DEVICE FOR ORAL TREATMENT

Abstract

A device for oral treatment that emits light onto the surfaces of a user's teeth. In one aspect, the oral treatment device includes an intraoral splint. The splint comprises a lamp support structure comprising a lamp support surface and formed from a first material. A flexible lamp is mounted on the lamp support surface such that a light-emitting surface of the flexible lamp adopts a concave curvature, forming a lamp unit. A protective component is overmolded onto the lamp unit. The protective component is formed from an elastomeric material having a lower hardness than the first material. In one embodiment, the oral treatment device can be a tooth whitening device.

Description

DEVICE FOR ORAL TREATMENT BACKGROUND Oral treatments, such as teeth whitening, are increasingly popular. Both dentists and patients are looking for convenient and comfortable techniques. Typically, to whiten a user's teeth, a hydrogen peroxide-containing solution is applied to the teeth and left in contact with them for a period of time. Systems are now available that allow a user to apply radiation or light to the tooth surfaces that have been pre-coated with the whitening solution to enhance its effectiveness. However, currently available systems are bulky and rigid, and inconvenient for one or more reasons, such as requiring complex handpiece assembly, portability, or a cabinet-like lamp.Specifically, current systems do not emit radiation or light onto the user's teeth, even after they have been uniformly coated, effectively covering the entire tooth surface. Therefore, there is a need for a teeth whitening device that can effectively emit radiation or light onto the user's teeth. BRIEF COMPENDIUM The present invention may refer, in one aspect, to a dental whitening system that emits electromagnetic radiation, such as light, on the surfaces of a user's teeth. In one aspect, the invention may be a device for oral treatment comprising: an intraoral splint comprising: a lamp support structure comprising a lamp support surface having a concave curvature and a front surface having a convex curvature, wherein the lamp support structure is formed from a first material; a lamp comprising: a flexible sheet body having a front surface and a rear surface; and multiple light emitters incorporated in the flexible sheet body generating light emitted from the rear surface of the flexible sheet body;wherein the lamp is mounted on the lamp support surface of the lamp support structure such that the rear surface of the flexible sheet body of the lamp adopts a concave curvature, forming a lamp unit, wherein the lamp is operatively coupled to a control circuit having a power source; and a protective component overmolded to the lamp unit, wherein the protective component is formed from an elastomeric material having a lower hardness than the first material. pfyQnnn / pznz / e / Yi / u In another aspect, the invention may be a device for oral treatment comprising: an intraoral splint comprising: a lamp support structure comprising a lamp support surface; a first and second lamp, wherein each of the first and second lamp comprises multiple light emitters generating light emitted from a rear surface of the lamp; wherein each of the first and second lamp is mounted on the lamp support surface, forming a lamp unit; each of the first and second lamp operatively coupled to a control circuit having a power source; and a lamp retainer component coupled to the lamp support structure, wherein a lower portion of the first lamp and an upper portion of the second lamp are retained between the lamp retainer component and the lamp support surface of the lamp support structure. In yet another aspect, the invention may be a device for oral treatment comprising: an intraoral splint comprising: a lamp support surface; first and second electrical contact elements electrically coupled to a control circuit having a power source, wherein the first electrical contact element comprises a first contact surface and the second contact element comprises a second contact surface, wherein each of the first and second contact surfaces of the first and second contact elements forms a portion of the lamp support surface; a lamp comprising: multiple light emitters generating light emitted from a rear surface of the lamp;and first and second electrical contacts, wherein the first electrical contact has a first contact surface forming a first portion of a lamp front surface and the second electrical contact has a second contact surface forming a second portion of the lamp front surface; and the lamp is mounted to the lamp support surface such that: (1) the first contact surface of the lamp's first electrical contact is in contact with the first contact surface of the first electrical contact element; and (2) the second contact surface of the lamp's second electrical contact is in contact with the second contact surface of the second electrical contact element. In yet another aspect, the invention may be a device for oral treatment comprising: a control circuit comprising a power source; and an intraoral splint comprising: a first electrical conductor configured to have a first electrical charge, a second electrical conductor configured to have a second electrical charge opposite to the first electrical charge, and a third electrical conductor configured to have the first electrical charge; a first and second lamp, wherein each of the first and second lamps comprises: multiple light emitters configured to generate light; and a first and second electrical contact; wherein the first lamp is located above the second lamp;and the first electrical conductor electrically couples the power source to the first electrical contact of the first lamp, the third electrical conductor electrically couples the power source to the first electrical contact of the third lamp, and the second electrical conductor couples the power source to each second electrical contact of the first and second lamps. In another aspect, the invention may be a device for oral treatment comprising: an intraoral splint comprising: a lamp support structure having an upper edge, a lower edge, a first lateral edge, and a second lateral edge; a lamp comprising multiple light emitters configured to generate light emitted from the lamp, wherein the lamp is mounted on the lamp support structure to form a lamp unit, and the lamp is operatively coupled to a control circuit having a power source;and a protective component coupled to the lamp unit, wherein the protective component is formed from an elastomeric material, the protective component comprises a first fin portion extending beyond the first lateral edge of the lamp support structure and a second fin portion extending beyond the second lateral edge of the lamp support structure, wherein the first and second fin portions form flexible distal end portions of the intraoral splint. In yet another aspect, the invention may be a device for oral treatment comprising: an intraoral splint comprising: a lamp comprising: a flexible sheet body having a front surface and a rear surface; and multiple light-emitting diodes incorporated in the flexible sheet body generating light emitted from the rear surface of the flexible sheet body, wherein the lamp is operatively coupled to a control circuit having a power source; and the flexible sheet body comprising: a flexible lens plate formed from a biocompatible material, wherein the flexible lens plate has a front surface and a rear surface; and the multiple light-emitting diodes are printed on the front surface of the flexible lens plate, wherein the rear surface of the flexible lens plate forms the rear surface of the flexible sheet body;and the rear surface of the flexible sheet body of the lamp has a concave curvature and is exposed to form a light-emitting surface of the splint.; In yet another aspect, the invention may be a device for oral treatment comprising: an intraoral splint comprising: a first light-emitting surface configured to emit light to the maxillary teeth of a user, wherein the first light-emitting surface has a concave curvature; a second light-emitting surface configured to emit light to the mandibular teeth of a user, wherein the second light-emitting surface has a concave curvature; the first and second light-emitting surfaces are located on opposite sides of a horizontal reference plane; wherein the first light-emitting surface is inclined so as to form a first acute angle between the first light-emitting surface and the horizontal reference plane;and the second light-emitting surface is inclined so that a second acute angle is formed between the second light-emitting surface and the horizontal reference plane. Other areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided below. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES The present invention shall be more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying figures, where: Figure 1 is a rear perspective view of a tooth whitening device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a top view of the tooth whitening device in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a front perspective view of the tooth whitening device in Figure 1. Figure 4 is a rear view of the tooth whitening device in Figure 1. Figure 5 is a front view of the tooth whitening device in Figure 1. Figure 6 is an exploded view of the dental whitening device in Figure 1, taken from a front perspective view of it. Figure 7 is an exploded view of the dental whitening device in Figure 1, taken from a rear perspective view of it. Figure 8 is a perspective bottom view of the upper portion of the dental whitening device housing of Figure 1. Figure 9 is a top perspective view of the lower portion of the dental whitening device housing of Figure 1. Figure 10 is a front perspective view of the electrical contact component of the dental whitening device in Figure 1. Figure 11 is a rear perspective view of the electrical contact component of the tooth whitening device in Figure 1. efrannn / cznz / e / YiAi Figure 12 is a rear perspective view of the anchoring component of the dental whitening device in Figure 1. Figure 13 is a front perspective view of the anchoring component of the dental whitening device in Figure 1. Figure 14 is a rear perspective view of the curved support plate of the dental whitening device in Figure 1. Figure 15 is a front perspective view of the curved support plate of the dental whitening device in Figure 1. Figure 16 is a rear view of the curved support plate of the dental whitening device in Figure 1. Figure 17 is a rear perspective view of the first and second flexible lamp of the dental whitening device in Figure 1. Figure 18 is a front perspective view of the first and second flexible lamp of the dental whitening device in Figure 1. Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of the first and second flexible lamps of the dental whitening device in Figure 1, taken along view XIX. Figure 20 is a rear perspective view of the lamp retainer component of the dental whitening device in Figure 1. Figure 21 is a front perspective view of the lamp retainer component of the dental whitening device in Figure 1. Figure 22 is a front perspective view of the protective component of the dental whitening device in Figure 1. Figure 23 is a rear perspective view of the protective component of the dental whitening device in Figure 1. Figure 24 is a rear view of the protective component of the dental whitening device in Figure 1. Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view of the dental whitening device of Figure 1, taken along view XXIV of Figure 2. Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view of the dental whitening device of Figure 1, taken along view XXV of Figure 4. Figure 27 is a cross-sectional view of the dental whitening device of Figure 1, taken along view XXVI of Figure 4. Figure 28 is a rear perspective view of the curved support plate. Figure 29 is a rear perspective view of the curved support plate of Figure 28 with the anchoring component attached to it to form a lamp support structure according to an embodiment of the invention. efrannn / cznz / e / YiAi Figure 30 is a rear perspective view of the lamp support structure of Figure 29 with the first and second flexible lamp mounted on the lamp support surface thereof, forming a lamp unit according to one embodiment of the invention. Figure 31 is a rear perspective view of the lamp unit of Figure 30 with the lamp retainer component attached to it. Figure 32 is a rear perspective view of the lamp unit of Figure 31 in which the protective component was overmolded onto it to form the splint. Figure 33 is a rear perspective view of the splint of Figure 32 positioned so that the anchoring elements are in coupled cooperation with the lower portion of the housing. Figure 34 is a posterior perspective view of the splint in Figure 32 with the upper portion of the housing added, completing the dental whitening device unit of Figure 1. Figure 35 is a rear perspective view of the dental whitening device in Figure 1, where the light emitters are activated and generating light. Figure 36 is a rear view of the tooth whitening device in Figure 35. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely illustrative in nature and in no way intends to limit the invention, its application or its uses. The description of illustrative embodiments according to the principles of the present invention is intended to be read in conjunction with the accompanying figures, which shall be considered an integral part of the written description. In the description of the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is intended merely for the convenience of description and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “on,” “below,” “above,” “down,” “superior,” and “inferior,” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downward,” “upward,” etc.), shall be construed as referring to the orientation as described or as shown in the figure in question.These relative terms are solely for descriptive convenience and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in any particular orientation unless explicitly stated otherwise. Terms such as “joined,” “fixed,” “connected,” “coupled,” “interconnected,” and the like refer to a relationship where structures are attached or joined to one another either directly or indirectly through intermediate structures, as well as movable or rigid joints or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. Furthermore, the features and benefits of the invention are illustrated by reference to the illustrated embodiments.Therefore, the invention need not be expressly limited to such exemplary forms which illustrate some possible non-limiting combination of features which may exist on their own or in other combinations of features; the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims hereto. Furthermore, it should be noted that, although the oral treatment device of the present invention is described herein as a tooth whitening device, the invention is not limited to this purpose. For example, in one embodiment, the oral treatment device of the present invention may be configured to emit light for other oral treatment purposes, which include, but are not limited to, improving oral tissue healing, antibacterial purposes, treating tooth sensitivity, disinfecting, cleaning, and combinations thereof. In other embodiments, the characteristics of the light emitted by the oral treatment device of the present invention will be selected to achieve the desired treatment, such as wavelength, intensity, power, light density, and / or other characteristics. In still other embodiments,The benefit of the oral treatment device may depend on the oral care material with which it is used. For example, in certain modalities, the oral care treatment device may be used in conjunction with other oral care materials, including, but not limited to, antibacterial agents, antisensitivity agents, anti-inflammatory agents, anti-bonding agents, plaque-indicating agents, flavorings, sensation agents, breath-freshening agents, gum-health agents, and colorants. Examples of such agents include metal ion agents (e.g., stannous ion agents, copper ion agents, zinc ion agents, silver ion agents) and triclosan. triclosan monophosphate, chlorhexidine, alexidine, hexetidine, sanguinarine, benzalkonium chloride, salicylanilide, domifen bromide, cetylpyridinium chloride, tetradecylpyridinium chloride, N-tetradecyl-4-ethylpyridinium chloride (TDEPC),octenidine, delmopinol, octapinol, nisin, essential oils, furanones, bacteriocins, flavans, flavonoids, folic acids, vitamins, minerals, hydrogen peroxide, urea peroxide, sodium percarbonate, PVP-H2O2, polymer-bonded peroxides, potassium nitrates, occluding agents, bioactive glass, arginine salts, arginine bicarbonate, bacalin, polyphenols, ethyl pyruvate, guanidinoethyl disulfide, scale control agents, anti-stain agents, phosphate salts, polyvinylphosphonic acid, PVM / MA copolymers; enzymes, glucose oxidase, papain, ficin, ethyl lauroyl arginate, menthol, carvone and anethole, various flavoring aldehydes, esters and alcohols, spearmint oil, peppermint oil, wintergreen oil, sassafras oil, clove oil, sage oil, eucalyptus oil, marjoram oil, cinnamon oil, lemon oil, lime oil, grapefruit oil and / or orange oil. With reference to Figures 1-5, a dental whitening device 100 is described according to one embodiment of the present invention. As described in more detail below, the dental whitening device 100 is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation, in the form of light, that aids in whitening teeth. In some embodiments, the dental whitening device 100 can be used alone to whiten the user's teeth simply by generating light that is emitted onto the facial surfaces of the user's teeth. In certain other embodiments, however, the dental whitening device 100 can be used in conjunction with a dental whitening composition.Suitable tooth whitening compositions include, but are not limited to, hydrogen peroxide compositions, carbamide peroxide compositions, calcium peroxide compositions, sodium perborate compositions, combinations thereof, or any other oral care material known or discovered for whitening teeth. In such modalities, the tooth whitening composition may be applied directly to the desired surfaces of the user's teeth (such as facial surfaces) or it may be applied to the tooth whitening device itself. In either case, the tooth whitening composition comes into contact with the user's teeth while the light emitted from the tooth whitening device simultaneously passes through the tooth whitening composition to irradiate the teeth. Furthermore, while in the illustrated embodiment the invention is shown to emit light from the dental whitening system 100 to come into contact with the buccal surfaces of the teeth, in other embodiments, the dental whitening system 100 can be configured to emit light onto the lingual, incisal, and / or occlusal surfaces of the teeth instead of, or in addition to, the buccal surfaces. In these embodiments, the light sources can be positioned within the bite plate and / or on the posterior walls of the dental splint opposite the lingual surfaces of the teeth. The dental whitening system 100 generally comprises a splint 101 and a housing 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the splint 101 is appropriately sized and shaped to be inserted into the user's oral cavity during use and is therefore considered intraoral in nature. Conversely, the housing 102 is sized, shaped, and oriented to protrude from the user's oral cavity during use of the dental whitening system 100 and is therefore considered extraoral in nature. In one embodiment, the housing 102 and the splint are configured so that the dental whitening system 100 is an integrated hands-free device that can be placed in the oral cavity and held in the user's mouth simply by using their teeth. Housing 102 and splint 101 are coupled together such that splint 101 extends from housing 102 in a direction generally opposite to the direction in which light is emitted from splint 101. Splint 101 (which, as described below, can be formed from multiple components) generally comprises a body including an arch-shaped wall 104 and a bite platform 105 extending horizontally from the arch-shaped wall 104. The arch-shaped wall 104 has a curvature that generally corresponds to the arch of the human dentition. The arched wall 104 comprises a first light-emitting surface 106 located above the bite platform 105 and a second light-emitting surface 107 located below the bite platform 105. The first light-emitting surface 106 has a concave curvature and is configured to emit light onto a user's maxillary teeth. The second light-emitting surface 107 also has a concave curvature and is configured to emit light onto a user's mandibular teeth. In the illustrated embodiment, the light emitted by the first and second light-emitting surfaces 106 and 107 is generated by the first and second flexible lamps, respectively, the details of which will be described in further detail later with reference to Figures 6-7 and 17-19.In other embodiments, however, the light emitted by the first and second light-emitting surfaces 106, 107 may be generated by other light sources incorporated into the wall in an arc shape 104 and / or transmitted to the first and second light-emitting surfaces 106, 107 by means of light tubes or other suitable techniques. As will be described in more detail later, the first and second light-emitting surfaces 106, 107 are positioned and oriented in the splint 101 so that they are close to, and optimally oriented with respect to, the user's maxillary and mandibular teeth when using the dental whitening system 100. The arched wall 104 and the bite platform 105 together form a first channel 108 and a second channel 109 to receive the user's teeth during a teeth whitening session. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, an upper portion of the arched wall 104 comprises the first light-emitting surface 106 and extends upward from an upper surface of the bite platform 105, forming the first channel 108. A lower portion of the arched wall 104 comprises the second light-emitting surface 107 and extends downward from a lower surface of the bite platform 105, forming the second channel 109. During use, the splint 101 is inserted into a user's mouth so that the bite platform 105 is caught or sandwiched between the user's maxillary and mandibular teeth.When positioned in this manner, the first light-emitting surface 106 is adjacent to the facial surfaces of the user's maxillary teeth and is curved such that the first light-emitting surface 106 generally corresponds to at least the anterior portion of the maxillary dental arch. Similarly, the second light-emitting surface 107 is adjacent to the facial surfaces of the user's mandibular teeth and is curved such that the second light-emitting surface 107 generally corresponds to at least the anterior portion of the mandibular dental arch. It should be noted, however, that in certain embodiments of the invention, the splint 101 can be designed so that the bite platform 105 is omitted. In one such embodiment, the first and second light-emitting surfaces 106, 107 can be maintained as separate and distinct light-emitting areas, each emitting light only on the face surfaces of the maxillary teeth and the face surfaces of the mandibular teeth, respectively. In another embodiment, the first and second light-emitting surfaces 106, 107 can be fused into a single light-emitting area that emits light on the face surfaces of both the maxillary and mandibular teeth.In another embodiment, the bite platform 105 may be omitted, and only a single light-emitting surface may be provided, emitting light only on the facial surfaces of the maxillary teeth or only on the facial surfaces of the mandibular teeth at any given time. In yet another embodiment, the bite platform 105 may be included, and only one of the first or second light-emitting surfaces may be provided. In another embodiment, the splint 101 may be formed as two separable components, wherein one component contains the first light-emitting surface 106 for emitting light on the upper teeth, and the other component contains the second light-emitting surface 107 for emitting light on the user's lower teeth. In certain embodiments, the splint 101 (which includes all its components that come into contact with the oral cavity) is formed from a biocompatible material, such as a food-grade polymer. Suitable biocompatible materials include, but are not limited to, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene (PE), silicone, ethylene propylene diethylene diene monomer (EPDM), polycarbonate (PC), thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), and other plastics. Of course, the invention is not to be limited in this way; in all embodiments, other materials are possible for the construction of the splint 101 and its various components. In certain embodiments, the splint 101, or at least portions thereof, may be formed from an elastomeric material. This will be described in more detail later. In the illustrated version, housing 102 contains a control circuit 200 (see efrannn / cznz / e / YiAi Figure 25). The control circuit 200 generally comprises, among other components, a suitably programmed processor, a memory device, a power supply 201, a timer, and an actuator 202 that are operatively coupled together. The control circuit 200, in turn, is operatively and electrically coupled to each of the first and second lamps 300A-B so that the control circuit 200 can control their operation. The appropriately programmed processor can be any programmable logic controller based on a suitable microprocessor, a personal computer, or similar device that has memory to store instructions for controlling the operation of the first and second 300A-B lamps. The processor is programmed with algorithms to receive data from the various sensors and other electrical components, analyze the data, and cause the electrical components to operate in a desired or predetermined manner based on instructions stored in the memory device or an integrated memory area of ​​the processor. In the illustrated embodiment, the power source 201 is operationally and electrically coupled to the processor and the first and second lamps 300A-B so that electrical power can be supplied there to operate them. The power source 201 may be one or more batteries, battery cells, printed batteries, rechargeable batteries, supercapacitors, or a control circuit that stores electrical energy. Alternatively, in certain embodiments, the power source may be omitted, and instead, the electronic components of the teeth whitening device 100 may be powered by a plug connected to an electrical supply, such as a wall outlet. Although not shown herein, the teeth whitening device 100 may be part of a larger system that includes a base with charging functions.In such a modality, the 100 teeth whitening device is part of a system that includes the base which includes a charging circuit configured to charge a rechargeable battery of the 100 teeth whitening device by inductive charging. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 202 is a push button. However, the invention is not to be limited in this way, and the actuator 202 may be any type of device that, when activated, switches on and / or off one or more of the electrical components stored in the housing 102. For example, the actuator 202 may be a slide switch, a touch panel, a knob, or any other component that, when activated, causes the dental whitening device 100 to function as described herein. In other embodiments, the actuator 202 may be a sensor or other device that is automatically activated when the dental whitening device's splint 101 is inserted into the oral cavity, such as a temperature sensor, a water-activated sensor that is activated by saliva, a proximity sensor, a humidity sensor, or any other suitable sensor or switch. Actuator 202 is operatively coupled to the processor such that by pressing or otherwise actuating actuator 202, the processor initiates operation of the dental whitening system 100 as described in more detail below. With reference to Figures 6-7, the dental whitening device 100 is illustrated in an exploded view. As can be seen, in the illustrated embodiment, the splint 101 of the dental whitening device 100 is a multi-component structure that generally comprises a curved support plate 400, an anchoring component 500, an electrical contact component 50, first and second flexible lamps 300A-B, a lamp retainer component 600, and a protective component 700. In other embodiments, one or more of the aforementioned components may be omitted, and in still other embodiments, the splint 101 may simply comprise a single component to which at least one of the first or second lamps 300A-B is mounted, as described below. The first and second flexible lamps 300A-B may be electrically coupled to the control circuit 200 in series or in parallel. With reference to Figures 6-9 and 24-26, the housing 102 generally comprises an upper portion 150 and a lower portion 151. When joined, the upper and lower portions 150, 151 of the housing 150 form an internal chamber 109 in which the electrical components of the control circuit 200 are arranged. When the dental bleaching device 100 is assembled, the internal chamber 109 is sealed to prevent the ingress of water and other fluids. The housing 102 can be formed from any suitable material, including hard plastics such as PP or other hard plastic materials described herein. If desired, an elastomeric material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer, can be overmolded onto the upper and lower portions 150, 151 of the housing 102.This overmolding can be used to seal the interface between the upper and lower portions 150, 151 of the housing 102 and / or to provide the user with a gripping surface. Housing 101 extends from a proximal end 110 to a distal end 111. The distal end 111 is configured to have splint 101 attached there. In the illustrated embodiment, the distal end 111 of the housing is flared and comprises an opening 113 through which the splint 101 extends for mounting in the housing 102. The opening 113 is defined by a closed geometry edge 118 of the distal end 111 of the housing 102. The opening 113 forms a passage in a mounting chamber 119. The mounting chamber 119 terminates in a wall of the housing 114. The housing wall 114 separates the mounting chamber 119 of the housing 102 from the internal chamber 109 of the housing 102. The housing wall 114 comprises a first anchoring opening 115, a second anchoring opening 116, and an electrical connection opening 117.The wall of housing 114 is formed by combining an upper wall portion 114A that is part of the upper portion 150 of housing 102 and a lower wall portion 114B that is part of the lower portion 151 of housing 102. As will be described in more detail later, the first and second anchorage openings 115, 116 provide a means through which the anchorage elements 521A-B of the ferrule 101 extend, allowing the anchorage elements 521A-B to be mechanically engaged with the housing 101 to secure the ferrule 110 to the housing 102. In addition, the electrical connection opening 117 forms a passage from the mounting chamber 119 to the inner chamber 109 so that electrical conductors (described in more detail later) can be installed that electrically couple the control circuit 200 to the first and second lamps 300A-B, providing a mechanism through which electrical power can be supplied from the power source 201 to the first and second lamps 300A-B. With reference to Figures 10-11, an electrical contact component 50 is illustrated according to one embodiment of the present invention. As will be described in more detail later, the electrical contact component 50 is mounted on the ferrule 101 and configured to provide the necessary electrical power from the power source 201 to each flexible lamp 300A-B, so that the flexible lamps 300A-B can be activated. The electrical contact component 50 generally comprises a monolithic base structure 51 formed entirely from dielectric material. The base structure 51 comprises a base section 52 and first, second, and third tabs 53A-C extending from the base section 52. Each of the first, second, and third tabs 53A-C is elongated and extends parallel to each other. Each of the first, second, and third tabs 53A-C is provided with an electrically conductive material, making each of the first, second, and third tabs 53A-C the first, second, and third electrical contact element 54A-C, respectively. The electrically conductive material may be in the form of a metallic coating layer, an embedded metallic trace, an embedded wire, or combinations thereof. Each of the first, second, and third electrical contact elements 54A-C is electrically isolated from each other in one mode. In another mode, the first and third electrical contact elements 54A, 54C may be in electrical communication since the first and third electrical contact elements 54A, 54C carry the same electrical charge when coupled to the control circuit 200. However, in such a mode, the first and third electrical contact elements 54A, 54C would still be electrically isolated from the second electrical contact element 54B, which carries an electrical charge opposite to that carried by the first and third electrical contact elements 54A, 54C when coupled to the control circuit 200. The first electrical contact element 54A comprises a first contact surface 55A. The second electrical contact element 54B comprises a second contact surface 55B. The third electrical contact element 54C comprises a third contact surface 55C. In the illustrated embodiment, the second contact surface 55B is a stepped surface comprising a first portion 56A and a second portion 56B that are horizontally offset from each other. As described below, the first portion 56A of the second contact surface 55B is in contact with a second electrical contact 312A of the first flexible lamp 300A, while the second portion 56B of the second contact surface 55B is in contact with a second electrical contact 312B of the second flexible lamp 300B.Conversely, the first contact surface 55A is in contact only with the first electrical contact 311A ​​of the first flexible lamp 300A, while the third contact surface 55C is in contact only with the first electrical contact 311B of the second flexible lamp 300B. In other embodiments, the second contact surface 55B may not be stepped and may simply be designed to make contact with a single electrical contact of one of the first or second lamps 300A-B. It should also be noted that, in certain embodiments, the first, second, and third electrical contact elements 54A-C may be separate and distinct structures. In one such embodiment, each of the first, second, and third electrical contact elements 54A-C may be a tab mounted separately on the ferrule. In still other embodiments, electrical power may be supplied to the first and second lamps 300A-B by means of simple electrical conductors, such as cables and / or trace lines incorporated into the ferrule 101. In such an embodiment (as is the case in the embodiment illustrated above), the first electrical conductor is configured to carry a first electrical charge, the second electrical conductor is configured to carry a second electrical charge opposite to the first electrical charge, and the third electrical conductor is configured to carry the first electrical charge. With reference to Figures 12-13 and 24, an anchoring component 500 according to one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The anchoring component 500 generally comprises a curved plate section 510 and an anchoring section 520. The anchoring section 520 projects from a front surface 511 of the curved plate section 510. The curved plate section 510 further comprises a rear surface 512 which, as described below, forms a portion of a lamp mounting surface when the anchoring component 500 and the curved support plate 400 are assembled. The rear surface 512 of the curved plate section 510 has a concave curvature. In one embodiment, the concave curvature of the curved plate section 510 is selected to correspond generally to the arch of a user's dentures and, specifically, to the most anterior portion of said arch. In the illustrated embodiment, the rear surface 512 of the curved plate section 510 is a stepped surface comprising a first surface portion 512A, a second surface portion 512B, and a step surface portion 513 extending between the first and second surface portions 512A-B. As described in further detail below, the first surface portion 512A and the second surface portion 512B are offset horizontally from each other so that the first and second lamps 300A-B can be mounted on the ferrule 101 at a desired offset and inclined orientation. The anchoring portion 520 of the anchoring component provides a mechanism by which the splint 101 can be mounted to the housing 102, as described in further detail below. In the illustrated embodiment, the anchoring portion 520 comprises the first and second anchoring elements 521A and 521B. In other embodiments, a single anchoring element can be used to secure the splint 101 to the housing 102. Each of the anchoring elements 521A-B is illustrated as a fastening member having a post portion 522A-B and a head portion 523A-B. For each of the anchoring elements 521A-B, the head portion 523A-B has an enlarged cross-section compared to the post section 522A-B, forming a flange (or shoulder) at the end of the post portion 522A-B.As will be described in more detail later, this flange (or shoulder) facilitates the mechanical coupling of the anchoring elements 521A-B to the housing wall 114. The curved plate section 510 of the anchoring component 500 further comprises a central opening 530. The central opening 530 provides a passage through the curved plate section 510 through which the second electrical contact element 54B extends when the ferrule 101 is assembled. The curved plate section 510 further comprises first and second locking openings 531A-B for receiving snap-fit ​​tabs 630A-B of the lamp retainer component 600 (described in further detail below). The locking openings 531A-B are located along a horizontal centerline of the anchoring component 500, which, in the illustrated embodiment, extends along the step surface portion 513. The anchoring component 500 further comprises the first and second lamp retainer elements 535A-B. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second lamp retainer elements 535A-B are in the form of inclined protrusions extending from the upper and lower edges 536, 537 of the curved plate section 510, respectively. As described below, the first retainer element 535A is provided to engage an edge of the first flexible lamp 300A, while the second retainer element 535B is provided to engage an edge of the second flexible lamp 300B. In certain embodiments where the ferrule may include only a single flexible lamp, the anchoring component 500 may be formed so that the first and second lamp retainer elements 535A-B engage opposite edges of the same flexible lamp.Furthermore, in certain models, the rear surface 512 may not be stepped, but a smooth and continuous surface. The anchoring component 500 further comprises multiple protrusions 540A-D projecting from the front surface 511 of the curved plate section 510. The protrusions 540A-D are provided as mechanisms to ensure proper alignment and engagement between the anchoring component 500 and the curved support plate 400 when these two components are coupled together to form a lamp support structure 1000 (see Figure 28). In certain embodiments, the anchoring component 500 is formed from a rigid material, such as PP. With reference to Figures 14-16, a curved support plate 400 is illustrated according to one embodiment of the present invention. The curved support plate 400, together with the anchoring component 500, provides a lamp support structure 1000 that imparts a degree of structural rigidity to the ferrule 101 for the flexible lamps 300A-B, particularly during the manufacturing process. The curved support plate 400 is a thin curved plate structure having a front surface 401 and a rear surface 402. In certain embodiments, the curved support plate 400 is formed from a rigid material, such as a hard plastic, for example, PP. As described in more detail below, the rear surface 402 of the curved support plate 400 forms a portion of the lamp support surface 1001. In the illustrated embodiment, the rear surface 402 of the curved support plate 400 and the rear surface 512 of the anchoring component 500 together define the lamp support surface 1001 to which each of the first and second lamps 300AB is mounted. It should be noted that, in certain embodiments, the anchoring component 500 or the curved support plate 400 may be omitted, so that the lamp support structure 1000 is formed only by the anchoring component 500 or the curved support plate 400. In still other embodiments, the lamp support structure 1001 may simply be a component with a curved lamp support surface. The posterior surface 402 of the curved support plate 400 has a concave curvature that, in certain modalities, generally corresponds to the arch of a user's dentition. The anterior surface 401 of the curved support plate 400, on the other hand, has a convex curvature. In one modality, the concave curvature of the posterior surface 402 coincides with the convex curvature of the anterior surface 401 so that the curved support plate has a generally constant thickness along its length. The curved support plate 400 comprises a central opening 403 extending therein. The central opening 403 is provided to allow the anchoring portion 520 of the anchoring component 500 to protrude from the front surface 401 of the curved support plate 400 when the curved support plate 400 and the anchoring component 500 are coupled together. The front surface 402 of the curved support plate 400 further comprises multiple depressions 404A-D formed therein. Each of the depressions 404A-D comprises a floor 405A-D and a cavity wall 406A-D. A channel 407A-D is provided in each of the cavity walls 406A-D, respectively, forming a passage between the depressions 404A-D and the central opening 403.As described below, channels 407A-D allow molten thermoplastic elastomer to flow during injection overmolding of the protective component 700 into depressions 404A-D, forming elastomeric pad portions 770A-D in depressions 404A-D. The curved support plate 400 further comprises a lamp registration element that retains the flexible lamps 300A-B in their selected positions relative to the curved support plate 400. As illustrated, the lamp registration element comprises first and second ribs 421A-B projecting from the rear surface 402 of the curved support plate 400. As can be seen, each of the first and second ribs 421A-B comprises two U-shaped rib sections designed to engage the corners of the first and second flexible lamp 300AB. While the lamp registration element is illustrated as two ribs, it can adopt a wide variety of structures, including, but not limited to, posts, notches, tabs, projections, and combinations thereof. The curved support plate 400 also comprises multiple openings 422A-D provided to engage the multiple protrusions 540A-D of the anchoring component 500 when the curved support plate 400 and the anchoring component 500 are coupled together. The openings 422A-D are located in the tabs 423-D that extend toward the central opening 403. In other embodiments, the openings 422A-D may be located elsewhere on the curved support plate 400. pfyQnnn / pznz / e / Yi / u With reference to Figures 17-19, the first and second 300A-B lamps according to the present invention are illustrated. Although only the cross-section of the first 30A lamp is shown in Figure 19, it will be understood that the second 300B lamp has the same laminated structure as the first 300A lamp. Each of the first and second lamps 300A-B comprises a flexible sheet body 301A-B, respectively. As illustrated, the flexible sheet body 301A-B of each of the first and second lamps 300A-B is an elongated sheet that is sufficiently flexible to bend from a flat state to a contoured shape having a curvature that generally corresponds to the arch of a user's teeth. In one embodiment, the flexible sheet body 301A-B of each of the first and second lamps 300A-B is in a flat state when no bending force is applied to the lamp 300A-B. The flexible sheet body 301A-B of each of the first and second lamps 300A-B generally comprises a front surface 302A-B and a rear surface 303A-B. Each of the first and second lamps 300A-B also comprises multiple light emitters 304A-B incorporated in the flexible sheet body 301A-B that generate light emitted from the rear surface 303A-B of the flexible sheet body 301A-B (see also Figures 34-35). In one embodiment, the light emitted by the multiple light emitters 304A-B has a wavelength in the range of 375 nm to 520 nm. In another embodiment, the light emitted by the multiple light emitters 304A-B has a wavelength in the range of 400 nm to 430 nm. In yet another mode, the light emitted by the multiple 304A-B light emitters has a wavelength in the range of 405 nm to 415 nm. The flexible sheet body 301A-B of each of the first and second lamps 300A-B comprises an upper edge 305A-B, a lower edge 306A-B, a first side edge 307A-B, and a second side edge 308A-B. The flexible sheet body 301A-B of each of the first and second lamps 300A-B also comprises a length measured from the first side edge 307A-B to the second side edge 308A-B. The flexible sheet body 301A-B of each of the first and second lamps 300A-B is a laminated structure generally comprising a flexible lens plate 309A-B, a flexible reflector layer 310A-B, and first and second electrical contacts 311A-B, 312A-B. The multiple light emitters 304A-B are positioned between the lens plate 309A-B and the flexible reflector layer 310A-B. As mentioned later, in certain configurations, the multiple light emitters 340A-B can be printed directly onto the flexible lens plate 309A-B.Also, in certain configurations, the flexible reflective layer 310A-B can also be printed on the flexible lens plate 309A-B after the multiple light emitters 340A-B. efrannn / cznz / e / YiAi In one embodiment, the flexible lens plate 309A-B of the flexible sheet body 301A-B of each of the first and second lamps 300A-B has a back surface 313A-B and a front surface 314A-B. The back surface 313A-B of the flexible lens plate 309A-B forms the back surface 303A-B of the flexible sheet body 301A-B of each of the first and second lamps 300A-B. The flexible lens plate 309A-B can be formed from a transparent, biocompatible material, such as transparent PET. The multiple light emitters 304A-B, in one embodiment, are light-emitting diodes (“LEDs”) printed on the front surface 314A-B of the flexible lens plate 309A-B of the flexible foil body 301A-B of each of the first and second lamps 300A-B. In one embodiment of this type, the LEDs can be printed on the front surface 314A-B with an electrically conductive ink 315A-B. Printed LEDs can be formed by depositing LED microchips using a conductive ink formulation that can be printed into any shape to best conform to the structure of the teeth and jaw, ideal for optimized efficiency. Specifically, gallium nitride can be used to form the LEDs in some configurations, which can then be mixed with resin and binders to form an ink. A standard mesh printer can then be used to deposit the resulting ink onto a desired surface. While described herein as printed LEDs, the multiple 304A-B light emitters can, in certain configurations, be any type of light source, particularly solid-state light sources, which may include LEDs, OLEDs, HBLEDs, electroluminescent elements, or similar materials.In certain other configurations, the multiple 304A-B light emitters may be printed inorganic LEDs, microconventional LEDs surface-mounted on a flexible circuit / substrate, organic LEDs (OLEDs), or electroluminescence. In still other configurations, the multiple 304A-B light emitters may be any LED described herein mounted on a rigid rather than a flexible substrate. For each of the first and second lamps 300A-B, the first electrical contact 311AB has a first contact surface 316A-B that forms a first portion of the front surface 302A-B of the flexible sheet body 301A-B. Similarly, for each of the first and second lamps 300A-B, the second electrical contact 312A-B has a second contact surface 317A-B that forms a second portion of the front surface 302A-B of the flexible sheet body 301A-B. As illustrated, for each of the first and second lamps 300A-B, each of the first and second electrical contacts 311A-B and 312A-B is in the form of an elongated strip extending the entire length of the lamp 300A-B. With respect to the first lamp 300A (which is the upper lamp in ferrule 101), the first electrical contact 311A ​​is adjacent to the upper edge 305A, while the second electrical contact 312A is adjacent to the lower edge 306A. With respect to the second lamp 300B (which is the lower lamp in ferrule 101), the first electrical contact 311B is adjacent to the lower edge 306B, while the second electrical contact 312B is adjacent to the upper edge 305B. For each of the first and second lamp 300A-B, the first electrical contact 311A-B is generally extended parallel to the second electrical contact 312A-B. In one embodiment, each of the first and second lamps 300A, 300B has an illumination area (i.e., the area of ​​the back surface 303A-B comprising multiple light emitters 304A-B) ranging from 6 cm² to 11 cm², more preferably ranging from 7 cm² to 10 cm², and even more preferably ranging from 8 cm² to 9 cm². The height of the illumination area can range from 0.5 cm² to 3 cm², and more preferably from 0.5 cm² to 2 cm², where 1 cm² is preferred. The length of the illumination area can range from 6 cm to 11 cm, more preferably ranging from 7 cm to 10 cm, and even more preferably ranging from 8 cm to 9 cm. With reference to Figures 20-21, a lamp retainer component 600 according to one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. As will be described in more detail later, the lamp retainer component 600 is used to retain the first and second lamps 300A-300B on the lamp support surface 1001 when the splint is assembled (and during injection molding of the protective component 700 to the lamp unit 2000). In one embodiment, the lamp retainer component 600 is formed from a rigid material, such as a hard plastic. Suitable hard plastics include, but are not limited to, polymers and copolymers of ethylene (polyethylene), propylene (polypropylene), butadiene, polyamide, cellulosic compounds, SAN, acrylics, ABS, vinyl, and polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate or other commonly known thermoplastics used in the manufacture of oral hygiene devices. The lamp retainer component 600 generally comprises a lamp coupling portion 610 and a plate portion 620. The lamp coupling portion 610 comprises a first arched surface 611 that is in contact with the lower portion of the first lamp 300A and a second arched surface 612 that is in contact with the upper portion of the second lamp 300B. As can be seen, since, in one embodiment, the lamps 300A-B are held on the lamp support surface 1001 in a horizontally offset manner, the first and second arched surfaces 611, 612 of the lamp retainer component 600 are also horizontally offset from each other in certain other embodiments. The lamp retainer component 600 further comprises a locking element that locks the lamp retainer component 600 with the anchoring component 500 to ensure that the lamps 300A-B are compressed between them and / or held in place. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking element of the lamp retainer component 600 comprises the first and second locking tabs 630A-B, which are configured to press-lock the anchor component 500. More specifically, the lamp retainer component 600 is engaged with the anchor component by inserting the first and second locking tabs 630A-B through the locking openings 531A-B of the anchor component 500. During insertion, the chamfered surfaces 631A-B of the first and second locking tabs 630A-B are in contact with the back surface 512 of the curved plate section 510 of the anchor component 500 and deflect the first and second locking tabs 630A-B.Once fully inserted through the locking openings 531A-B of the anchor component 500, the first and second locking tabs 630A-B return to their normal state, causing the locking surfaces 632A-B of the first and second locking tab 630A-B to mechanically engage and join to an edge portion of the curved plate section 510 of the anchor component 500 that defines the locking openings 531A-B of the anchor component 500. As can be seen, plate portion 620 is a flat plate structure extending horizontally from the lamp coupling section 610. When the splint 101 is assembled, plate portion 620 of the lamp retainer component 600 extends horizontally from the lamp support surface 1001 (see Figure 30). As will be described in more detail later, in certain embodiments, the lamp retainer component 600 is incorporated into the bite platform of the splint 101 when it is fully assembled. In addition to retaining the first and second lamps 300A-300B on the lamp support surface 1001, the lamp retainer component 600 also helps maintain the proper contour of the arched wall 104 of the splint 101. In certain embodiments, the lamp retainer component 600 may be omitted entirely. In one such embodiment, the protective component may perform the function of the lamp retainer component 600. In other embodiments, the lamp retainer component 600 may be integrated into the lamp support structure. In another embodiment, the lamp support structure may include a plate portion, similar to the plate portion 620, that protrudes from the lamp support surface. With reference to Figures 22-24, a protective component 700 according to the present invention is illustrated. The protective component 700, in the illustrated embodiment, is a monolithic component formed entirely from a single piece. In one embodiment, the protective component 700 is formed from a material to provide comfort to the user when the splint 101 is inserted into the oral cavity. In one such embodiment, the material from which the protective component 700 is formed has a lower hardness value than the hardness value of the material(s) forming the lamp support structure 1000 (in the illustrated embodiment, the lamp support structure 1000 is formed by the combination of the anchoring component 500 and the curved support plate 400, but it may be a single component in other embodiments). To this end, in one modality, the protective component 700 is formed from an elastomeric material.Suitable elastomeric materials include, but are not limited to, thermoplastic elastomers, rubbers, silicones, or other biocompatible, durable materials suitable for use in an oral hygiene appliance, including thermosetting elastomers or similar materials. The protective component 700 generally comprises a wall portion 750 and a bite platform portion 760. The bite platform portion 760 extends horizontally from the wall portion 750. The wall portion 750 can be conceptually divided into an upper wall portion 751 and a lower wall portion 752. In modalities that include the bite platform portion 760, the bite platform portion 760 is located between the upper and lower wall portions 751-752. In other modalities, the bite platform portion 760 may be omitted. The wall portion 750 comprises a central portion 710 and first and second wing portions 720A-B. The central portion 710 is arched and has a curvature corresponding to the anterior portion of the human dental arch. The first and second wing portions 720A-B extend from and are located on opposite sides of the central portion 710, generally continuing the curvature corresponding to the human dental arch. As will be described in more detail later, in certain modalities, the first and second wing portions 720A-B are formed entirely from the elastomeric material to ensure flexibility for user comfort. In certain modalities of this type, the first and second fin portions 720A-B retain their flexible nature since the lamp support structure 1000 does not extend into the first and second fin portions 720A-B, but is only located in the central portion 710. The central portion 710 comprises a first frame portion 711 and a second frame portion 712. More specifically, the upper wall portion 751 comprises the first frame portion 711, while the lower wall portion 752 comprises the second frame portion 712. The first frame portion 711 comprises a closed geometry edge 713 that defines a first window 714 through which the rear surface 303A of the first lamp 300A is held exposed when the ferrule 101 is assembled. The second frame portion 712 comprises a closed geometry edge 715 that defines a second window 716 through which the rear surface 303B of the second lamp 300B is held exposed when the ferrule 101 is assembled.As will be described in more detail later, when the splint 101 is assembled, the first frame portion 711 seals a perimeter of the back surface 303A of the first lamp 300A while the second frame portion 712 seals a perimeter of the back surface 303B of the second lamp 300B. The protective component 700 further comprises multiple pad portions 770A-D. When the splint is assembled, the multiple pad portions 770A-D are respectively arranged in the multiple depressions 404A-D of the curved support plate 400. Allowing the molten elastomeric material to flow into the depressions to form the multiple pad portions 770A-D helps equalize the pressure on the first and second lamps 300A-B during the injection molding process in which the protective component 700 is overmolded onto the lamp support structure 1000. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second pad portions 770A-B are located in the first window 714, while the third and fourth pad portions 770C-D are located in the second window 716.The first and second pad portions 770A-B are located in the first and second depressions 404A-B respectively and are in contact with the floors 405A-B of the first and second depressions 404A-B and the front surface 312A of the first lamp 300A. The third and fourth pad portions 770C-D are located in the third and fourth depressions 404C-D respectively and are in contact with the floors 405C-D of the third and fourth depressions 404C-D and the front surface 312B of the second lamp 300B. With reference to Figures 25-34, the assembly of the dental bleaching device 100 will be shown, along with a description of the dental bleaching device 100 in the assembled state. Starting with Figure 28, the curved support plate 400 is provided. In one embodiment, the curved support plate 400 is formed from a first material, such as hard plastic, by injection molding or another suitable process. Suitable hard plastics include, but are not limited to, polymers and copolymers of ethylene (polyethylene), propylene (polypropylene), butadiene, polyamide, cellulosic compounds, SAN, acrylics, ABS, vinyl, and polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate (or mixtures thereof), or other commonly known thermoplastics used in the manufacture of oral hygiene devices.In other embodiments, the first material will be another suitable rigid material that can adequately support and protect the 300A-B flexible lamps during the injection molding process of the protective component 700 (described below). With reference to Figures 25 and 29, the anchoring component 500 is provided and coupled to the curved support plate 400, forming a lamp support structure efrannn / cznz / e / YiAi 1000. Since the lamp support structure 1000 is formed by the combination of the anchoring component 500 and the curved support plate 400, it should be noted that, for the purposes of this patent, the lamp support structure 1000 may be said to comprise the various elements of any of these components as described above in Figures 12-13 and 14-16. When the anchoring component 500 is coupled to the curved support plate 400, the anchoring section 510 of the anchoring component 500 is inserted through the central opening 403 of the curved support plate 400. As the anchoring section 510 passes through the central opening 403, the multiple protrusions 540A-D projecting from the front surface 511 of the anchoring component 500 respectively engage with the multiple openings 422A-D of the curved support plate 400, ensuring proper alignment and relative coupling between the anchoring component 500 and the curved support plate 400. In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical contact component 50 was pre-mounted to the anchoring component 500 before being mounted to the curved support plate 400. Therefore, in Figure 29, the electrical contact component 50 is already mounted and integrated into the support structure. lamp 1000. Whereas, in the illustrated embodiment, the lamp support structure 1000 is formed by the combination of the anchoring component 400 and the curved support plate 500, the lamp support structure 1000 can be a single-component structure formed entirely in other embodiments. In still other embodiments, more than two components can be used to form the lamp support structure 1000. The lamp support structure 1000 comprises a lamp support surface 1001 (formed by the combination of the rear surfaces 402, 512 of the curved support plate 400 and the anchoring component 500 in the illustrated embodiment). The lamp support surface 1001 has a concave curvature that, in one embodiment, generally corresponds to the arch of the human dentition. The lamp support structure 1000 further comprises a front surface 1002 (formed by the combination of the front surfaces 401, 511 of the curved support plate 400 and the anchoring component 500 in the illustrated embodiment). Therefore, the lamp support structure 1000 comprises a curved plate section 1010 having a first thickness measured from the front surface 1002 to the lamp support surface 1001.In one embodiment, each of the first and second lamps 300A-B has a second thickness measured from the rear surface 303A-B of the flexible sheet body 301A-B to the front surface 302A-B of the flexible sheet body 301A-B. In one embodiment, the ratio of the first thickness to the second thickness varies from 0.5 to 2.5. The lamp support structure 1000 comprises an upper curved rim 1003, a lower curved rim 1004, a first side rim 1005 extending between the upper and lower curved rims 1003 and 1004, and a second side rim 1006 extending between the upper and lower curved rims. Anchoring elements 521A-B project from the front surface 1002 of the lamp support structure 1000. The lamp support structure 1000 further comprises the lamp registration element 421A-B, the lamp retaining element 535A-B, and the depressions 405A-D formed in the lamp support surface 1001, as described above in greater detail with reference to Figures 12-13 and 14-16. The electrical contact component 50 is mounted on the lamp support structure 1000 so that the electrical coupling of the first and second lamps 300A-B can be easily accomplished. Specifically, the electrical contact component 50 is mounted on the lamp support structure 1000 such that: (1) the first contact surface 55A of the first electrical contact element 54A forms a portion of the lamp support surface 1001; (2) the second contact surface 55B of the second electrical contact element 54B forms a portion of the lamp support surface 1001; and (3) the third contact surface 55C of the third electrical contact element 54C forms a portion of the lamp support surface 1001. In one embodiment, the first, second, and third contact surfaces 55A-C of the electrical contact component 50 are substantially flush with the remainder of the lamp support surface 1001.In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first, second, and third contact surfaces 55A-C of the electrical contact component 50 is located in a central (horizontally) portion of the lamp support structure, wherein the second contact surface 55B of the second electrical contact element 54B is located centrally (vertically), while the first contact surface 55A of the first electrical contact element 54A is located adjacent to the upper curved edge 1003, and the third contact surface 55C of the third electrical contact element 54C is located adjacent to the lower curved edge 1004. As can be seen, the lamp support structure 1000 is a stepped surface in the central region, where the stepped surface portion 513 forms the step between the upper and lower surface portions 512A and 512B, which are horizontally offset from each other. Conceptually, the upper surface portion 512A can be considered a first lifting portion of the lamp support surface 1001, while the lower surface portion 512B can be considered a second lifting portion of the lamp support surface 1001. In the illustrated embodiment, the second contact surface 55B is also a stepped surface comprising a first portion 56A and a second portion 56B that are horizontally offset from each other.The first portion 56A of the second contact surface 55B is in surface alignment with the upper surface portion 512A, while the second portion 56B of the second contact surface 55B is in surface alignment with the lower surface portion 512B. With reference to Figures 25-26 and 30, once the lamp support structure 1000 is provided, the first and second lamps 300A-B are mounted on the lamp support surface 1001 of the lamp support structure 1000, forming a lamp unit 2000. Since the first and second lamps 300A-B are flexible, they bend to conform to the curvature of the lamp mounting surface 1001, resulting in the rear surfaces 313A-B of the flexible sheet bodies 301A-B of the first and second lamps 300A-B adopting a concave curvature. The first lamp 300A is mounted above the second lamp 300B. On the front surfaces 302A-B of the flexible foil bodies 301AB of the 300A-B lamps, the first and second electrical contacts 311A-B, 312A-B of the 300A-B lamps make surface contact with the contact surfaces 55A-C of the first, second, and third electrical contact elements 54A-C. Specifically, the first contact surface 55A of the first electrical contact element 54A is in surface contact with the first electrical contact 311A ​​of the first 300A lamp. The third contact surface 55C of the third electrical contact element 54C is in surface contact with the first electrical contact 311B of the second 300B lamp.With respect to the second electrical contact element 54B, the first portion 56A of the second contact surface 55B is in contact with a second electrical contact 112A of the first flexible lamp 300A, while the second portion 56B of the second contact surface 55B is in contact with a second electrical contact 112B of the second flexible lamp 300B. In one embodiment, surface contact between the contact surfaces is sufficient to achieve the desired electrical coupling, and therefore, electrical coupling is achieved solely through surface contact. In another embodiment, the contact surfaces may be welded together to increase reliability. As can be seen in Figure 30, the electrical contact component 50 has a portion 75 that protrudes from the front surface 1002 of the lamp support structure 1000 adjacent to the anchoring elements 521A-B. Portion 75 comprises an exposed portion of each of the first, second, and third electrical conductors 54A-C to facilitate coupling to the control circuit 200 (described later). Proper placement (and maintenance of proper position) of the flexible lamps 300A-B in the lamp support structure 100 is achieved by means of the lamp registration element 421A-B and the lamp retaining element 535A-B. As described in more detail above, the lamp registration element comprises a first and second rib 421A-B projecting from the lamp support surface 1001. As can be seen, the second rib 421A engages the first and second corners of the flexible sheet bodies 301A-B of each of the first and second lamps 300A-B, while the second rib 421B engages the third and fourth corners of the flexible sheet bodies 301A-B of each of the first and second lamps 300A-B.Furthermore, the first and second lamp retainer elements 535A-B also protrude from the lamp support surface, with the first retainer element 535A engaging with the upper edge 305A of the first flexible lamp 300A and the second retainer element 535B engaging with the lower edge 306B of the second flexible lamp 300B. As can also be seen, the first retainer element 535A extends through a notch 375A formed in the upper edge 305A of the first flexible lamp 300A, while the second retainer element 535B extends through a notch 375B formed in the lower edge 306B of the second flexible lamp 300B. With reference to Figures 25, 27, and 31, once the first and second lamps 300A-B are in position against the lamp support surface 1001, the lamp retainer component 600 aligns with and engages the lamp support structure 1000. Specifically, the lamp retainer component 600 aligns with the lamp support structure 1000 so that the first and second locking tabs 630A-B align with the locking openings 531AB of the lamp support structure 1000. The lamp retainer component 600 then moves toward the lamp support surface 1001 so that the first and second locking tabs 630A-B are inserted through the locking openings 531A-B of the anchoring component 500.During insertion, the chamfered surfaces 631A-B of the first and second locking tabs 630A-B are in contact with the lamp support surface 1001 and deflect the first and second locking tabs 630A-B. Once fully inserted through the locking openings 531AB, the first and second locking tabs 630A-B return to their normal state, causing the locking surfaces 632A-B of the first and second locking tabs 630A-B to engage and mechanically lock to the front surface 1002 of the lamp support structure 1000. During this process, the first arched surface 611 of the lamp retainer component 600 is in contact with the lower portion of the first lamp 300A, while the second arched surface 612 of the lamp retainer component 600 is in contact with the upper portion of the second lamp 300B. As a result, the 300A-B lamps are pressed against the lamp support surface 1001. In one embodiment, the lower portion of the first lamp 300A can be compressed between the lamp retainer component 600 and the lamp support surface 1001, while the upper portion of the second lamp 300B is compressed between the lamp retainer component 600 and the lamp support surface 1001. With reference to Figures 25-27 and 32, once the lamp unit 2000 is fully assembled (as shown in Figure 31), the protective component 700 is overmolded onto the lamp unit 2000, forming the ferrule 101. As described above, the protective component 700 comprises the first and second frame portions 711, 712. The first frame portion 711 comprises the closed geometry edge 713 that defines the first window 714 through which the rear surface 303A of the first lamp 300A is held exposed. Therefore, in this embodiment, the rear surface 303A of the first lamp 300A (which is also the rear surface 313A of the flexible lens plate 309A) also acts as the first light-emitting surface 106.Similarly, the second frame portion 712 comprises the closed geometry edge 715 that defines the second window 716 through which the rear surface 303B of the second lamp 300B is held exposed when the ferrule 101 is assembled. Therefore, in this embodiment, the rear surface 303B of the second lamp 300B (which is also the rear surface 313B of the flexible lens plate 309B) also acts as the second light-emitting surface 107. The first frame portion 711 forms an annular seal around the perimeter of the back surface 303A of the first lamp 300A. The second frame portion 712 forms an annular seal around the perimeter of the back surface 303B of the first lamp 300B. Additionally, during the overmolding process that forms the protective component 700, molten elastomeric material flows into the depressions 405AD of the lamp support surface 1001, forming the pad portions 770A-D. Allowing the elastomeric material to flow into the depressions 405A-D to form the multiple pad portions 770A-D helps equalize the pressure on the first and second lamps 300A-B during the injection molding process in which the protective component 700 is overmolded onto the lamp support structure 1000.The first and second pad portions 770A-B are located in the first and second depressions 404A-B respectively and are in contact with the floors 405A-B of the first and second depressions 404A-B and the front surface 312A of the first lamp 300A. The third and fourth pad portions 770C-D are located in the third and fourth depressions 404C-D respectively and are in contact with the floors 405C-D of the third and fourth depressions 404C-D and the front surface 312B of the second lamp 300B. As can be seen more clearly in Figure 26, the protective component 700 further comprises the first fin portion 720A, which extends beyond the first lateral edge 1005 of the lamp support structure 100, and the second fin portion 720B, which extends beyond the second lateral edge 1006 of the lamp support structure 1000. The first and second fin portions 720A-B, in the illustrated form, are formed entirely from the elastomeric material, providing flexibility in the end portions of the splint 101 for user comfort. The lamp support structure 1000 does not extend into the first and second fin portions 720A-B. However, as can be seen, once the protective component 700 is formed, at least a portion of the front surface 1002 of the lamp support structure 1000 remains exposed. With reference to Figures 27 and 33-34, once the ferrule 101 is formed, it is coupled to the housing 102, which secures the ferrule 101 to the housing 102 and seals all electrical components. Specifically, the lower portion 151 of the housing 102 is provided with the control circuit 200 in position. The splint 101 is positioned so that the anchoring elements 521A, 521B are above the first and second open grooves 198A-B formed in a lower section of the housing wall 114. The splint 101 is lowered so that the anchoring elements 521A, 521B enter the first and second open grooves 198A-B, where the post sections 522A-B extend through the first and second open grooves 198A-B and the head portions 523A-B are covered on the opposite side of the housing wall 114. The upper portion 150 of the housing 102 is then positioned above the lower portion 151 of the housing 102.The upper portion 150 comprises an upper section of the housing wall which also includes open slots which, when coupled to the lower portion 151, complete the housing wall 114 and form the first and second anchoring openings 116, 117. With reference only to Figure 25, in certain embodiments, the splint 101 is designed so that the first light-emitting surface 106 and the second light-emitting surface 107 are located on opposite sides of a horizontal reference plane HH. The first light-emitting surface 106 is inclined so that a first acute angle 01 is formed between the first light-emitting surface 106 and the horizontal reference plane HH. The second light-emitting surface 107 is inclined so that a second acute angle 02 is formed between the second light-emitting surface 107 and the horizontal reference plane HH. The bite platform 105 extends from the first and second light-emitting surfaces 106, 107 along the horizontal reference plane HH. In one mode, the first and second acute angles 01, 02 are different from each other. In another mode, the first and second acute angles 01, 02 are equal. Each of the first and second acute angles 01, 02 varies from 75° to 89°. rtrQnnn / rznze / YiAi As can be seen, the lower edge 306A of the first lamp 300A is horizontally offset from the upper edge 305B of the second lamp 300B. Furthermore, the first and second lamps 200A-B are horizontally offset from each other such that the first lamp 300A is closer to the housing 102 than the second lamp 300B when measured along the reference plane HH. In certain embodiments, the ferrule body 101 can be formed from a single component comprising a lamp support surface on which the first and / or second lamp is mounted. As used throughout this description, intervals are used as shorthand to describe each and every value within the interval. Any value within the interval may be selected as the interval term. Additionally, all references cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In the event of a conflict between a definition in this disclosure and that in a cited reference, this disclosure shall prevail. While the invention has been described with respect to specific examples, including currently preferred modes of carrying it out, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the systems and techniques described above. It should be understood that other modes may be used and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the invention should be interpreted broadly as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION Having described the present invention, the following claims are considered novel and therefore claimed as priority: CLAIMS 1. A device for oral treatment, characterized in that it comprises: an intraoral splint comprising: a lamp support surface; first and second electrical contact elements electrically coupled to a control circuit having a power source, the first electrical contact element comprising a first contact surface and the second contact element comprising a second contact surface, each of the first and second contact surfaces of the first and second contact elements forming a portion of the lamp support surface; a lamp comprising: multiple light emitters generating light that is emitted from a rear surface of the lamp;and first and second electrical contacts, the first electrical contact having a first contact surface forming a first portion of a lamp front surface, and the second electrical contact having a second contact surface forming a second portion of the lamp front surface; and the lamp is mounted on the lamp support surface such that: (1) the first contact surface of the lamp's first electrical contact is in contact with the first contact surface of the first electrical contact element; and (2) the second contact surface of the lamp's second electrical contact is in contact with the second contact surface of the second electrical contact element.

2. The oral treatment device according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: the lamp comprising: a flexible sheet body having a front surface and a rear surface, the rear surface of the flexible sheet body forming the rear surface of the lamp, and the front surface of the flexible sheet body forming the front surface of the lamp; and multiple light emitters incorporated in the flexible sheet body; and wherein the lamp is mounted on the lamp support surface such that the rear surface of the flexible sheet body of the lamp adopts a concave curvature.

3. The oral treatment device according to claim 2, efrannn / cznz / e / YiAi characterized in that each of the first and second electrical contacts of the lamp are in the form of elongated strips that extend along a length of the flexible lamp body from a first lateral edge of the lamp to a second lateral edge of the lamp.

4. The oral treatment device according to any of claims 2 to 3, characterized in that the lamp comprises an upper edge and a lower edge, the first electrical contact of the lamp is adjacent to the upper edge of the lamp and the second electrical contact of the lamp is adjacent to the lower edge of the lamp.

5. The oral treatment device according to any of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the portions of the lamp support surface formed by the first and second contact surfaces of the first and second contact elements are located in a central portion of the lamp support surface.

6. The oral treatment device according to any of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the lamp support surface has a concave curvature.

7. The oral treatment device according to any of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the intraoral splint comprises a protective component comprising a frame portion defining a window through which the rear surface of the flexible sheet body of the lamp is exposed.

8. The oral treatment device according to claim 7, characterized in that the frame portion of the protective component seals a perimeter of the rear surface of the flexible sheet body of the lamp.

9. The oral treatment device according to any of claims 7 to 8, characterized in that the intraoral splint further comprises a lamp support structure comprising the lamp support surface, the lamp support structure and the lamp together form a lamp unit, the protective component being a monolithic mass formed entirely from elastomeric material that is overmolded onto the lamp unit.

10. The oral treatment device according to any of claims 8 to 9, characterized in that the protective component holds the lamp so that: (1) the first contact surface of the first electrical contact of the lamp is in surface contact with the first contact surface of the first electrical contact element; (2) the second contact surface of the second electrical contact of the lamp is in surface contact with the second contact surface of the second electrical contact element.

11. The oral treatment device according to any of claims 2 to 10, characterized in that it further comprises: a housing containing the control circuit, the intraoral splint being coupled to and extending from the housing; and wherein the intraoral splint further comprises: an anchoring element that couples to the housing for fixing the light unit to the housing; and an electrical contact component comprising the first electrical contact element, the second electrical contact element, and a base section extending from a front surface of the splint, the base section comprising exposed portions of the first and second electrical contact elements for electrical coupling to the control circuit.

12. The oral treatment device according to any of claims 2 to 10, characterized in that the flexible sheet body of the lamp comprises a flexible lens plate having a front surface and a rear surface; and wherein the multiple light emitters are light-emitting diodes printed on the front surface of the flexible lens plate, the rear surface of the lens plate forming the rear surface of the flexible sheet body of the lamp.

13. The oral treatment device according to claim 12, characterized in that the flexible sheet body of the lamp further comprises a flexible reflective layer, the multiple light emitters being arranged between the flexible lens plate and the flexible reflective layer.

14. The oral treatment device according to any of claims 12 to 13, characterized in that the light-emitting diodes are printed on the front surface of the flexible lens plate with an electrically conductive ink.

15. The oral treatment device according to any of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the flexible lens plate is formed from a biocompatible material.

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