and therefore will not be described in detail in connection with mouthpiece 3010. 3042 and an electronics assembly 3040 having a flexible circuit board 3046. In some embodiments, at least one portion of the mouthpiece 3010 One or more components embedded within the mouthpiece 3010 It is constructed from a substantially transparent material (e.g., silicone) so that it can be seen through. For the sake of explanation, the first flange 3022 and the second flange 3023 of the mouthpiece 3010 are The portion including the occlusion tray 3012 and the electronic device disposed therein Transparent glass is used in FIGS. 104 and 105 to show parts and structures of assembly 3040. It is shown as something.

[0265]

[0341] The phototherapy device 3000 is configured such that the mouthpiece 3010 is inserted into the patient's mouth (i.e., whether the patient is positioned (in a manner appropriate for the treatment session as described in the patient's manual) In this way, the phototherapy device 3000 is configured to determine whether the The treatment center is activated only when the device 3000 determines that the treatment center 3010 is positioned within the patient's mouth. The mouthpiece 3010 may be configured to emit light during the session. a first light emitter 3050 and a second light emitter 3052, each of which is adapted to illuminate a portion of the patient's oral tissue; configured and positioned to detect or measure the amount of light reflected by the For example, the first and second light emitters 3050, 3052 may emit light from the light array 3042. to detect light emitted from emitter 3044 and reflected by the patient's oral soft tissue. In some embodiments, the light emitter 3044 may be configured to flash or The light emitter 3044 may be configured to emit light in a rhythmic manner, etc. The light may be configured to flash or pulse at a predetermined rate. At least a portion of the light emitted from emitter 3044 toward the oral soft tissue of the patient's mouth , is reflected back to the mouthpiece 3010, thereby emitting light from the first and second light emitters 3050 , 3052. The light emitters 3044 of the light array 3042, and thus the The mouthpiece 3010 is appropriately positioned in the patient's mouth to apply the treatment session. An appropriate reflectance threshold may be established to measure reflectance to determine whether the The device 3000 is configured such that the first and second light emitters 3050, 3052 detect light from the oral soft tissue. Upon detecting a light reflex, irradiation of the oral tissues begins (i.e., the treatment session begins). The device may be configured so that the

[0266]

[0342] Each of the first and second light emitters 3050, 3052 may be It may be coupled to a flexible circuit board 3046. The first and second light emitters 3050, 3052 are positioned such that the mouthpiece 3010 is positioned within the patient's mouth. When positioned in the patient's gums, each of the first and second light emitters 3050, 3052 The flexible circuit board 3046 is placed on the flexible circuit board 3046 so as to be positioned closely together. As shown in FIG. 4 through FIG. 105, the first and second light emitters 3050, 3052 are are offset from the parallel rows and / or columns of light emitters 3044 of the light array 3042. Each of the first and second light emitters 3050, 3052 (see FIG. 105) In the orientation of the device 3000 shown, the bottom row of light emitters 3044 and the mouthpiece 30 10 occlusion tray 3012. The first and second light emitters 3050, 3052 are arranged on the outer surface of the mouthpiece 3010. In use, the optical elements of the optical array 3042 are substantially level with the grooves 3032, 3033 defined by the When light is emitted from the first and second light emitters 3050, 3052, are signals related to the amount of light reflected by the patient's oral tissue (e.g., gums), respectively. Therefore, the first and second light emitters 3050, 3052 The first and second light emitters act as sensors configured to detect light reflectance. Each of the photodiodes 3050, 3052 is adapted to generate a current related to the amount of light detected or received. The first and second diodes (not shown in FIGS. 104-105) are The light emitters 3050, 3052 and their diodes are associated with the measured light reflectance. The received signal is transmitted to the controller of the light therapy device 3000 (e.g., the controller is located in the extraoral housing or the beak). In some embodiments, the first The second light emitter diodes 3050 and 3052 measure reflected light of approximately 855 nm. It is configured to:

[0267]

[0343] At least some of the first and second light emitters 3050, 3052 may be, for example, In a manner similar to that described herein for array 2542, The first and second optical fibers may be embedded in the flanges 3022 and 3024 of the fiber optics 3010. The emitters 3050, 3052 are spaced apart on the flexible circuit board 3046. In some embodiments, the first and second light emitters 3050, 3052 are The emitter 3050 is embedded in the first flange 3022 of the optical array 3042. a second light emitter 3052 located below the second flange 3024 of the light array 3042; 105, as shown in FIG. 105, so that the flexible circuit board is located underneath the embedded portion. 3046. In this way, the device 3000 is The system is configured to detect the rate bilaterally.

[0268]

[0344] As described herein, the first and second light emitters 3050 , 3052, when the mouthpiece 3010 is placed in the patient's mouth in preparation for treatment, The device 300 is configured to be placed in close proximity to oral (e.g., gum) tissue. 0 is configured to irradiate light only after a predetermined light reflectance has been measured. In other words, the device 3000, and more specifically the controller, determines whether a predetermined light reflectance is measured. configured to turn on the light emitter 3044 for a treatment session only after the The measured light reflectance is calculated by: (1) determining whether a predetermined amount of light reflectance is obtained from the first and second light emitters 3; 050, 3052 (i.e., bilaterally), and / or (2 ) a predetermined amount of light reflectance is detected for a predetermined duration (e.g., at least 2 seconds) a controller configured to execute an algorithm to record the light reflectance when It is recorded by.

[0269]

[0345] Intraoral housing 3510 (see herein) of phototherapy device 3500 according to one embodiment. The mouthpiece (also called a "mouthpiece" in the US) is shown in Figures 106 to 110. In some embodiments, at least one portion of the mouthpiece 3510 is One or more components embedded within the mouthpiece 3510 allow the It is constructed from a substantially transparent material (e.g., silicone) so that it can be seen through the lens. For illustrative purposes, the first flange 3522 and the second flange 3523 of the mouthpiece 3510 The part containing part of 3524 is part of the electronics assembly 3540 disposed therein. 106-110 are shown as transparent to illustrate the structure. The light therapy device 3500 is a light therapy system as described herein with respect to Figures 62-91. The phototherapy device may be included in a phototherapy system that is similar in many respects to the phototherapy device. 3500 may be used to perform any of the procedures described herein, including, for example, irradiating the patient's alveolar and / or root areas. The phototherapy device is configured to irradiate light in any suitable manner. The device 3500 is configured to administer light therapy to the patient's teeth and / or oral mucosa. Specifically, the light therapy device 3500 applies orthodontic treatment to the patient's teeth and / or oral mucosa. Accelerating positive movement and reducing overall treatment time for patients undergoing orthodontic treatment The light therapy device 3500 is configured to administer sufficient light to 00, device 2500, and device 3000, which are the same as or They may be similar in many respects, or may have the same or similar components in many respects. It may also contain elements.

[0270]

[0346] The light therapy device 3500 (and any light therapy device described herein) includes a bracket. Used in conjunction with traditional orthodontic treatment with braces and orthodontic appliances such as wires or aligners Furthermore, in some embodiments, Any light therapy device shown and described herein includes, but is not limited to, substantially transparent aligners. Such aligners may be used with any suitable orthodontic appliances that do not require the patient's teeth to be aligned. orthodontic appliances configured to move one or more of a patient's teeth, typically The apparatus includes a set of substantially transparent removable trays overlying the apparatus. Each tray in the set of trays has a predetermined worn by the patient in a specified sequence or order, sometimes for a specified amount or period of time In certain cases, such aligners or trays may generally conform to the patient's teeth, but , which is slightly misaligned from the starting (e.g., original) tooth configuration. In some embodiments, the orthodontic treatment is performed by applying a force to the teeth. Corrective appliances (e.g., brackets and wires or aligners) move the patient's teeth toward alignment. The method is configured to apply an amount (or magnitude) of force to one or more of the patient's teeth effective to cause the In some embodiments, the orthodontic appliances are used to straighten the patient's teeth, e.g., in one embodiment. In form, an amount (or magnitude) of force is applied to the patient's teeth to move them into alignment. Similarly, orthodontic appliances are designed to be attached to one or more of the patient's teeth. It is configured to apply a force to minimize or close gaps or spaces between teeth. For example, orthodontic appliances, as described in detail herein, can be used to provide orthodontic forces, alignment, and A force less than orthodontic force, or a force greater than or a combination of both, is applied to one of the patient's teeth. More than this, teeth (e.g., toward alignment or to minimize or close spaces between the patient's teeth) It may be configured to be applied in an amount (or magnitude) effective for fang movement.

[0271]

[0347] The intraoral housing 3510 of the light therapy device 3500 is adapted to be placed within the patient's oral cavity (e.g., The intraoral cavity is configured to be placed in the oral cavity (not shown in Figures 106 to 110). Housing 3510 is configured to be electronically and / or physically coupled to an external controller. In some embodiments, for example, the intraoral housing 351 0 when the intraoral housing (or mouthpiece) 3510 is placed in the patient's mouth An extraoral housing (or "beak") that is placed outside the patient's mouth (see FIGS. 106-110) The extraoral housing is configured to be coupled to an external device (not shown). 62-91. The phototherapy device 3500 may be similar or identical to the phototherapy device 3500. In other embodiments, the intraoral housing 3510 may include one or more wires. to the controller via a wire or cable connector (not shown in Figures 106 to 110). It is configured to be coupled.

[0272]

[0348] The light therapy device 3500 is intended to be useful for light therapy of the upper and / or lower jaws of a patient. In other words, the phototherapy device 3500 is configured such that the device (for example, as shown in FIG. 109) configured to administer light therapy with respect to the patient's upper jaw when in an upright position (such that the patient's upper jaw is when the device is in an inverted position (e.g., not shown in Figs. 106-110). The mouthpiece may be configured to administer light therapy with respect to the patient's lower jaw. The base 3510 is configured to be placed in the patient's mouth for each of the patient's upper and lower jaws. Similarly, the mouthpiece 3510 may be configured as described herein. The jaws are configured to fit snugly over both the upper and lower jaws, so that each Eliminates the need for a separate mouthpiece for the jaw. The light therapy device 3500 is generally The piece 3510 is particularly suitable for use in an upright position when configured to be oriented with respect to the upper jaw. and is described as being in an inverted position when configured to be oriented about the mandible. Although the present invention may be applied to a light therapy device 3500 and a mouthpiece, in other embodiments, The base 3510 is in an upright position when configured to be oriented about the patient's mandible. Note that when configured to be oriented about the patient's upper jaw, it is in an inverted position. It should be.

[0273]

[0349] The mouthpiece 3510 may be any of the mouthpieces shown in FIGS. 37, 43-50, 62-91 and 104-105. an intraoral housing as described herein, including a housing or mouthpiece, and The invention may be similar in one or more respects and may include similar components. The mouthpiece 3510 includes a bite tray 3512 and flanges 3522, 3524, and 3526. 1, 3523, 3525 and optical arrays 3542, 3543 (see, for example, FIG. 109). The mouthpiece 3510 may be similar to or identical to the support plate 2554 of the mouthpiece 2510. Optionally, a support plate (not shown in Figures 106-110) may be included. The tray 3512 is configured to receive at least a portion of the patient's upper and / or lower jaw teeth. Therefore, the occlusion tray 3512 is generally U-shaped as shown in FIG. The bite tray 3512 is shaped to facilitate proper positioning of the mouthpiece 3510 in the patient's mouth. The bite tray 3512 is generally configured to facilitate the placement of the mouthpiece 35. The occlusal tray 3512 includes an inner periphery (or sidewall) 3515 and an outer periphery (or The jaw includes a bite pad 3514 having side walls 3517 (see FIG. 109).

[0274]

[0350] Flanges 3522, 3524, 352 as described in more detail herein 1, 3523, 3525 generally define the upper portion of the mouthpiece 3510. The flanges 3522, 3524 are connected to the outer periphery 3517 of the bite pad 3514. The jaws 3521, 3523, and 3525 are connected to the inner periphery 3515 of the bite pad 3514. Flanges 3522, 3524, 3521, 3523, 3525 of mouthpiece 3510 each extending and / or protruding from the bite pad 3514 in a first direction. When the mouthpiece 3510 is placed in the patient's mouth, the bite tray 3512 The pad 3514 is adjacent to the occlusal surface of one or more teeth, and the outer flanges 3522, 3524 are It is placed between the teeth and the buccal tissue, and has one inner flange 3521, 3523, and 3525. The device is positioned in the mouth so that it is positioned between the teeth and the tongue and / or roof of the mouth. When the mouthpiece 3510 is placed in the mouth, the bite tray 3512 can At least some of the upper teeth are connected to the outer flanges 3522, 3524 and the inner flanges 3521, 3 523, 3525.

[0275]

[0351] The bite tray 3512 is similar to the bite tray 251 described with respect to FIGS. 2 in many respects, and therefore, The bite pad 3514 is not described in detail. The rays 3512 may be uniform or spatially varying as described with respect to the bite pad 2514. The tooth may have any thickness suitable for receiving the bite force, including a thickness that is formed by bending the tooth. In the bite tray 3512 (and / or bite pad 3514), the bite tray 25 12 (and / or bite pad 2514, respectively) The bite tray 2512 (and / or bite pad) may be of any suitable size, including Constructed of any suitable material, including those described herein with respect to (Block 2514). It may also be used.

[0276]

[0352] As shown in FIG. 106, the upp...

Claims

1. a mouthpiece configured to fit snugly within a patient's mouth, the mouthpiece having a deflectable flange, the flange defining a surface configured to be positioned opposite and in contact with the patient's alveolar mucosa when placed in the patient's mouth so as to be disposed between the alveolar mucosa and the buccal mucosa, the flange having an angle between an inner surface of the flange and an upper surface of a bite tray having a first value before being placed in the patient's mouth and a second value after being placed in the patient's mouth, whereby the surface moves relative to the upper surface of the bite tray so as to contact the alveolar mucosa; a plurality of light emitters disposed along the surface positioned opposite and configured to contact the alveolar mucosa, the plurality of light emitters being configured to administer light to the alveolar mucosa when the flange is placed in the patient's mouth; and a protrusion that extends outwardly from the patient's mouth when the mouthpiece is placed in the patient's mouth and that is connected to the mouthpiece so as to be attachable to a power source; an extraoral housing attached to the protrusion via a tether; an electronics assembly, at least a portion of which is disposed within the extraoral housing, wherein the light administered by the plurality of light emitters has a wavelength of about 600 nm to about 1200 nm and is at least about 1 mW / cm ２ the electronics assembly is configured to control operation of the plurality of light emitters so that the intensity of the light emitted from the plurality of light emitters is 1. An apparatus comprising:

2. The intensity of the administered light is about 1 mW / cm ２ ~Approx. 100mW / cm ２ 2. The device of claim 1, wherein:

3. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the electronics assembly is further configured to control an operational state of the plurality of light emitters, an intensity of the administered light, a frequency of the administered light, or an interval between the administered light.

4. further comprising a photodetector operably coupled to the electronics assembly; The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the light detector is at least partially housed in the flange and configured to detect the light.

5. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a charging base configured to receive the mouthpiece.

6. 10. The device of claim 1, further comprising a sensor operably coupled to the electronics assembly, the sensor configured to determine an orientation of the mouthpiece when the mouthpiece is placed inside the patient's mouth.

7. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the light administered by the plurality of light emitters has a wavelength of about 845 nm to about 855 nm.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of light emitters comprises light emitting diodes.

9. The device of claim 1 , wherein the mouthpiece further includes a bite tray coupled to the flange.

Images