Mouthpieces for oral hygiene

Abstract

A mouthpiece device that fits within a user's oral cavity carries an array of flexible, protruding cleaning elements for performing an oral cleaning function simultaneously at multiple locations around the oral cavity. The surface of the mouthpiece device that carries the cleaning elements also carries spacer elements that protrude from said surface in the same general direction as the cleaning elements. The spacer elements enforce a minimum spacing between a surface of the mouthpiece device body and oral surfaces (e.g., tooth surfaces) when the mouthpiece is received in the user's mouth.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mouthpiece having a function of cleaning the oral cavity. [Background technology]

[0002] A new area of ​​development in the field of oral care is mouthpiece devices, which have an arcuate body designed to fit within the oral cavity and conform to the shape of a user's dental arch, allowing for simultaneous cleaning at multiple locations within the oral cavity. The mouthpiece can have, for example, protruding cleaning elements (e.g., bristles) arranged along the contours of the arcuate shape that can be driven with a vibratory motion to clean the teeth and gums. The mouthpiece can have upper and lower tooth-receiving channels that receive the user's upper and lower teeth, with the cleaning elements protruding into the channels to engage with the tooth surfaces when the mouthpiece is fitted into the user's mouth. An example is shown schematically in FIG. 1 , which shows a mouthpiece device 10 comprising an arcuate body 12 for insertion into the mouth and a handle 52 attached thereto. The body 12 has upper and lower tooth-receiving channels 16 (the lower channel is not visible) bounded on either side by boundary walls 18 a, 18 b, respectively, each of which has an array of protruding cleaning elements 20 (e.g., bristles) that extend into the channel 16. Such devices can clean teeth more quickly and efficiently than toothbrushes. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] One of the challenges of mouthpiece cleaning devices is achieving a proper fit of the mouthpiece to the teeth. Cleaning efficiency depends on the quality of the fit. Because dental arch dimensions and curvature profiles vary widely across the population, the quality of fit is generally not optimal with conventional devices. In particular, known mouthpiece designs are usually offered in only one size, or at most two or three standard sizes (e.g., small, medium, large). In either case, the fit is relatively poor for a large portion of the population, resulting in reduced cleaning effectiveness.

[0004] Improvements in the field of mouthpiece cleaning devices where the fit quality can be improved would be generally advantageous.

[0005] One possible solution is to provide a mouthpiece device with an adjustable curvature so that the device can be properly fitted to the curvature of each individual user's dental arch. It can, for example, be manually deformable. For example, it can be made of a flexible material or have a flexible core. However, the inventors recognize that when manipulating the shape of the mouthpiece to fit the dental arch, some physical guidance by the teeth is still required, and it can be difficult to properly position the protruding cleaning elements relative to the teeth. In particular, if the only contact between the teeth and the mouthpiece occurs through the protruding bristles, the force resulting from manipulating the curvature of the mouthpiece can result in localized complete bending of the bristle tufts or filaments, while in other (opposite) positions, the bristles and teeth may not contact.

[0006] This problem is illustrated in Figure 2, which shows an exemplary J-shaped mouthpiece device with a user's teeth 28 received in channel 16. The curved profile of the channel is bent to allow the dentition to be received in the channel. However, this results in an asymmetrical spatial positioning of the bristles relative to the teeth, and some bristles not contacting the teeth, while other bristles are completely flattened by the teeth, reducing or eliminating cleaning effectiveness. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The invention is defined by the claims.

[0008] According to an example embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a mouthpiece device for oral cleaning functions, comprising: a body for receipt within a user's oral cavity, the body having an arcuate shape defining an arcuate contour for conforming to the shape of the user's dental arch, the arcuate contour being adjustable by a user to better fit the body to the user's dental arch; a plurality of flexible cleaning elements projecting from a surface of the body and arranged in an array extending along an arcuate contour of the body for engaging a user's teeth; and a plurality of spacer elements spaced along the arcuate contour and protruding from the surface of the body, the plurality of spacer elements maintaining a minimum spacing between the surface of the body along the arcuate contour and the teeth while adjusting the arcuate contour of the body to the user's dental arch.

[0009] The inclusion of spacer elements along the arc of the body enforces a minimum spacing between the surface from which the cleaning elements protrude and the surface of the user's teeth / gum. Thus, as the mouthpiece body is deformed or otherwise adjusted to fit the curvature of the user's dental arch, a minimum of spatial uniformity of the cleaning elements is maintained. For example, no cleaning element can be completely folded back or deformed beyond a level defined by the height of the spacer elements. This results in a more aligned arrangement of the cleaning elements relative to the teeth after the mouthpiece is adjusted to the user's dental arch.

[0010] In some examples, the spacer elements can be provided along the bounding sidewalls of one or more tooth-receiving channels contained by the mouthpiece body, with the cleaning elements extending from the same surface.

[0011] In some embodiments, the spacer elements protrude a shorter height from the body surface than the cleaning elements, ensuring that the cleaning elements contact the oral surfaces around the dental arches and that contact is not hindered by spacing imposed by the spacer elements.

[0012] In some embodiments, each cleaning element protrudes a first individual height from the body surface, and each spacer element protrudes a second individual height from the body surface, each of the second individual heights being at least 25% of the maximum first height. Preferably, each of the second individual heights is at least 50% of the maximum first height. Each of the second individual heights can be no greater than 75% of the maximum first height.

[0013] In some embodiments, all cleaning elements have the same first height and all spacer elements have the same second height. In this case, the spacer elements can each protrude from the body surface to a second height, in some embodiments, the second height being at least 25% of the first height, preferably at least 50% of the first height. The second height can be 75% or less of the first height.

[0014] In preferred embodiments, the spacer elements are less flexible than the cleaning elements. This characteristic arises because the spacer elements must be stronger than the cleaning elements to enforce a minimum spacing between the body surface and the tooth surface. While a given force may cause the cleaning element itself to deform and bend, the spacer elements interleaved with the cleaning elements have sufficient structural rigidity to resist the force, preventing the cleaning element from deforming beyond a certain level.

[0015] As an example, each of the cleaning elements may be resiliently bendable in a lateral direction perpendicular to the direction of extension from the body surface, and the spacer elements may be non-bendable in a lateral direction perpendicular to the direction of extension from the body surface.

[0016] In some embodiments, the cleaning elements are arranged in a field spanning at least one elongated strip along the body, and the spacer elements are interleaved within the field of cleaning elements, for example, regularly or irregularly with the cleaning elements.

[0017] In some embodiments, at least a subset of the cleaning elements may have bristles. Additionally or alternatively, at least a subset of the cleaning elements may have elastomeric cleaning members that are typically thicker than bristles.

[0018] In some embodiments, the body received in the mouth defines an arcuate tooth-receiving channel, and the cleaning elements can protrude into the channel from one or more walls of the channel, in which case the spacer elements can also protrude into the channel from said one or more walls of the channel.

[0019] In some instances, the cleaning elements and spacer elements may protrude into said channel from opposing boundary walls of the channel, i.e., from opposing boundary walls. In other words, two spatially separated arrays of cleaning elements may be provided, one on each side of the tooth-receiving channel, with the cleaning elements (and spacer elements) of each array extending across the width of the channel toward the cleaning elements of the other array.

[0020] In some embodiments, the spacer elements can be spaced at regular intervals along the arcuate contour.

[0021] In some embodiments, the arcuate profile is C- or U-shaped (meaning it can extend to encompass an entire dental arch at once), while in some embodiments, the arcuate profile is J-shaped (meaning it can extend to cover less than an entire dental arch, e.g., to encompass only half of the mouth at a time).

[0022] There are different options for how the arc shape of the body is adjustable. In some embodiments, the profile is adjustable by the user through physical manipulation of the body. Additionally or alternatively, the body may be adjustable by power actuation.

[0023] In some embodiments, the body can have an articulated or segmented structure to allow for adjustment of the arcuate profile.

[0024] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the arcuate shaped body can be formed of a deformable material to allow for adjustment of the arcuate profile, for example, silicone is a suitable material.

[0025] In some embodiments, the mouthpiece device may have actuation means operable to induce oscillatory movement of the cleaning element for tooth cleaning action.

[0026] In one aspect of the invention, the provided mouthpiece device may consist solely of an arc-shaped body for reception in a user's mouth. For example, this may be a removable attachment for coupling to a main body or handle portion of an existing device. In another aspect of the invention, the provided mouthpiece device may have an arc-shaped body for reception in the mouth and a main body or handle portion. The main body or handle portion may house electronic components, such as an actuation mechanism for driving the vibrational motion of the cleaning element during use.

[0027] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates the general structure of an exemplary mouthpiece device known in the art. [Figure 2] 10A-10C show diagrammatically the problem of over-deformation of the cleaning element when adapting the mouthpiece device to the shape of the user's mouth. [Figure 3] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams illustrating exemplary mouthpiece devices according to one or more embodiments of the present invention having spacer elements that enforce a minimum spacing between the surface of the mouthpiece and the surface in the oral cavity. [Figure 4] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams illustrating exemplary mouthpiece devices according to one or more embodiments of the present invention having spacer elements that enforce a minimum spacing between the surface of the mouthpiece and the surface in the oral cavity. [Figure 5] 10A-10C are diagrams illustrating schematically an example of adjusting the arcuate contour path defined by the mouthpiece device to adapt the mouthpiece body to the dental arch of a user. [Figure 6] 10A-10C are diagrams illustrating schematically an example of adjusting the arcuate contour path defined by the mouthpiece device to adapt the mouthpiece body to the dental arch of a user. [Figure 7] 10A-10C are schematic diagrams illustrating exemplary mouthpiece device bodies that can be split or joined to allow for adjustment of the arcuate contour shape. [Figure 8] 1A-1C are diagrams illustrating a set of exemplary shapes for spacer elements. [Figure 9] 10A-10C show spacer elements configured to guide bending of the cleaning element preferentially in a particular direction. [Figure 10] 10A-10C show spacer elements configured to guide bending of the cleaning element preferentially in a particular direction. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 shows a retractable spacer element. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] For a better understanding of the present invention, and in order to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of example only, in which:

[0030] The present invention will now be described with reference to the figures.

[0031] It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating exemplary embodiments of the devices, systems, and methods, are for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the devices, systems, and methods of the present invention will be better understood from the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the figures are schematic only and are not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used throughout the figures to indicate the same or similar parts.

[0032] The present invention provides a mouthpiece device that fits within a user's oral cavity and carries an array of flexible, protruding cleaning elements for simultaneously performing oral cleaning functions at multiple locations around the oral cavity. The surface of the mouthpiece device that carries the cleaning elements also carries spacer elements that protrude from the surface in the same general direction as the cleaning elements. The spacer elements enforce a minimum spacing between the surface of the mouthpiece device body and oral surfaces (e.g., tooth surfaces) when the mouthpiece is received in the user's mouth.

[0033] As explained earlier in this disclosure, with reference to FIG. 2, when the arcuate shape of the mouthpiece body is adapted to the shape of the user's mouth, this naturally exerts forces on the tooth surfaces, and it is the reaction forces from the tooth surfaces that guide the formation of the mouthpiece around the dental arch. However, in mouthpieces that form part of the prior art, these forces must be transmitted through flexible cleaning elements (e.g., bristles). This results in excessive bending in some places and loss of contact in others. Also, if the bristles are driven by a vibration action, the amplitude of movement of the bristles will be affected.

[0034] Embodiments of the present invention provide a solution that allows the mouthpiece body to fit the shape of the user's mouth without causing problematic deformation of the cleaning elements, which results in better coverage of the tooth surfaces by the bristles (covering the gum line, interdental areas, and preferably both the lingual and buccal sides of the teeth).

[0035] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary mouthpiece device 10 for oral hygiene functions.

[0036] Mouthpiece device 10 has a body 12 for placement in a user's mouth. Body 12 has an arcuate shape that defines an arcuate contour 14 to conform to the shape of the user's dental arch. Arcuate contour 14 is shown schematically by dashed line 14 in FIG. 3. The arcuate contour that the body follows can be adjusted by the user to better conform the body to the shape of the user's dental arch. Various mechanisms exist to facilitate this, which are described below.

[0037] The mouthpiece device 10 further includes a plurality of flexible cleaning elements 20 arranged in an array extending along the arcuate contour of the body and projecting from one or more surfaces of the body for engagement with the user's teeth 28. In this example, the cleaning elements have bristles, which are organized, for example, in an array of bristle tufts. The bristles are typically formed from flexible plastic filaments, such as nylon filaments. In another example, the flexible cleaning elements may be elastomeric protruding members, such as elastomer elongated shafts. These may be formed, for example, from rubber or silicone.

[0038] In the example shown, each cleaning element is resiliently bendable in a lateral direction, i.e., perpendicular to the direction of extension from the body surface.

[0039] The mouthpiece device further comprises a plurality of spacer elements 32 spaced along the arcuate contour 14 and projecting from the surface of the body carrying the cleaning elements, the spacer elements being configured to maintain a minimum spacing between the surface of the body along the arcuate contour and the teeth, at least during the adjustment of the arcuate contour of the body relative to the user's dental arch.

[0040] This is illustrated in Figure 3, which shows how the contours of the mouthpiece can be adapted to the contours of the user's teeth without excessively deforming the cleaning elements, as opposed to the arrangement of Figure 2, in which spacer elements are included in the field of the cleaning elements. In particular, as the mouthpiece body is adjusted around the user's teeth, the force between the mouthpiece and the teeth can be applied through the spacer elements, rather than through the cleaning elements. This allows the body to conform to the shape of the user's mouth without excessively deforming the cleaning elements. The spacer elements also enforce a degree of uniformity in the spacing between the cleaning element walls 18a, 18b and the teeth, thereby providing predictable and uniform engagement of the cleaning elements with the teeth.

[0041] In the example shown, the spacer elements are spaced at regular intervals along the arcuate contour 14 of the body, however, this is not required.

[0042] In the illustrated example, the body 12 of the mouthpiece device defines an arcuate tooth-receiving channel 16. Cleaning elements 20 project into the channel from opposing boundary walls 18a, 18b of the channel. Spacer elements 32 similarly project into the channel from the opposing boundary walls of the channel.

[0043] In the illustrated example, the cleaning elements 20 are arranged in a field (e.g., a bristle field) spanning at least one elongated strip along each of the side walls 18 a, 18 b of the tooth-receiving channel 16, and the spacer elements 32 are disposed within the field of cleaning elements. The at least one strip may extend continuously around the arcuate length of the channel 16 or may be interrupted at one or more locations with gaps. Each strip may extend part or all of the height of the channel wall.

[0044] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view through the mouthpiece device 10. In the particular example shown, each spacer element 32 is cubic-shaped and attached to a respective wall 18 of the tooth-receiving channel 16, extending a height from the wall (i.e., the dimension perpendicular to the wall) that is less than the height from the wall to which the cleaning element 20 extends. For example, if each cleaning element protrudes from the body surface to a first height and each spacer element 32 protrudes from the body surface to a second height, the second height may be less than the first height, but may be at least 25% of the first height, or may be at least 50% of the first height. The second height may be 75% or less of the first height. For example, as a non-limiting example, if the bristle filaments extend up to 5 mm, the spacer elements may extend to a height between 2.5 mm and 3 mm.

[0045] In this example, the spacer elements 32 extend a portion of the height of the wall 18 (e.g., in the dimension parallel to the wall surface, in the direction between the channel base and the open channel roof), but in other examples they may extend the full height of the wall.

[0046] The spacer elements 32 may be more rigid than the protruding cleaning elements 20. This allows the spacer elements to function as enforcing a minimum spacing between the walls 18a, 18b and the user's teeth 28. By way of example, the spacer elements may be formed of a hard elastomeric material, such as rubber or silicone, that is sufficiently inflexible so as not to change shape or orientation as a result of forces applied when adjusting the arcuate curvature of the mouthpiece body 12 to the curvature of the user's dental arch. In some examples, the spacer elements may be formed of a partially resilient material, such as foam. Each spacer element may have a spacer element body with a minimum cross-sectional width greater than the minimum cross-sectional width of the cleaning elements, or an average cross-sectional width greater than the average cross-sectional width of the cleaning elements. The spacer elements may be imbendable in a lateral direction perpendicular to their extension from the body surface.

[0047] There are various options for the shape of the cleaning element 32, which will be further described below.

[0048] In operation, the body 12 of the mouthpiece device is inserted into a user's mouth and its curvature is adjusted so that the user's teeth are received in the tooth-receiving channels 16. In particular, the body is adjusted in shape to change the arcuate contour 14 described by the body to better fit the curvature of the user's teeth.

[0049] This process is shown diagrammatically in FIGS.

[0050] Figure 5 illustrates adjusting the arcuate profile defined by a J-shaped mouthpiece device from a first curvature to a second curvature, and Figure 6 illustrates adjusting the arcuate profile defined by a C-shaped or U-shaped mouthpiece device from a first curvature to a second curvature.

[0051] There are various ways to facilitate adjustable curvature of the body.

[0052] The arcuate contour 14 is adjustable by a user through physical manipulation of the body 12, i.e., by manually pushing and pulling the body to change the arcuate contour that the body follows. This is facilitated, for example, by forming the body from a flexible material such as silicone. In some examples, the body may be formed from a material that can be transformed from a first curvature to a second curvature through physical manipulation and retain each new shape after transformation. In some examples, the body can have a core formed from such a material and a more elastic outer covering (skin).

[0053] In some examples, the body 12 may be articulated to allow for adjustment of the arcuate profile. For example, the body may be formed of multiple segments, with a pivot joint connecting each adjacent pair of segments. The joint may be adjustable in its pivot angle, and preferably, the joint retains its pivot angle with each adjustment.

[0054] In some examples, the mouthpiece device body 12 can have different types of segmented structures. One example is shown schematically in FIG. 7. In this example, the body is formed of a flexible, deformable material such as silicone. The body can be formed as a single piece, i.e., a monolithic structure. The body has multiple segments, each connected to adjacent segments by a thinned section of the body material. This structure is effectively a continuous, elongated body with regularly spaced cutout sections cut into opposing elongated sides of the body, each cutout section extending at least to the central longitudinal axis of the body, with the cutout sections on one side spatially interleaved with the cutout sections on the other side. Each cutout may extend between the central axis and the opposite elongated side to a point beyond the central longitudinal axis. Each cutout defines an elongated stem section extending within the body, terminating in a rounded section centered on the longitudinal axis (as shown in FIG. 7) or, more preferably, offset from the central axis toward the opposite side of the body. This creates a flexible structure, with the cutouts providing physical space to accommodate changes in curvature.

[0055] There are various options for the shape of the spacer elements. This shape can be chosen, for example, to minimize friction. When adjusting the curvature of the mouthpiece body, it is desirable for the spacer elements to enforce a minimum spacing, while not hindering the movement of the walls 18 on the teeth 28 as the curvature adjustment is made.

[0056] 8 shows a schematic set of exemplary shapes for the spacer elements 32. There are shapes when the spacer elements are viewed from the front, i.e., from a perspective looking towards the wall or face from which the spacer elements project.

[0057] Different shapes can encourage or facilitate wall movement in specific directions. For example, the shape can have one or more length sections that encourage movement along those length sections. These include, but are not limited to, diagonal zigzag, annular (i.e., ring), cross, cubic, or elliptical shapes. In some examples, the spacer elements can be shaped and positioned to allow the spacer elements to preferentially slide over the tooth surface in one or more selected directions to guide the fit of the mouthpiece body to the teeth. In some examples, differently shaped spacer elements can be provided at different locations around the arc of the mouthpiece body to preferentially encourage sliding of the mouthpiece inner wall in different directions, for example, based on the area of ​​the mouthpiece inner wall.

[0058] In some examples, the spacer elements 32 can be configured to perform a cleaning function. For example, the spacer elements can be configured to engage tooth surfaces in addition to the protruding cleaning elements when the mouthpiece device is fitted in a user's mouth. They can be formed of or coated with a semi-abrasive material.

[0059] The body can be formed from multiple segments, as previously described. In some instances, these segments may be mechanically isolated or separated from one another to allow the vibratory motion generated by optional actuation means (described below) to be selectively coupled to only a subset of the segments. For example, instead of the spacer elements 32 being nested within the field of the cleaning elements 20, the spacer elements can be provided in separate segments from the cleaning elements, so that they are not subjected to the same vibratory motion as the cleaning elements.

[0060] For example, the mouthpiece body may be composed of multiple connected segments, with cleaning elements carried on the segments that are activated during the cleaning operation, and segments carrying spacer elements that remain stationary during the cleaning operation may be provided between the activated cleaning segments. In an alternative set of examples, both the cleaning elements and the spacer elements may be configured to be oscillated by the actuation means during the cleaning operation. They may be arranged together on the same segment (if the body is segmented) or may be arranged in a mixed configuration with spacers nested between the cleaning elements. In this case, the (stiffer) spacer elements may have a damping effect on the vibrations of the body, and thus of the cleaning elements. In some examples, the actuation means may be configured to apply a different vibration pattern to the spacer elements compared to the cleaning elements. For example, it may be configured to couple a separate vibration motion to the segments carrying the spacer elements. For example, if the spacer elements also perform a cleaning function, this vibration may facilitate the cleaning function and allow vibration at a frequency that resonates with the (stiffer) spacer elements.

[0061] In some examples, at least a subset of the spacer elements 32 may be adapted to provide a bristles bending direction guidance function, e.g., to allow bristles in a particular area or patch to bend in only one direction, or to prevent bending in one or more directions, e.g., to guide the bristles into a predetermined position relative to the teeth. For example, bristles can be guided to bend to reach the gum line or interdental spaces, thereby ensuring that these areas are not missed.

[0062] An example is shown in, for example, FIGS.

[0063] Because the height of the spacer elements 32 is typically less than the height of the cleaning elements 20, some bending cannot be prevented. However, bending of the cleaning elements can be limited by placing spacers directly adjacent to the cleaning elements or tufts of the cleaning elements to guide the bending direction. This is shown, for example, diagrammatically in Figure 10, which shows a set of tufts of the cleaning elements 20 flanked on both sides by spacer elements 32, thereby constraining the bending behavior of the cleaning elements. In the example of Figure 10, the cleaning elements or tufts are essentially free to bend left and right, but are constrained up and down by the spacer elements 32 next to the bristle tufts.

[0064] In some examples, the spacer elements 32 are at least partially retractable for storing the spacer elements after molding the mouthpiece to the user's dental arch, for example, they may be collapsible, foldable, or attached at their base to a deformable structure that can be controllably deformed to change the height that the spacer elements extend from the surface to which they are attached.

[0065] An example is shown in FIG. 11, which shows a spacer element 32 having an actuable structure 42 at its base by which the spacer element 32 is connected to the surface of the mouthpiece body. The actuable structure is controllable to deform between at least a first actuated state and a second actuated state, where in the first actuated state the spacer element is retracted closer to the surface of the mouthpiece body 12, and in the second actuated state the spacer element is pushed further outward from the surface of the mouthpiece body. In effect, the height from the surface of the mouthpiece body is adjustable. During actuation, this type of spacer element can be extended outward to the second actuated state while fitting the mouthpiece body to the contours of the user's mouth, thereby helping to guide the fit. When the mouthpiece is fitted, the spacer elements are retracted in the first operating state so that in the extended (second) operating state the spacer elements do not interfere with or block areas of the teeth where they may rest, and therefore do not prevent those areas from being cleaned by the cleaning elements.

[0066] The actuatable structure 42 may be a mechanical / electrical actuator, or more preferably, may be formed of an electroactive shape-changing material, such as an electroactive polymer, that can be transformed between two defined shapes upon application of a voltage or current.

[0067] In some embodiments, the mouthpiece device comprises an actuation means operable to induce a vibratory movement of the cleaning element for tooth cleaning action.

[0068] In one embodiment of the present invention, a mouthpiece device is provided that consists solely of an arc-shaped body 12 for reception in a user's mouth. For example, this can be a removable attachment for coupling to a main body or handle portion of an existing device. In another embodiment of the present invention, a mouthpiece device can be provided that includes an arc-shaped body for reception in the mouth and a main body or handle portion to which the mouthpiece body is coupled. Both can be releasably coupled. The main body or handle section can house electronic elements, such as the aforementioned actuation means, which has an actuation mechanism for driving the vibrational motion of the cleaning element during use. It can also house a power source for powering the actuation mechanism. The actuation mechanism has an electronically driven vibration actuator.

[0069] As mentioned above, the mouthpiece device can be C-shaped, used to clean the teeth around a user's entire dental arch at once, or J-shaped, to clean a portion of a dental arch at once, e.g., half of the teeth, just to name two examples. In each case (C-shaped or J-shaped), the mouthpiece device body can have cleaning elements 20 positioned to clean only one row of teeth at a time (only upper or only lower), or may have cleaning elements 20 positioned to clean both rows of teeth at once (upper and lower). This can be facilitated by using tooth-receiving channels as described above, or alternatively, for example, by using an arc-shaped platen with cleaning elements and spacer elements extending therefrom.

[0070] Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the figures, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

[0071] The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0072] When the term "adapted to" is used in the claims or specification, it is intended to be equivalent to the term "configured to."

[0073] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A mouthpiece device for oral cleaning function, a body to be received in a user's mouth, the body having an arcuate shape defining an arcuate contour to follow the shape of the user's dental arch, the curvature of the arcuate contour being adjustable by a user to better fit the body to the user's dental arch; and a plurality of flexible cleaning elements arranged in an array projecting from a surface of the body and extending along an arcuate contour of the body for engaging the user's teeth; a plurality of spacer elements spaced along the arcuate contour and protruding from a surface of the body for maintaining a minimum spacing between the surface of the body along the arcuate contour and the teeth during adjustment of the arcuate contour of the body to the dental arch of the user; The device wherein the body defines an arcuate tooth-receiving channel, the cleaning element protruding into the channel from one or more walls of the channel, and the spacer element protruding into the channel from the one or more walls of the channel.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the spacer elements protrude a shorter height from the body surface than the cleaning elements.

3. 3. The device of claim 2, wherein each of the cleaning elements protrudes from the body surface to a first height and each of the spacer elements protrudes from the body surface to a second height, the second height being at least 25% of the first height.

4. 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the spacer elements are less flexible than the cleaning elements.

5. 4. The device of claim 1, wherein each of the cleaning elements is resiliently bendable in a lateral direction perpendicular to the direction of extension from the body surface, and the spacer elements are non-bendable in a lateral direction perpendicular to the direction of extension from the body surface.

6. 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the cleaning elements are arranged in a field spanning at least one elongated strip along the body, and the spacer elements are disposed within the field of cleaning elements.

7. 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the cleaning element comprises bristles.

8. 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the cleaning elements and the spacer elements protrude into the channel from opposite boundary walls of the channel.

9. 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the spacer elements are spaced at regular intervals along the arcuate contour.

10. 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the arcuate profile is C-shaped or the arcuate profile is J-shaped.

11. 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the arcuate profile is user adjustable through physical manipulation of the body.

12. 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the body is connected to allow adjustment of the arcuate profile.

13. 4. The device of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the body having the arcuate shape is formed from a deformable material that allows adjustment of the arcuate contour.

14. the device having an actuation means; 4. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the actuation means is operable to induce a vibratory movement of the cleaning element for cleaning action on the teeth.

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