Heating device for heating dental materials, and system for applying dental materials

Abstract

The present invention relates to a heating device 10 for heating dental materials and a method for controlling the temperature of dental materials.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various types of materials are used in restorative dental treatments. For example, dental composite materials can be used to fill cavities in a patient's teeth. Additionally, dental materials can be used to repair crown fractures, tooth wear, and congenital defects.

[0002] In some cases, it may be convenient to warm the dental material for a specific purpose, such as to change the properties of the dental material before applying it to the patient's teeth.

[0003] Specifically, a high-fill composite material can be warmed to increase its viscosity. By increasing the viscosity of the composite material, the handling and / or performance characteristics of the composite material are improved, thereby facilitating the application of the composite material to the patient's teeth.

[0004] However, some composite materials become less viscous as they are heated. This can also be advantageous in some cases, for example, to allow the composite material to flow and conform to the intricate details of the tooth cavity and to allow for easier extrusion of the material from its container.

[0005] Dental materials are often provided in packages (e.g., capsules or other containers) that allow a certain amount of the dental material to be stored. Typically, a heating device based on an electrical resistor is used to heat the dental material by placing the container holding the dental material within or on the heating device.

[0006] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004 / 234921 (A1) (Addent) relates to a heating device into which a compal of dental material can be inserted to raise the temperature of the dental material above ambient temperature prior to clinical use, having a base for housing a heating element, a temperature control mechanism for controlling the temperature of the heating element, an electrical connection for electrically connecting the temperature control mechanism to a power source, and a heating receptacle removably attached to the base.

[0007] A device for melting high-melting-point materials used by dental technicians, or for analytical purposes, is described in European Patent Application Publication No. 1464904(A1) (Barget). These melting devices enable the melting of materials up to a temperature of 1,600°C and include a quartz glass melting crucible, which is surrounded by an insulating block having at least one radiating shaft extending toward the melting crucible, and includes a short-wavelength quartz infrared radiator as a radiant heat source.

[0008] However, existing approaches have certain drawbacks. Therefore, there is still a need for heating devices that are easy to use and highly energy-efficient.

[0009] Furthermore, when heating dental materials, a specific target temperature range for the heated dental material is desirable. For example, if dental materials are heated to a temperature below the desired target temperature range, the desired dental material properties may not be achieved, or may only be partially achieved.

[0010] Furthermore, overheating dental materials to temperatures exceeding the desired temperature range and / or for extended periods can damage and / or degrade the dental materials and / or the containers holding them.

[0011] Furthermore, heating dental materials to a temperature higher than necessary and / or desired results in a waste of energy consumed for heating.

[0012] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a heating device for heating dental materials with improved heating efficiency. [Overview of the project]

[0013] This objective is achieved by a heating device for heating dental materials. The heating device comprises a body having an opening formed inside that is configured to at least partially receive a container containing the dental material to be heated.

[0014] The dental materials being heated specifically include dental composite materials used in dental restorations (e.g., materials for filling cavities, restorative materials).

[0015] The body of the heating device may include a housing configured to accommodate components of the heating device, such as electronic equipment, batteries, and control elements. The housing may be a single-piece structure or a multi-piece structure, such as a two-piece structure, to facilitate the assembly of the heating device.

[0016] The opening formed in the main body may be open to the environment surrounding the heating device. However, the opening may also be at least selectively and / or at least partially closed to the environment, for example, by a lid or other closing structure, in order to prevent or at least minimize contamination of the opening from the environment when the heating device is not in use. The opening may extend into the main body only for a specific distance, such as 25 cm, 20 cm, 15 cm, or 10 cm in length.

[0017] The opening can be configured to accept different types of containers, such as capsules and / or syringes. Therefore, the shape and / or geometric shape of the opening formed in the body can be specifically configured to correspond to a container for dental materials that is at least partially accepted into the opening. Thus, for example, the length of the opening can be configured according to the length of the container that is at least partially accepted inside.

[0018] The body may also include female threads positioned in or within the opening and configured to engage with male threads provided, for example, on an external applicator that carries the container and / or on the container itself, in order to secure the container within the opening.

[0019] Additionally or alternatively, the body may include at least one locking element configured to lock the container and / or applicator in place when the container is received into the opening. For example, the body may include a slot configured to receive a projection located on the container and / or applicator. Alternatively or additionally, the body may include a stopper configured to cooperate with a slot or groove located on the container and / or applicator. However, the stopper may also be located on the container and / or applicator, and the slot or groove may be located on the body, for example, in the opening.

[0020] Therefore, by providing a locking element, undesirable removal of the container from the opening can be prevented. For example, the heating device can be configured to prevent removal of the container from the opening until a predetermined temperature and / or heating time for the dental material is achieved. Once the predetermined temperature and / or heating time for the dental material is achieved, the heating device can activate the locking element, for example, by an actuator and controller, to allow the user to pull the container out of the opening.

[0021] The heating device may also include detection means configured to detect the presence of a container within the opening of the main body, in the form of a contact switch or non-contact switch, such as a proximity sensor, photoelectric barrier, or temperature sensor. The detection means may also be configured to communicate with a controller configured to control the heating device. Thus, when a container is removed from the opening of the heating device, the heating device can detect the removal of the container and stop or switch to standby mode, and the heating element is stopped by the detection means and the controller. Thus, the safety of the heating device can be enhanced by preventing undesirable heating by the heating device.

[0022] The heating device may also include detection means configured to stop the heating device or switch the heating device to a standby mode in which the heating element is stopped after the detection means detects that the container has been inside the opening for a predetermined period of time, and this detection means may be the same as or different from those described above. Thus, the safety of the heating device is enhanced by preventing prolonged and undesirable heating by the heating device. Furthermore, deterioration and / or damage to dental materials and / or containers can be prevented.

[0023] Similarly, the detection means described above can be used to switch on the device when a container is inserted into the opening of the main body. By using detection means to switch the device on or off, it is possible to simplify the operation of the device while it is in use, as there is no need to press any further buttons.

[0024] The body may also be provided with a plurality of openings formed internally, each opening configured to at least partially receive a container containing the dental material to be heated. At least two of the openings may each have different geometric shapes and / or forms to accommodate different containers containing, for example, dental materials of different sizes and / or shapes, and / or different compositions and / or physical properties.

[0025] For example, one opening may be configured to receive a syringe containing dental material, and a second opening may be configured to receive a capsule containing dental material. At least two different containers may be configured to contain different dental materials, preferably having different properties and / or different target temperatures. For example, one dental material contained in the first container may need to be heated to a first temperature, and a second dental material in the second container may need to be heated to a second temperature different from the first temperature.

[0026] The dental material to be heated may be any dental material used to repair a patient's teeth. Specifically, it may be any dental material used to fill cavities and to repair crown fractures, tooth wear, and congenital defects. The dental material can preferably be a curable material, for example, because the material is often cured by applying light to the dental material after it has been applied to the patient's teeth. Specifically, the dental material can include a resin-based composite material including a matrix and at least one filler such as filler glass and glass ceramic. Further, the dental material can also include, for example, glass ionomer cement (GIC).

[0027] The heating device also includes at least one light-emitting diode configured to emit infrared light to the outer surface of a container that receives the dental material and is received in the opening.

[0028] The light-emitting diode can be configured to emit light having a wavelength in the range of 800 to 1500 nm. Preferably, the light-emitting diode can be configured to emit light having a wavelength of substantially 950 nm. The light-emitting diode can preferably be disposed within the body of the heating device, and preferably can be disposed in proximity to an outer surface such as the outer wall of the container when the container is at least partially received in the opening. Preferably, the light-emitting diode can be disposed within 5 cm, preferably within 4 cm, more preferably within 3 cm, more preferably within 2 cm, and most preferably within 1 cm from the outer surface of the container when the container is at least partially received in the opening.

[0029] The heating device can also include a proximity sensor configured to detect the proximity of the outer surface of the container when the container is at least partially received in the opening. Thus, the proximity sensor can be configured to communicate with the controller and an actuator configured to displace the light-emitting diode. Thus, the proximity sensor can ensure that the light-emitting diode is not damaged by the container when the container is placed within the opening. Also, the proximity sensor and the actuator can ensure the proximity of the light-emitting diode to the outer surface of the container in order to enhance the efficiency of heating the dental material. Thereby, different containers, preferably having different shapes and / or different sizes, can be placed within the opening while maintaining the proximity of the light-emitting diode to the outer surface of the container.

[0030] Preferably, the heating device can include a plurality of light-emitting diodes, and the plurality of light-emitting diodes are preferably distributed around the container and / or along the longitudinal axis of the container when the container is at least partially received in the opening.

[0031] The heating device further includes at least one temperature sensor configured to determine the temperature of the outer surface of the container received in the opening of the body.

[0032] The temperature sensor is preferably a non-contact temperature sensor that does not need to contact the outer surface of the container to determine the temperature of the outer surface of the container. For example, an infrared temperature sensor configured to detect the infrared energy emitted by a container containing dental material received in the opening of the body, such as a pyroelectric sensor or a thermopile detector or a bolometer focal plane array (FPA).

[0033] However, the temperature sensor may also be a contact temperature sensor, such as a thermocouple or resistance thermometer, such as a PT100, configured to contact the outer surface of the container to determine the temperature of the outer surface of the container. In this case, the heating device may also include displacement means for displacing the temperature sensor toward or away from the container once the container is at least partially received into the opening, in order to ensure that the temperature sensor makes sufficient contact with the outer surface of the container.

[0034] In both of the above cases, the heating device may also include a proximity sensor for detecting the distance between the temperature sensor and the outer surface of the container once the container is at least partially received into the opening.

[0035] Furthermore, the heating device may be equipped with multiple temperature sensors. At least two of the temperature sensors may be of different types; for example, the first temperature sensor may be a non-contact temperature sensor such as an infrared temperature sensor, and the second temperature sensor may be a contact temperature sensor such as a thermocouple or resistance thermometer.

[0036] By determining the temperature of the outer surface of the container using a temperature sensor or multiple temperature sensors, it is possible to determine whether the dental material is underheated and / or overheated. For example, by stopping the heating process of the heating device when a predetermined temperature measured by the temperature sensor is reached, underheating and / or overheating of the dental material can be prevented. Therefore, deterioration and / or damage to the dental material and / or the container containing the dental material can be prevented or at least reduced.

[0037] The heating device also includes a controller having a control circuit configured to control the temperature of the outer surface of the container based on the temperature of the outer surface of the container determined by the temperature sensor, by communicating with a temperature sensor and at least one light-emitting diode and controlling the amount of infrared light emitted by the at least one light-emitting diode.

[0038] Therefore, by controlling the temperature of the outer surface of the container based on the temperature of the outer surface of the container determined by a temperature sensor, the dental material can be heated to a predetermined temperature in which it possesses the desired properties. Thus, the properties of the dental material (e.g., its viscosity) can be controlled more precisely during the heating process, and as a result, the dental material can be prepared more precisely for its intended use (e.g., filling cavities in a patient's teeth).

[0039] Furthermore, since overheating, which causes wasted heating energy, can be avoided, dental materials are heated more efficiently. Moreover, if the material is not heated sufficiently, the dental material often becomes unusable, requiring a further heating process to reach the required temperature. Therefore, by avoiding underheating of dental materials, the reheating process can also be avoided, and thus the total heating energy consumed to heat dental materials can be reduced.

[0040] The amount of infrared light emitted by at least one light-emitting diode (LED) can be controlled by adjusting the current supplied to the LED to adjust the intensity of the infrared light emitted by the LED. The current can be adjusted to a predetermined setpoint based on the temperature of the outer surface of the container determined by a temperature sensor, for example, by a controller that compares the determined temperature with a predetermined current value provided, for example, by a lookup table. However, the current can also be adjusted steplessly, for example, by a predetermined algorithm that calculates the current based on the temperature determined by the temperature sensor.

[0041] Alternatively or additionally, the amount of infrared light emitted by at least one light-emitting diode can be controlled by stopping and / or operating the light-emitting diode, preferably intermittently.

[0042] Preferably, the heating device can be configured as a portable desktop device. Preferably, the opening extends into the main body for a length of less than 20 cm, preferably less than 16 cm, more preferably less than 14 cm, and more preferably less than 10 cm.

[0043] Preferably, the temperature sensor may be an infrared temperature sensor configured to detect infrared energy emitted by a container containing dental material, which is received in an opening of the main body. Preferably, the infrared temperature sensor may be a pyroelectric sensor, a thermopile detector, or a bolometer focal plane array (FPA).

[0044] In one embodiment, the heating device may further comprise an adapter having a length L, the adapter being at least partially received within an opening in the main body along its length L. The adapter may preferably have a wall defining a receptacle configured to removably receive a container containing the dental material to be heated. Preferably, at least one light-emitting diode may be positioned outside the adapter and along its length L. The adapter may, at least in part, be at least partially transparent to infrared light along its length L.

[0045] The adapter may have an opening defined in its wall to allow infrared light emitted by a light-emitting diode to pass through the opening, in order to enable more direct and therefore more efficient heating of dental materials. The opening may preferably be covered with a material that is at least partially transparent to infrared light.

[0046] Additionally or alternatively, the adapter material can be configured to be at least partially transparent to infrared light, preferably in the wavelength range of 800 to 1500 nm. Alternatively or additionally, the adapter can be made of different materials, which can preferably be placed in different parts of the adapter. Thus, a first material having a higher transmittance to infrared light can be placed in a first part(s), and a second material having a lower transmittance to infrared light can be placed in a second part(s). Preferably, the material having a higher transmittance to infrared light can be placed in close proximity to the light-emitting diode (LED) or a plurality of light-emitting diodes to enable higher transmittance to infrared light, at least in the portion adjacent to the LED, and thus enable more efficient heating of the dental material.

[0047] The adapter can be substantially cylindrical. Furthermore, the adapter may have two ends, at least one of which preferably has an opening that allows for the acceptance of a container for dental materials. However, both ends of the adapter may also have openings.

[0048] The adapter can be a single, integrated structure, or it can be a single, integrated part. However, the adapter can also be composed of multiple parts, such as two half-shells, that can be assembled and disassembled to facilitate cleaning and / or disinfection of the adapter.

[0049] The adapter can preferably be made from a material that is easy to clean and disinfect, for example, by using a clinical disinfectant such as isopropyl alcohol. For example, the adapter can be made from polycarbonate. Preferably, the adapter can be manufactured by a low-cost and time-efficient manufacturing process such as injection molding. Thus, the adapter can be manufactured cost-effectively as a low-cost component and can therefore be a single-use or at least low-use component, so that the adapter can be disposed of after each use or after multiple uses, in order to help provide a hygienic environment in and around the heating device. To enable further improved disinfection, the adapter can be made from an autoclavable material. Autoclavable means that the adapter can be sterilized using, for example, pressurized steam (e.g., having a temperature of 110-150°C or 120-140°C). Suitable materials include plastic materials such as polypropylene and polycarbonate, and metal materials such as stainless steel.

[0050] By positioning at least one light-emitting diode (LED) on the outside of the adapter and along its length L, the LED is prevented from being contaminated by any undesirable substances (e.g., residual dental material, bacteria, and / or dirt) that may adhere to the container holding the dental material.

[0051] In one embodiment, the heating device may preferably include a second adapter that is at least partially received in an opening in the main body along its length L, or in a second opening in the main body. The second adapter may have a wall defining a receptacle configured to removably receive a container containing the dental material to be heated.

[0052] Alternatively, the second adapter may have a wall defining a receptacle configured to removably receive a second type of container containing the dental material to be heated. The second type of container may preferably be a syringe.

[0053] Therefore, the heating device can be configured to heat two or more containers, preferably two or more types of containers and / or two or more types of dental materials simultaneously or sequentially. This also improves the efficiency of heating the dental materials. The heating device may comprise two separate light-emitting diodes or two separate sets of light-emitting diodes, each configured to heat one of the containers. However, the heating device may comprise one light-emitting diode or one set of light-emitting diodes for heating both containers.

[0054] The heating device may also have more than two openings, and therefore more than two adapters, for example, three, four, five, or six openings and adapters, for receiving and heating multiple containers containing dental materials. In this case, the heating device may have multiple separate light-emitting diodes or multiple sets of light-emitting diodes, each configured to heat one of the containers.

[0055] Preferably, the controller can be configured to control the amount of infrared light emitted by at least one light-emitting diode by intermittently interrupting and restarting the emission of infrared light from at least one light-emitting diode.

[0056] Alternatively or additionally, the controller may be configured to control the amount of infrared light emitted by adjusting the intensity of the infrared light emitted by at least one light-emitting diode. Adjusting the intensity of the infrared light emitted by at least one light-emitting diode can preferably be done by controlling the current supplied to at least one light-emitting diode.

[0057] Preferably, the controller can be configured to limit the temperature of the dental material to 70°C or lower, preferably 65°C or lower.

[0058] Therefore, in the case of temperature-sensitive dental materials that deteriorate and / or are impaired and / or acquire undesirable or at least less desirable properties at temperatures exceeding 70°C or 65°C, respectively, or in the case of containers containing deteriorated and / or impaired dental materials, the heating process can be interrupted or the heating intensity can be reduced to prevent deterioration and / or damage and / or undesirable or at least less desirable properties from occurring in the dental material, or to at least minimize these effects.

[0059] Preferably, the controller can be configured to maintain the temperature of the dental material at 60°C to 70°C, preferably 62°C to 68°C.

[0060] Therefore, dental materials can be heated to a predetermined temperature of 60°C to 70°C, preferably 62°C to 68°C, and maintained within that temperature, such that the dental material has properties desirable and / or particularly advantageous for its intended purpose, such as filling cavities in a patient's teeth and / or repairing crown damage. This allows for more targeted, reliable, and effective heating of the dental material with respect to its intended purpose.

[0061] In one embodiment, the heating device may include a plurality of temperature sensors distributed around a container for holding dental materials, which is received in an opening of the main body.

[0062] Therefore, multiple temperature sensors can detect the temperature of different parts of the container. This allows for a more accurate determination of the temperature of the outer surface of the container. Furthermore, if the container is not heated uniformly, it is possible to detect parts of the container that are heated to a higher temperature than other parts. This allows for more accurate prevention of damage and / or deterioration of the container and / or dental materials.

[0063] In one embodiment, the heating device may further include at least one optical system configured and arranged to focus infrared light emitted by at least one light-emitting diode onto the outer surface of a container containing dental material, which is received at an opening in the main body.

[0064] By focusing the infrared light emitted by at least one light-emitting diode onto the outer surface of the container, the infrared light received on the container is intensified, thereby heating the dental material more efficiently. Consequently, the dental material can be heated more quickly and / or with less energy supplied to the light-emitting diodes and / or with fewer light-emitting diodes. Furthermore, by focusing the infrared light onto the outer surface of the container, the amount of infrared light emitted by the light-emitting diodes that does not reach the outer surface of the container due to diffusion is reduced, thereby reducing the amount of wasted light emission from the light-emitting diodes. Consequently, the energy consumption required to heat the dental material is reduced.

[0065] The heating device can preferably be a battery-powered device. Therefore, by reducing the energy consumption of the heating device from the battery, the battery life and runtime of devices using the same battery (one or more) can be extended.

[0066] The optical system may preferably comprise at least one lens. Preferably, the optical system may include a plurality of lenses arranged sequentially with respect to the path of infrared light, each preferably having a different refractive index and / or dispersion value and / or thickness and / or diameter. However, the plurality of lenses may also have the same refractive index and / or dispersion value and / or thickness and / or diameter.

[0067] Preferably, once the container is at least partially received into the opening, the optical system can be oriented to focus the infrared light emitted by the light-emitting diode along an optical path intersecting the longitudinal axis of the container. In this way, the dental material can be heated more directly and uniformly.

[0068] Preferably, at least one optical system can be integrally formed on the adapter, so that the at least one optical system and the adapter can form an integrated component made of the same material.

[0069] Therefore, a single optical system and adapter can be manufactured in a single process. The adapter and optical system can preferably be made from the same material, preferably polycarbonate. Preferably, a diffusion additive can be added to the polycarbonate, at least to a portion of the optical system to improve the properties of the optical system, for example, to reduce glare.

[0070] By integrally forming at least one optical system on the adapter, it is possible to eliminate the need to assemble the optical system on the adapter or on different parts of the heating device, thereby reducing the manufacturing time and / or manufacturing cost of the adapter and optical system.

[0071] However, at least one optical system may also be removably mounted to the adapter. Preferably, the adapter and at least one optical system can be detachable from the heating device as an integrated component.

[0072] Therefore, the optical system and the adapter can be manufactured separately and then assembled so that the optical system can be mounted on the adapter. Thus, for example, the adapter and the optical system can also be disassembled to be used with different adapters of different sizes and / or shapes. Thus, for example, the adapter can be discarded after one or more uses, and the optical system can be reused with another adapter.

[0073] This also allows optical systems and adapters to be manufactured using different manufacturing processes and / or different materials, thus enabling greater flexibility in the selection of optical systems used. For example, lenses with various refractive indices and / or dispersion values ​​and / or diameters and / or thicknesses can be manufactured. Thus, the lens configuration can be more precisely tailored to the desired and / or required effect for heating the container. For example, a total internal reflection (TIR) ​​optical system can be used. A TIR optical system may consist of a refractive lens placed inside a reflector. A TIR lens can capture and redirect more light emitted from a light-emitting diode than a conventional optical system.

[0074] In one embodiment, at least one optical system and at least one light-emitting diode can constitute an integrated component that is removable from the heating device itself.

[0075] Therefore, at least one optical system and at least one light-emitting diode can be pre-assembled together as a single integrated component before being placed in the heating device. Thus, the light-emitting diode and / or optical system may include mounting means configured to allow the light-emitting diode and optical system to be fixedly attached to each other. This facilitates the assembly and / or disassembly and / or replacement of the optical system and / or light-emitting diode in the heating device.

[0076] Preferably, the heating device may comprise a plurality of light-emitting diodes distributed around a container containing dental material, which is received in the opening.

[0077] Therefore, by distributing multiple light-emitting diodes around the perimeter of the container, the container can be heated more uniformly. This further reduces the heating time of dental materials and / or the amount of heating energy required to heat the dental materials.

[0078] In one embodiment, the heating device may include a plurality of optical systems and a plurality of light-emitting diodes distributed around a container for holding dental material, which is received in an opening of the main body.

[0079] In one embodiment, the adapter can be made from a material that is at least partially transparent to infrared light, preferably having wavelengths of 500 nm to 2000 nm, more preferably 800 nm to 1500 nm. Preferably, the adapter can be made from polycarbonate. Alternatively, the adapter can be made from any of the following materials: silicone, polyethylene terephthalate glycol modified (PETG), and cyclic olefin polymers.

[0080] The heating device can preferably be configured to heat the dental material to a temperature of at least 65°C within a heating time of 15 seconds or less, preferably 12 seconds or less, and more preferably 10 seconds or less.

[0081] Therefore, by heating the dental material to a temperature of at least 65°C within the time described above, the heating time can be significantly reduced compared to known heating devices and / or heating processes. Consequently, the time required to prepare the dental material for application to the patient's tooth(s) can be reduced, thereby reducing waiting time and / or treatment time.

[0082] The objective mentioned at the beginning can also be achieved by further heating devices for heating dental materials.

[0083] The heating device comprises a body having an opening formed inside that is configured to at least partially receive a container containing dental material to be heated.

[0084] The body of the heating device may include a housing configured to accommodate components of the heating device, such as electronic equipment, batteries, and control elements. The housing may be a single-piece structure or a multi-piece structure, such as a two-piece structure, to facilitate the assembly of the heating device.

[0085] The opening formed in the main body may be open to the environment surrounding the heating device. However, the opening may also be at least selectively and at least partially closed to the environment, for example, by a lid or other closing structure, in order to prevent or at least minimize contamination within the opening when the heating device is not in use. The opening may extend into the main body only for a specific distance, such as 15 cm in length.

[0086] The opening can be configured to accept different types of containers, such as capsules and / or syringes. Therefore, the shape and / or geometric form of the opening formed in the body can be specifically configured to correspond to a container for dental materials that is at least partially accepted into the opening. Thus, for example, the length of the opening can be configured according to the length of the container that is at least partially accepted.

[0087] The body may also include a female thread positioned in or within the opening and configured to engage with a male thread provided, for example, on an external applicator that carries a container and / or the container itself.

[0088] Additionally or alternatively, the body may include at least one locking element configured to lock the container and / or applicator in place. For example, the body may include a slot configured to receive a projection located on the container and / or applicator. Alternatively or additionally, the body may include a retaining element configured to cooperate with a slot or groove located on the container and / or applicator. However, the retaining element may also be located on the container and / or applicator, and the slot or groove may be located on the body, for example, in an opening.

[0089] Therefore, by providing a locking element, undesirable removal of the container from the opening can be prevented. For example, the heating device can be configured to prevent removal of the container from the opening until a predetermined temperature and / or heating time for the dental material is achieved. Once the predetermined temperature and / or heating time for the dental material is achieved, the heating device can activate the locking element, for example, by an actuator and controller, to allow the user to pull the container out of the opening.

[0090] The heating device may also include detection means configured to detect the presence of a container within the opening of the main body, in the form of a contact switch or non-contact switch, such as a proximity sensor, photoelectric barrier, or temperature sensor. The detection means may also be configured to communicate with a controller configured to control the heating device. Thus, when a container is removed from the opening of the heating device, the heating device can detect the removal of the container and stop or switch to standby mode, and the heating element is stopped by the detection means and the controller. Thus, the safety of the heating device can be enhanced by preventing undesirable heating by the heating device.

[0091] The heating device may also include detection means configured to stop the heating device or switch the heating device to a standby mode in which the heating element is stopped after the detection means detects that the container has been inside the opening for a predetermined period of time, and this detection means may be the same as or different from those described above. Thus, the safety of the heating device is enhanced by preventing prolonged and undesirable heating by the heating device. Furthermore, deterioration and / or damage to dental materials and / or containers can be prevented.

[0092] The body may also be provided with a plurality of openings formed internally, each opening configured to at least partially receive a container containing the dental material to be heated. At least two of the openings may each have different geometric shapes and / or forms to accommodate different containers containing, for example, dental materials of different sizes and / or shapes, and / or different compositions and / or physical properties.

[0093] For example, one opening may be configured to receive a syringe containing dental material, and a second opening may be configured to receive a capsule containing dental material. At least two different containers may be configured to contain different dental materials, preferably having different properties. For example, one dental material contained in the first container may need to be heated to a first temperature, and a second dental material in the second container may need to be heated to a second temperature different from the first temperature.

[0094] The heated dental material may be any dental material used to restore a patient's teeth, specifically any dental material used to fill cavities and to repair crown fractures, tooth wear, and congenital defects. The dental material may preferably be a curable material, as it is often hardened by exposing the dental material to light after it has been applied to the patient's teeth. Specifically, the dental material may include a resin-based composite material comprising a matrix and at least one filler, such as filler glass and glass ceramic. Furthermore, the dental material may also include, for example, glass ionomer cement.

[0095] The heating device further comprises at least one light-emitting diode configured to emit infrared light onto the outer surface of a container containing dental material, which is received in the opening.

[0096] The light-emitting diode (LED) can be configured to emit light having a wavelength in the range of 800 to 1500 nm. Preferably, the LED can be configured to emit light having a wavelength substantially of 950 nm. The LED can preferably be placed inside the body of the heating device, and preferably close to an outer surface such as the outer wall of the container when the container is at least partially received into the opening. Preferably, the LED can be placed within 5 cm, preferably 4 cm, more preferably 3 cm, more preferably 2 cm, and most preferably 1 cm from the outer surface of the container when the container is at least partially received into the opening.

[0097] The heating device may also include a proximity sensor configured to detect the proximity of the outer surface of the container when the container is at least partially accepted into the opening. Thus, the proximity sensor may be configured to communicate with a controller and an actuator configured to displace a light-emitting diode. Thus, the proximity sensor can ensure that the light-emitting diode is not damaged by the container when the container is placed in the opening. The proximity sensor and actuator can also ensure proximity of the light-emitting diode to the outer surface of the container to improve the efficiency of heating the dental material. This allows different containers, preferably having different shapes and / or different sizes, to be placed in the opening while maintaining proximity of the light-emitting diode to the outer surface of the container.

[0098] Preferably, the heating device may comprise a plurality of light-emitting diodes, which are preferably distributed around the periphery of the container and / or along the longitudinal axis of the container once the container is at least partially received into the opening.

[0099] The heating device may also include at least one optical system configured and positioned to focus infrared light emitted by at least one light-emitting diode onto a container containing dental material, which is received at an opening in the main body.

[0100] By focusing the infrared light emitted by at least one light-emitting diode onto the outer surface of the container housing, the infrared light reaching the container is intensified, allowing the dental material to be heated more efficiently. Therefore, the dental material can be heated more quickly and / or with less energy supplied to the light-emitting diode. Furthermore, focusing the infrared light onto the outer surface of the container reduces the amount of infrared light emitted by the light-emitting diode that does not reach the outer surface due to diffusion, thereby reducing wasted light emission from the light-emitting diode. Consequently, the energy consumption required to heat the dental material is reduced.

[0101] The heating device can preferably be a battery-powered device. Therefore, by reducing the energy consumption of the heating device from the battery, the battery life and runtime of devices using the same battery (one or more) can be extended.

[0102] The optical system may preferably comprise at least one lens. Preferably, the optical system may include a plurality of lenses arranged sequentially with respect to the path of infrared light, each preferably having a different refractive index and / or dispersion value and / or thickness and / or diameter. However, the plurality of lenses may also have the same refractive index and / or dispersion value and / or thickness and / or diameter.

[0103] Preferably, once the container is at least partially received into the opening, the optical system can be oriented to focus the infrared light emitted by the light-emitting diode along an optical path intersecting the longitudinal axis of the container. In this way, the dental material is heated more uniformly.

[0104] Preferably, the heating device can be configured as a portable desktop device. Preferably, the opening extends into the main body for a length of less than 20 cm, preferably less than 16 cm, more preferably less than 14 cm, and more preferably less than 10 cm.

[0105] In one embodiment, the heating device may further comprise an adapter having a length L, the adapter being at least partially received within an opening in the main body along its length L. The adapter may preferably have a wall defining a receptacle configured to removably receive a container containing the dental material to be heated. Preferably, at least one light-emitting diode may be positioned outside the adapter and along its length L. The adapter may, at least in part, be at least partially transparent to infrared light along its length L.

[0106] The adapter may have an opening defined in its wall to allow infrared light emitted by a light-emitting diode to pass through the opening, in order to enable more direct and therefore more efficient heating of dental materials. The opening may preferably be covered with a material that is at least partially transparent to infrared light.

[0107] Additionally or alternatively, the adapter material can be configured to be at least partially transparent to infrared light, preferably in the wavelength range of 800 to 1500 nm. Alternatively or additionally, the adapter can be made of different materials, which can preferably be placed in different parts of the adapter. Thus, a first material having a higher transmittance to infrared light can be placed in a first part(s), and a second material having a lower transmittance to infrared light can be placed in a second part(s). Preferably, the material having a higher transmittance to infrared light can be placed in close proximity to the light-emitting diode(LED) or multiple light-emitting diode(LED) to enable more efficient heating of the dental material.

[0108] The adapter can be substantially cylindrical. Furthermore, the adapter may have two ends, at least of which preferably have an opening that allows for the acceptance of a container for dental materials. However, both ends of the adapter may also have openings.

[0109] The adapter can be a single, integrated structure, or it can be a single, integrated part. However, the adapter can also be composed of multiple parts, such as two half-shells, that can be assembled and disassembled to facilitate cleaning and / or disinfection of the adapter.

[0110] The adapter can preferably be made from a material that is easy to clean and disinfect, for example, by using a clinical disinfectant such as isopropyl alcohol. For example, the adapter can be made of polycarbonate. Preferably, the adapter can be manufactured by a low-cost and time-efficient manufacturing process such as injection molding. Therefore, the adapter can be manufactured cost-effectively as a low-cost component and can therefore be a single-use or at least low-use component so that the adapter can be disposed of after each use or after multiple uses in order to help provide a hygienic environment inside and around the heating device.

[0111] By positioning at least one light-emitting diode (LED) on the outside of the adapter and along its length L, the LED is prevented from being contaminated by any undesirable substances (e.g., residual dental material, bacteria, and / or dirt) that may adhere to the container holding the dental material.

[0112] In one embodiment, the heating device may preferably include a second adapter that is at least partially received in an opening in the main body along its length L, or in a second opening in the main body. The second adapter may have a wall defining a receptacle configured to removably receive a container containing the dental material to be heated.

[0113] Alternatively, the second adapter may have a wall defining a receptacle configured to removably receive a second type of container containing the dental material to be heated. The second type of container is preferably a syringe.

[0114] Therefore, the heating device can be configured to heat two or more containers, preferably two or more types of containers, simultaneously or sequentially. This also improves the efficiency of heating dental materials. The heating device may comprise two separate light-emitting diodes or two separate sets of light-emitting diodes, each configured to heat one of the containers. However, the heating device may comprise one light-emitting diode or one set of light-emitting diodes for heating both containers.

[0115] The heating device may also have more than two openings, and therefore more than two adapters, for example, three, four, five, or six openings and adapters, for receiving and heating multiple containers containing dental materials. In this case, the heating device may have multiple separate light-emitting diodes or multiple sets of light-emitting diodes, each configured to heat one of the containers.

[0116] Preferably, at least one optical system can be integrally formed on the adapter, so that the at least one optical system and the adapter can form an integrated component made of the same material.

[0117] Therefore, a single optical system and adapter can be manufactured in a single process. The adapter and optical system can preferably be made from the same material, preferably polycarbonate. Preferably, a diffusion additive can be added to the polycarbonate, at least to a portion of the optical system to improve the properties of the optical system, for example, to reduce glare.

[0118] By integrally forming at least one optical system on the adapter, it is possible to eliminate the need to assemble the optical system on the adapter or on different parts of the heating device, thereby reducing the manufacturing time and / or manufacturing cost of the adapter and optical system.

[0119] However, at least one optical system may also be removably mounted to the adapter. Preferably, the adapter and at least one optical system can be detachable from the heating device as an integrated component.

[0120] Therefore, the optical system and the adapter can be manufactured separately and then assembled so that the optical system can be mounted on the adapter. Thus, for example, the adapter and the optical system can also be disassembled to be used with different adapters of different sizes and / or shapes. Thus, for example, the adapter can be discarded after one or more uses, and the optical system can be reused with another adapter.

[0121] This also allows optical systems and adapters to be manufactured using different manufacturing processes and / or different materials, thus enabling greater flexibility in the selection of optical systems used. For example, more elaborate lenses can be selected, for instance, to choose from lenses with different refractive indices and / or dispersion values ​​and / or diameters and / or thicknesses. Thus, the lens configuration can be more precisely tailored to the desired and / or required effect for heating the container. For example, an internal total internal reflection (TIR) ​​optical system can be used. A TIR optical system may comprise a refractive lens placed inside a reflector. A TIR optical system can capture and redirect more light emitted from a light-emitting diode than a conventional optical system.

[0122] In one embodiment, at least one optical system and at least one light-emitting diode can constitute an integrated component that is removable from the heating device itself.

[0123] Therefore, at least one optical system and at least one light-emitting diode can be pre-assembled together as a single integrated component before being placed in the heating device. Thus, the light-emitting diode and / or optical system may include mounting means configured to allow the light-emitting diode and optical system to be fixedly attached to each other. This facilitates the assembly and / or disassembly and / or replacement of the optical system and / or light-emitting diode of the heating device.

[0124] Preferably, the heating device may comprise a plurality of light-emitting diodes distributed around a container containing dental material, which is received in the opening.

[0125] Therefore, by distributing multiple light-emitting diodes around the perimeter of the container, the container can be heated more uniformly. This can further speed up the heating process of dental materials and / or reduce the amount of heating energy required to heat the dental materials.

[0126] In one embodiment, the heating device may include a plurality of optical systems and a plurality of light-emitting diodes distributed around a container for holding dental material, which is received in an opening of the main body.

[0127] In one embodiment, the heating device includes at least one infrared temperature sensor configured to detect infrared energy emitted by a container containing dental material, which is received in an opening of the main body, and to determine the temperature of the outer surface of the container.

[0128] The temperature sensor may preferably be a non-contact temperature sensor that does not need to contact the outer surface of the container to determine the temperature of the outer surface of the container, such as an infrared temperature sensor configured to detect infrared energy emitted by a container containing dental materials, which is received in the opening of the main body, such as a pyroelectric sensor, a thermopile detector, or a bolometer focal plane array (FPA). However, the temperature sensor may also be configured to contact the outer surface of the container to determine the temperature of the outer surface of the container, such as a thermocouple or resistance thermometer such as a PT100. In this case, the heating device may also include displacement means that displace the temperature sensor toward or away from the container once the container is at least partially received in the opening, in order to ensure that the temperature sensor makes contact with the outer surface of the container.

[0129] In both of the above cases, the heating device may also include a proximity sensor for detecting the distance between the temperature sensor and the outer surface of the container once the container is at least partially received into the opening.

[0130] Furthermore, the heating device may be equipped with multiple temperature sensors. At least two of the temperature sensors may be of different types; for example, the first temperature sensor may be a non-contact temperature sensor such as an infrared temperature sensor, and the second temperature sensor may be a contact temperature sensor such as a thermocouple or resistance thermometer.

[0131] By determining the temperature of the outer surface of the container using a temperature sensor or multiple temperature sensors, it is possible to determine whether the dental material is underheated and / or overheated. For example, by stopping the heating process of the heating device when a predetermined temperature measured by the temperature sensor is reached, underheating and / or overheating of the dental material can be prevented. Therefore, deterioration and / or damage to the dental material and / or the container containing the dental material can be prevented or at least reduced.

[0132] The heating device also includes a controller having a control circuit configured to control the temperature of the outer surface of the container based on the temperature of the outer surface of the container determined by the temperature sensor, by communicating with a temperature sensor and at least one light-emitting diode and controlling the amount of infrared light emitted by the at least one light-emitting diode.

[0133] Therefore, by controlling the temperature of the outer surface of the container based on the temperature of the outer surface of the container determined by a temperature sensor, the dental material can be heated to a predetermined temperature in which it possesses the desired properties. Thus, the properties of the dental material (e.g., its viscosity) can be controlled more precisely during the heating process, and as a result, the dental material can be prepared more precisely for its intended use (e.g., filling cavities in a patient's teeth).

[0134] Furthermore, since overheating, which causes wasted heating energy, can be avoided, dental materials are heated more efficiently. Moreover, if the material is not heated sufficiently, it often becomes unusable, requiring further heating processes to reach the required temperature. Therefore, by avoiding underheating of dental materials, reheating of the dental materials can also be avoided, and thus the total heating energy consumed to heat the dental materials can be reduced.

[0135] The amount of infrared light emitted by at least one light-emitting diode (LED) can be controlled by adjusting the current supplied to the LED to adjust the intensity of the infrared light emitted by the LED. The current can be adjusted to a predetermined value based on the temperature of the outer surface of the container determined by a temperature sensor, for example, by a controller that compares the determined temperature with a predetermined current value provided, for example, by a lookup table. However, the current can also be adjusted steplessly, for example, by a predetermined algorithm that calculates the current based on the temperature determined by the temperature sensor.

[0136] Alternatively or additionally, the amount of infrared light emitted by at least one light-emitting diode can be controlled by stopping and / or operating the light-emitting diode, preferably intermittently.

[0137] In one embodiment, the heating device may include a plurality of infrared temperature sensors distributed around a container for dental materials, which is received in an opening of the main body.

[0138] Therefore, multiple temperature sensors can detect the temperature of different parts of the container. This allows for a more accurate determination of the temperature of the outer surface of the container. Furthermore, if the container is not heated uniformly, it is possible to detect parts of the container that are heated to a higher temperature than other parts. This allows for more accurate prevention of damage and / or deterioration of the container and / or dental materials.

[0139] Preferably, the adapter can be made from a material that is at least partially transparent to infrared light, preferably infrared light having a wavelength of 500 nm to 2000 nm, more preferably 800 nm to 1500 nm.

[0140] Alternatively or additionally, the adapter can be made of different materials, and these materials can preferably be placed in different parts of the adapter. Thus, a first material having a higher transmittance to infrared light can be placed in a first part (one or more), and a second material having a lower transmittance to infrared light can be placed in a second part (one or more). Preferably, the material having a higher transmittance to infrared light can be placed in close proximity to the light-emitting diode or multiple light-emitting diodes to enable more efficient heating of the dental material.

[0141] The objectives stated at the beginning are also solved by a system for applying dental materials, which further comprises one of the heating devices disclosed herein and a container for containing dental materials.

[0142] The container may preferably include a chamber for containing dental material. The container may also include a dispensing nozzle connected to the chamber for dispensing the dental material. Furthermore, the container may include a piston positioned within the chamber to force the dental material toward the dispensing nozzle.

[0143] In one embodiment, the system may further include a dispensing gun configured to releasably receive a container. The dispensing gun may also be configured to advance a piston of the container. Furthermore, the dispensing gun may also be configured such that at least a portion of the container containing dental material is inserted into the opening of the body so that the container is at least partially received into the opening of the body.

[0144] Furthermore, an object of the present invention is to provide a method that enables heating of dental materials with improved heating efficiency.

[0145] This objective is achieved by a method for controlling the temperature of dental materials. Therefore, the advantages and features described herein in relation to the heating devices disclosed herein apply to the methods described below.

[0146] The method is, a) A step of heating the dental material contained in a container by using at least one light-emitting diode that emits infrared light on the outer surface of the container containing the dental material, b) A step of determining the temperature of the outer surface of a container containing dental material using at least one temperature sensor, c) A step of comparing the determined temperature with the target temperature of the heated dental material, d) A step of adjusting the amount of infrared light emitted by at least one light-emitting diode based on a comparison of the determined temperature with the target temperature, Includes.

[0147] In one embodiment, the temperature of the outer surface of a container holding dental materials can be detected by detecting the infrared energy emitted by the container using at least one infrared temperature sensor.

[0148] Preferably, the target temperature of the heated dental material can be based on a predetermined target viscosity of the heated dental material. The target temperature of the dental material is typically in the range of 40-70°C or 50-65°C.

[0149] In one embodiment, the outer surface of a container holding dental material can be heated to a predetermined temperature exceeding the target temperature of the heated dental material for at least a portion of the total heating time.

[0150] Therefore, the dental material can be heated as quickly as possible to its target temperature, which is preferably substantially 68°C. Since the dental material is contained in a container, the container itself is heated while the dental material is being heated, or even before the temperature of the dental material rises due to the emitted infrared light. Therefore, because the material of the container containing the dental material has a certain heat capacity, the container exhibits a thermal mass that absorbs heat, and the heat is then transferred to the dental material. Thus, the time required to heat the dental material to the desired and / or predetermined temperature is extended due to the thermal mass of the container.

[0151] By heating the outer surface of the container holding the dental material to a predetermined temperature that exceeds the target temperature of the heated dental material for at least a portion of the total heating time, the container can be preheated to the predetermined temperature more quickly. As a result, the heat absorbed by the container can be rapidly dissipated to the dental material, thereby shortening the heating time of the dental material.

[0152] Once a predetermined temperature is reached, the device's target temperature can be set to the target temperature of the dental material. This target temperature can then be maintained for a specific, preferably predetermined, period of time.

[0153] Therefore, the container can be temporarily preheated, and thus the overall heating time until the dental material reaches the target temperature can be reduced without overheating the dental material itself.

[0154] The predetermined temperature at which the outer surface of a container containing dental materials can be heated may preferably depend on the material of the container, and more preferably, on the heat capacity of the material and / or the thickness of the container walls.

[0155] The predetermined temperature that exceeds the target temperature of the heated dental material can preferably be lower than the maximum operating temperature of the container. Preferably, the predetermined temperature at which the container can be preheated can be less than 165°C, especially for containers made of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), and preferably less than 110°C, especially for containers made of polypropylene (PP). However, this temperature limit depends on the material used. Therefore, if a container made of a different material than those described above is used, the predetermined temperature at which the container can be preheated may be higher or lower than the temperature limit described above.

[0156] The predetermined preheating temperature of the outer surface of the container and the target temperature of the dental material can be controlled, for example, by a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller.

[0157] In one embodiment, the amount of infrared light emitted by at least one light-emitting diode can be adjusted by intermittently interrupting and restarting the emission of infrared light by at least one light-emitting diode, or by adjusting the current supplied to at least one light-emitting diode.

[0158] Preferably, steps c) and d) can be performed at predetermined intervals. Thus, the user can predetermine the time intervals at which steps c) and d) will be performed. Alternatively or additionally, the heating device manufacturer can predetermine the intervals from the factory.

[0159] Preferably, steps c) and d) can be performed at variable intervals. The interval can preferably be varied based on the previously determined temperature of the outer surface of the container.

[0160] Therefore, the controller can determine, for example, how much time should elapse between multiple consecutive executions of steps c) and d) based on a predetermined algorithm or lookup table, and based on the previously determined temperature of the outer surface of the container.

[0161] Therefore, for example, if a higher temperature was previously detected, the time interval can be set to be longer than if a lower temperature had been previously detected.

[0162] Preferably, steps c) and d) can be performed continuously by pulse width modulation.

[0163] Preferably, the temperature of the dental material can be limited to 70°C or lower, and more preferably 65°C or lower.

[0164] Preferably, the temperature of the dental material can be maintained at 60°C to 70°C, preferably 62°C to 68°C.

[0165] Preferably, the temperature of the dental material can be heated to at least 65°C within a heating time of 15 seconds or less, preferably 12 seconds or less, and more preferably 10 seconds or less.

[0166] The following list of embodiments provides alternative and / or further features of the present invention. 1. A heating device for heating dental materials, A body having an opening formed inside that is configured to at least partially receive a container for holding dental materials to be heated, A light-emitting diode configured to emit infrared light onto the outer surface of a container containing dental material, which is received in the opening, A temperature sensor configured to determine the temperature of the outer surface of a container received into the opening of the main body, Equipped with, A heating device comprising a controller having a control circuit configured to control the temperature of the outer surface of a container based on the temperature of the outer surface of the container determined by the temperature sensor, by optionally communicating with a temperature sensor and at least one light-emitting diode, and preferably controlling the amount of infrared light emitted by at least one light-emitting diode. 2. The heating device according to Embodiment 1, wherein the heating device is configured as a portable desktop device, and preferably the opening extends into the main body for a length of less than 20 cm, preferably less than 16 cm, more preferably less than 14 cm, and more preferably less than 10 cm. 3. The heating device according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the temperature sensor is an infrared temperature sensor configured to detect infrared energy emitted by a container containing dental material, which is received in an opening of the main body. 4. A heating device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, further comprising an adapter having a length L, the adapter having a wall defining a receptacle configured to removably receive a container for containing dental material to be heated, which is at least partially received in an opening of the body along the length L, and at least one light-emitting diode is preferably disposed on the outside of the adapter and along the length L, and the adapter is at least partially transparent to infrared light along the length L in at least a portion of the device. 5. The heating device according to embodiment 4, further comprising a second adapter having a wall that defines a receptacle configured to removably receive a container for containing a dental material to be heated or a second type of container for containing a dental material to be heated, at least partially received in an opening of the main body or in a second opening of the main body, wherein the second type of container is preferably a syringe. 6. The heating device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the controller is configured to control the amount of infrared light emitted by at least one light-emitting diode by intermittently interrupting and restarting the emission of infrared light from at least one light-emitting diode. 7. The heating device according to any one of the above embodiments, wherein the controller is configured to control the amount of infrared light emitted by at least one light-emitting diode, preferably by controlling the current supplied to at least one light-emitting diode, by adjusting the intensity of the infrared light emitted by at least one light-emitting diode. 8. The heating device according to any one of the above embodiments, wherein the controller is configured to limit the temperature of the dental material to 70°C or less, preferably 65°C or less. 9. The heating device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the controller is configured to maintain the temperature of the dental material at 60°C to 70°C, preferably 62°C to 68°C. 10. A heating device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, comprising a plurality of temperature sensors distributed around a container for containing dental material, which is received in an opening of the main body. 11. The heating device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, further comprising at least one optical system configured and arranged to focus infrared light emitted by at least one light-emitting diode on its outer surface onto a container for containing dental material, which is received in an opening of the body. 12. The heating device according to embodiment 11, wherein at least one optical system is integrally formed on the adapter, and the at least one optical system and the adapter constitute an integral component made of the same material. 13. The heating device according to embodiment 11, wherein at least one optical system is removably mounted to an adapter, and the adapter and at least one optical system are removable from the heating device as an integral component. 14. The heating device according to embodiment 11 or 13, wherein at least one optical system and at least one light-emitting diode constitute an integral component that is removable from the heating device itself. 15. A heating device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, comprising a plurality of light-emitting diodes, wherein the plurality of light-emitting diodes are preferably distributed around a container for containing dental material, which is received in an opening of the body. 16. A heating device according to any one of embodiments 11 to 15, comprising a plurality of optical systems and a plurality of light-emitting diodes distributed around a container for containing dental material, which is received in an opening of the main body. 17. The heating device according to any one of the above embodiments, wherein the adapter is made of a material that is at least partially transparent to infrared light, preferably having a wavelength of 500 nm to 2000 nm, more preferably 800 to 1,500 nm. 18. The heating device according to any one of the above embodiments, wherein the heating device is configured to heat a dental material to a temperature of at least 65°C in a heating time of 30 seconds or less, more preferably 25 seconds or less, more preferably 20 seconds or less, more preferably 15 seconds or less, more preferably 12 seconds or less, and more preferably 10 seconds or less. 19. The heating device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, further comprising detection means for detecting the presence of a container in an opening of the main body, wherein the detection means is configured to communicate with a controller to stop the heating device or switch the heating device to a standby mode in which at least one light-emitting diode is stopped when the detection means detects that a container containing dental material has been removed from the opening of the heating device and / or when the detection means detects that the container has been heated in the opening of the heating device for a predetermined period of time. 20. A heating device for heating dental materials, A body having an opening formed inside that is configured to at least partially receive a container for holding dental materials to be heated, The device includes at least one light-emitting diode configured to emit infrared light onto the outer surface of a container for containing dental material, which is received in the opening of the main body, At least one optical system configured and positioned to focus infrared light emitted by at least one light-emitting diode on its outer surface onto a container containing dental material, which is received in an opening of the main body, A heating device comprising: 21. The heating device according to embodiment 20, wherein the heating device is configured as a portable desktop device, and preferably the opening extends into the main body for a length of less than 20 cm, preferably less than 16 cm, more preferably less than 14 cm, and more preferably less than 10 cm. 22. A heating device according to embodiment 20 or 21, further comprising an adapter having a length L, the adapter having a wall defining a receptacle configured to removably receive a container for containing dental material to be heated, which is at least partially received in an opening of the body along the length L, and at least one light-emitting diode is preferably disposed on the outside of the adapter and along the length L, and the adapter is at least partially transparent to infrared light along the length L in at least a portion of the device. 23. The heating device according to embodiment 22, further comprising a second adapter having a wall that defines a receptacle configured to removably receive a container for containing a dental material to be heated or a second type of container for containing a dental material to be heated, at least partially received in an opening of the main body or in a second opening of the main body, wherein the second type of container is preferably a syringe. 24. The heating device according to embodiment 22 or 23, wherein at least one optical system is integrally formed on the adapter, and the at least one optical system and the adapter constitute an integral component made of the same material. 25. The heating device according to embodiment 22 or 23, wherein at least one optical system is removably mounted to an adapter, and the adapter and at least one optical system are removable from the heating device as an integral component. 26. The heating device according to embodiment 22 or 25, wherein at least one optical system and at least one light-emitting diode constitute an integral component that is removable from the heating device itself. 27. A heating device according to any one of embodiments 20 to 26, comprising a plurality of light-emitting diodes distributed around a container for containing dental material, which is received in an opening of the main body. 28. A heating device according to any one of embodiments 20 to 27, comprising a plurality of optical systems and a plurality of light-emitting diodes distributed around a container for containing dental material, which is received in an opening of the main body. 29. A heating device according to any one of embodiments 20 to 28, comprising at least one infrared temperature sensor configured to detect infrared energy emitted by a container containing dental material, which is received in an opening of the main body, and to determine the temperature of the outer surface of the container. 30. The heating device according to embodiment 29, comprising a plurality of infrared temperature sensors distributed around a container for containing dental materials, which is received in an opening of the main body. 31. The heating device according to any one of embodiments 22 to 30, wherein the adapter is made of a material that is at least partially transparent to infrared light, preferably having a wavelength of 500 nm to 2000 nm, more preferably 800 to 1,500 nm. 32. A system for applying dental material, comprising a heating device according to any one of the embodiments described above, and a container for containing dental material. 33. The system according to embodiment 32, wherein the container includes a chamber for containing dental material, a dispensing nozzle connected to the chamber for dispensing dental material, and a piston positioned within the chamber for biasing the dental material toward the dispensing nozzle. 34. The system according to embodiment 32 or 33, further comprising a dispensing gun configured to releasably receive a container and advance a piston of the container, and further configured such that at least a portion of the container containing dental material is inserted into the opening of the body so that the container is at least partially received into the opening of the body. 35. A method for controlling the temperature of dental materials, a) A step of heating the dental material contained in a container by using at least one light-emitting diode that emits infrared light on the outer surface of the container containing the dental material, b) A step of determining the temperature of the outer surface of a container containing dental material using at least one temperature sensor, c) A step of comparing the determined temperature with the target temperature of the heated dental material, d) A step of adjusting the amount of infrared light emitted by at least one light-emitting diode based on a comparison of the determined temperature with the target temperature, Methods that include... 36. The method according to embodiment 35, wherein the temperature of the outer surface of a container containing dental materials is detected by detecting infrared energy emitted by the container using at least one infrared temperature sensor. 37. The method according to embodiment 35 or 36, wherein the target temperature of the heated dental material is based on a predetermined target viscosity of the heated dental material. 38. The method according to any one of embodiments 35 to 37, wherein the outer surface of a container containing dental material is heated to a predetermined temperature above the target temperature of the heated dental material for at least a portion of the total heating time. 39. The method according to any one of embodiments 35 to 38, wherein the amount of infrared light emitted by at least one light-emitting diode is adjusted by intermittently interrupting and restarting the emission of infrared light by at least one light-emitting diode, or by adjusting the current supplied to at least one light-emitting diode. 40. The method according to any one of embodiments 35 to 39, wherein steps c) and d) are performed at predetermined intervals. 41. The method according to any one of embodiments 35 to 39, wherein steps c) and d) are performed at variable intervals, the intervals being changed based on a previously determined temperature of the outer surface of the container. 42. The method according to any one of embodiments 35 to 39, wherein steps c) and d) are performed sequentially by pulse width modulation. 43. The device according to any one of embodiments 35 to 42, wherein the temperature of the dental material is limited to 70°C or less, preferably 65°C or less. 44. The method according to any one of embodiments 35 to 43, wherein the temperature of the dental material is maintained at 60°C to 70°C, preferably 62°C to 68°C. 45. The method according to any one of embodiments 35 to 44, wherein the temperature of the dental material is heated to at least 65°C for 30 seconds or less, more preferably 25 seconds or less, more preferably 20 seconds or less, more preferably 15 seconds or less, more preferably 12 seconds or less, and more preferably 10 seconds or less. 46. ​​The method according to any one of embodiments 35 to 45, wherein at least one light-emitting diode is automatically shut off when the container containing the dental material is removed from the opening of the heating device and / or after the container has been heated for a predetermined period of time. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0167] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the figures. [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a further perspective view of the embodiment shown. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0168] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a heating device 10 for heating dental materials, which is preferably configured as a portable desktop device. The heating device 10 is preferably a battery-powered device. Therefore, the heating device 10 can be easily moved to different locations within the treatment environment and can be placed near the application point of the dental material.

[0169] The heating device 10 comprises a main body 12. The main body 12 is constructed as a multi-part structure and includes two control buttons 14 and 16 configured to control the heating device 10. The control buttons 14 and 16 can be configured to switch the heating device 10 to standby mode without activating the heating process of the heating device 12.

[0170] The control buttons 14 and 16 can be further configured to activate the heating process of the heating device 10. Furthermore, the control buttons 14 and 16 can be configured to switch the heating device to standby mode by activating one of the buttons 14 and 16 for a period of time shorter than a predetermined threshold, for example, by touching or pressing one of the buttons 14 and 16. The control buttons 14 and 16 can be further configured to activate the heating process of the heating device 10 by activating one of the buttons 14 and 16 for a period of time longer than a predetermined threshold.

[0171] Furthermore, buttons 14 and 16 can be configured such that the duration for which one of buttons 14 and 16 is activated can determine the mode and / or duration of the heating process of the heating device 10. Alternatively or additionally, the amount of sequential activation of one of buttons 14 and 16 can determine the mode and / or duration of the heating process of the heating device 10. Different modes of the heating device 10 may include, for example, at least one of different heating temperature profiles, different target temperatures for dental materials, and different heating intensities.

[0172] The main unit 12 further includes indicator lights 18 and 20 arranged in a circle around the buttons 14 and 16, which can indicate the mode in which the heating device is in use, i.e., standby mode, heating mode, etc. The indicator lights 18 and 20 can also warn the user of a malfunction of the heating device 10, and / or indicate when the dental material should be removed from the heating device 10, for example, when the target heating time and / or target temperature of the dental material has been reached.

[0173] The main body 12 further includes two openings 22, 24 formed in the main body 12. Both openings 22, 24 are configured to at least partially receive containers 26, 28 that contain dental materials to be heated.

[0174] Therefore, control button 14 is configured to control the heating process in opening 24, and control button 16 is configured to control the heating process in opening 22. However, the body 12 may also have a single button for controlling the heating process in both openings 22, 24.

[0175] As shown in Figure 1, the container 26 received by the opening 24 is a capsule containing dental material to be applied to the patient's oral cavity, for example, to fill a cavity in the patient's tooth. The container 28 received by the opening 22 is a syringe that also contains dental material to be applied to the patient's oral cavity, for example, to repair a tooth crown injury.

[0176] The capsule 26 is equipped with a dispensing nozzle 21 for dispensing dental material from the capsule 26, and the capsule 26 is releasably attached to the mouthpiece 29 of the dispensing gun 31. The dispensing gun 31 is configured to dispense dental material from the capsule 26 when the user applies force to the operating handle 33.

[0177] On the other hand, the syringe 28 is equipped with a piston 35 and is configured to dispense dental material from the syringe 28 by displacing the piston 35 axially relative to the housing 37 of the syringe 28.

[0178] Therefore, the openings 22 and 24 can be configured to accept different types of containers 26 and 28, such as different sizes and / or different shapes, as shown in Figure 1. However, the openings 22 and 24 may be substantially the same size and shape and can be configured to accept the same type of container. The body 12 can also have more than two openings, for example, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or more, for heating multiple dental materials simultaneously or sequentially.

[0179] The heating device 10 further comprises two adapters 30, 32, each having walls 34, 36 that define receptacles 38, 40 configured to receive one of the containers 26, 28 for containing dental materials. The receptacles 38, 40 are each sized and shaped to receive the corresponding containers 26, 28. The adapters 30, 32, shown in their stowed positions relative to the openings 22, 24, are at least partially received by the openings 22, 24.

[0180] Figure 2 shows a container 26 received in the opening 24 of the main body 12. As can be seen further in Figure 2, the heating device 10 further comprises a light-emitting diode 42 configured to emit infrared light onto the outer surface 44 of the container 26. The light-emitting diode 42 is mounted on a mounting structure 46 configured to be installed inside the main body 12. Furthermore, the mounting structure 46 and the light-emitting diode 42 are distributed around the periphery of the container 26 to uniformly heat the dental material contained in the container 26.

[0181] The heating device 10 further includes a temperature sensor 48 configured to determine the temperature of the outer surface 44 of the container 26 received in the opening 24 of the main body 12. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the temperature sensor 48 is an infrared temperature sensor configured to detect infrared energy emitted by the container 26. However, the temperature sensor 48 can alternatively be configured to contact the outer surface 44 of the container 26 to determine the temperature of the outer surface 48 of the container 26, such as a thermocouple or resistance thermometer, such as a PT100.

[0182] The heating device 10 may also comprise a plurality of temperature sensors 48 preferably distributed around the periphery of the container 26. Preferably, the opening 22 configured to receive the syringe 28 also comprises a temperature sensor 48, such as the one shown in Figure 2. However, the temperature sensor 48 located in the opening 22 may be of a different type from the temperature sensor 48 located in the opening 24, as shown in Figure 2, such as a thermocouple or resistance thermometer, such as a PT100, configured to contact the outer surface 44 of the container 26 to determine the temperature of the outer surface 48 of the container 26.

[0183] The heating device 10 further includes a controller 49 having a control circuit that communicates with a temperature sensor 48 and a light-emitting diode 42, and controls the amount of infrared light emitted by the light-emitting diode 42, thereby controlling the temperature of the outer surface 44 of the container 26 based on the temperature of the outer surface 44 of the container 26 determined by the temperature sensor 48.

[0184] The controller 49 can be configured to control the amount of infrared light emitted by the light-emitting diode 42 by intermittently interrupting and restarting the emission of infrared light by the light-emitting diode 42.

[0185] Alternatively or additionally, the controller 49 may be configured to control the amount of infrared light emitted by the light-emitting diode 42 by adjusting the intensity of the infrared light emitted by the light-emitting diode 42. The intensity of the infrared light emitted by the light-emitting diode 42 can preferably be adjusted by controlling the current supplied to the light-emitting diode 42.

[0186] Preferably, the adapter 30 is also located within the aperture 24, and the light-emitting diode 42 is preferably located outside the adapter 30. Thus, the adapter 30 is preferably at least partially transparent to infrared light. For clarity, the adapter 30 is not shown in Figure 2.

[0187] Figure 3 substantially shows the configuration shown in Figure 2. Figure 3 further shows the dispensing gun 31 having a container 26 received by a mouthpiece 29, as shown in Figure 1. For clarity, the controller 49 is omitted in Figure 3.

[0188] Figure 4 shows the adapter 30 shown in Figure 1. The adapter 30 is open at both ends of the receptacle 38 formed by the wall 34. The adapter 30 comprises four optical systems 50 configured and arranged to focus infrared light emitted by the light-emitting diode 42 onto the outer surface 44 of the container 26 for housing dental material, which is received at the opening 24 of the main body 12.

[0189] The optical system 50 is integrally formed on the adapter 30, and the optical system 50 and the adapter 30 constitute an integrated component made of the same material. Preferably, the adapter 30 is made of polycarbonate. Therefore, in this case, the optical system 50 can also be made of polycarbonate.

[0190] By focusing the infrared light emitted by the light-emitting diode 42 onto the outer surface 44 of the container 26, the infrared light on the container 26 is intensified, thereby heating the dental material more efficiently.

[0191] As shown in Figure 1, the adapter 32 received in the opening 22 can have the same configuration as the adapter 30 shown in Figure 4.

[0192] Figure 5 shows an alternative embodiment in which the adapter comprises an optical system 52 attached to light-emitting diodes 42. Each optical system 52 and its corresponding light-emitting diode 42 constitute an integrated component that is removably mounted to the adapter 30. The optical system 52 may include, for example, an internal total internal reflection (TIR) ​​optical system.

[0193] As shown in Figure 1, the adapter 32 received in the opening 22 can have the same configuration as the adapter 30 shown in Figure 5. [Item of the invention] [Item 1] A heating device (10) for heating dental materials, A main body (12) having openings (22, 24) formed inside, configured to at least partially receive containers (26, 28) containing the dental material to be heated, At least one light-emitting diode (42) is configured to emit infrared light having a wavelength in the range of 500 nm to 2000 nm, preferably in the range of 800 nm to 1500 nm, onto the outer surface (44) of the container (26, 28) containing the dental material, which is received in the aperture (22, 24), At least one temperature sensor (48) configured to determine the temperature of the outer surface (44) of the container (26, 28) received in the opening (22, 24) of the main body (12), A controller (49) having a control circuit that communicates with the temperature sensor (48) and the at least one light-emitting diode (42), and controls the amount of infrared light emitted by the at least one light-emitting diode (42), thereby controlling the temperature of the outer surface (44) of the container (26, 28) based on the temperature of the outer surface (44) of the container (26, 28) determined by the temperature sensor (48), A heating device (10) comprising the above. [Item 2] The heating device (10) according to item 1, further comprising at least one or at least two adapters (30, 32) having a length L, the adapters having walls (34, 36) defining a receptacle (38, 40) configured to be at least partially received within the opening (22, 24) of the body (12) along the length L, and the adapters (30, 32) being at least partially transparent to infrared light along the length L, wherein at least one light-emitting diode (42) is positioned outside the adapters (30, 32) and along the length L, and the adapters (30, 32) are at least partially transparent to infrared light along the length L in at least a portion of the device. [Item 3] A heating device (10) according to item 1 or 2, wherein the controller (49) is configured to control the amount of infrared light emitted by the at least one light-emitting diode (42) by intermittently interrupting and restarting the emission of infrared light, or by controlling the current supplied to the at least one light-emitting diode (42). [Item 4] A heating device (10) according to any one of items 1 to 3, further comprising at least one optical system (50, 52) configured and arranged to focus the infrared light emitted by the at least one light-emitting diode (42) onto the outer surface (44) of the container (26, 28) containing the dental material, which is received in the openings (22, 24) of the main body (12). [Item 5] The heating device (10) according to item 4, wherein the at least one optical system (50) is integrally formed on the adapters (30, 32), and the at least one optical system (50) and the adapters (30, 32) constitute an integral component made of the same material. [Item 6] A heating device (10) for heating dental materials, A main body (12) having openings (22, 24) formed inside, configured to at least partially receive containers (26, 28) containing the dental material to be heated, The main body (12) includes at least one light-emitting diode (42) configured to emit infrared light onto the outer surface (44) of the container (26, 28) for containing the dental material, which is received in the opening (22, 24), At least one optical system (50, 52) is configured and arranged to focus the infrared light emitted by the at least one light-emitting diode (42) onto the outer surface (44) of the container (26, 28) containing the dental material, which is received in the opening (22, 24) of the main body (12), A heating device (10) comprising the above. [Item 7] The heating device (10) according to item 6, wherein the heating device (10) is configured as a portable desktop device, and preferably the openings (22, 24) extend into the main body (12) for a length of less than 20 cm, preferably less than 16 cm, more preferably less than 14 cm, and more preferably less than 10 cm. [Item 8] A heating device (10) according to item 6 or 7, further comprising an adapter (30, 32) having a length L, the adapter (30, 32) having walls (34, 36) defining a receptacle (38, 40) configured to be at least partially received within the opening (22, 24) of the body (12) along the length L, and the adapter (30, 32) being at least partially transparent to infrared light along the length L, wherein the adapter (30, 32) is at least partially transparent to infrared light along the length L. [Item 9] A system for applying dental materials, comprising a heating device (10) as described in any one of items 1 to 8, and containers (26, 28) for containing dental materials. [Item 10] The system according to item 9, wherein the container (26, 28) includes a chamber for containing the dental material, a dispensing nozzle (21) connected to the chamber for dispensing the dental material, and a piston positioned within the chamber for biasing the dental material toward the dispensing nozzle (21). [Item 11] A method for controlling the temperature of dental materials, a) Heating the dental material contained in the containers (26, 28) by using at least one light-emitting diode (42) that emits infrared light on the outer surface (44) of the containers (26, 28), b) A step of determining the temperature of the outer surface (44) of the container (26, 28) containing the dental material using at least one temperature sensor (48), c) A step of comparing the determined temperature with the target temperature of the heated dental material, d) A step of adjusting the amount of infrared light emitted by the at least one light-emitting diode (42) based on the comparison between the determined temperature and the target temperature, Methods that include... [Item 12] The method according to item 11, wherein the temperature of the outer surface (44) of the container (26, 28) containing the dental material is detected by detecting the infrared energy emitted by the container (26, 28) using at least one infrared temperature sensor (48). [Item 13] The method according to item 11 or 12, wherein the target temperature of the heated dental material is based on a predetermined target viscosity of the heated dental material. [Item 14] The method according to any one of items 11 to 13, wherein the outer surface (44) of the container (26, 28) containing the dental material is heated to a predetermined temperature above the target temperature of the heated dental material for at least a portion of the total heating time. [Item 15] The method according to any one of items 11 to 14, wherein the amount of infrared light emitted by the at least one light-emitting diode (42) is adjusted by intermittently interrupting and restarting the emission of infrared light by the at least one light-emitting diode (42), or by adjusting the current supplied to the at least one light-emitting diode (42).

Claims

[Claim 1] A heating device (10) for heating dental materials, A main body (12) having openings (22, 24) formed inside, configured to at least partially receive containers (26, 28) containing the dental material to be heated, At least one light-emitting diode (42) is configured to emit infrared light having a wavelength in the range of 500 nm to 2000 nm onto the outer surface (44) of the container (26, 28) containing the dental material, which is received in the aperture (22, 24), At least one temperature sensor (48) configured to determine the temperature of the outer surface (44) of the container (26, 28) received in the opening (22, 24) of the main body (12), A controller (49) having a control circuit that communicates with the temperature sensor (48) and the at least one light-emitting diode (42), and controls the amount of infrared light emitted by the at least one light-emitting diode (42), thereby controlling the temperature of the outer surface (44) of the container (26, 28) based on the temperature of the outer surface (44) of the container (26, 28) determined by the temperature sensor (48), Equipped with, The controller (49) is configured to control the amount of infrared light emitted by the at least one light-emitting diode (42) by intermittently interrupting and restarting the emission of infrared light, or by controlling the current supplied to the at least one light-emitting diode (42). The heating device (10) A heating device (10) further comprising at least one or at least two adapters (30, 32) having a length L, each having a wall (34, 36) defining a receptacle (38, 40) configured to be at least partially received within the opening (22, 24) of the body (12) along the length L, and the adapters (30, 32) being at least partially transparent to infrared light along the length L, wherein at least one light-emitting diode (42) is positioned outside the adapters (30, 32) and along the length L, and the adapters (30, 32) are at least partially transparent to infrared light along the length L, at least in part.

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