Oral appliance having fractal geometry elements for improved contour-following

Abstract

An oral appliance (100) includes a fractal unit (401). The fractal unit (401) include a first fractal element (203) comprising a first bearing surface (406) and a second bearing surface (406); a second fractal element (207) disposed in the first bearing surface (406); and a third fractal element (412) disposed in the second bearing surface (406). The second and third fractal elements (410, 412) have respective elements disposed adjacent to or in contact with a first side of a tooth (305). Generally, the various aspects of the present teachings are applicable to oral appliances including, but not limited to electric and manual toothbrushes, multi-surface brushes, cleaning mouthpieces, and mouth guards.

Description

[0001] Oral Appliance Having Fractal Geometry Elements for Improved Contour-Following

[0002] BACKGROUND

[0003]

[0001] Proper oral hygiene is increasingly recognized an element of all-around health, not just for the teeth, but also because of the connection between poor oral hygiene and its impact on other organs of the body.

[0004]

[0002] One important element of oral hygiene is plaque removal and suppression. Plaque is an example of a complex biofilm comprising a mixture of different species of bacteria. To reduce plaque, dentists recommend brushing teeth twice each day. However, even this level of attention to oral care may not result in complete removal of plaque and other biofilms. This is primarily because of the difficulty reaching all aspects of the oral cavity, such as between adjacent teeth or gingival pockets.

[0005]

[0003] While modern sonic toothbrushes use hydrodynamics caused by higher frequency (260 Hz) bristle movements to separate plaque in such inaccessible locations, this fluid motion has a limited range of effectiveness of a few millimeters and does not remove all plaque in such locations. Another problem is that people tend to respond only partially to the need for daily brushing.

[0006]

[0004] Accordingly, and among other attempts to clean teeth of subjects of all ages and dental health, it remains important to provide an oral device for cleaning teeth of vari ous sizes, shapes, contours and orientations of teeth arranged in a dentition. Specifically, contour foll owing by the dental cl eaning surface, proper energy transfer from an actuator to the dental cl eaning surface and proper fitting of the dental cleaning device to address different jaw geometries and contours, lengths and widths of the dentition (or even misaligned teeth) in the oral cavity continue to garner attention in the quest for improved oral hygiene.

[0007] SUMMARY

[0008]

[0005] In accordance with a representative embodiment, an oral appliance comprises a fractal unit, which comprises: a first fractal element comprising a first bearing surface and a second bearing surface; a second fractal element disposed in the first bearing surface; and a third fractal element disposed in the second bearing surface, wherein the second and third fractal elements have respective elements disposed adjacent to or in contact with a first side of a tooth. Generally, the various aspects of the present teachings are applicabl e to oral appliances including, but not limited to electric and manual toothbrushes, multi-surface brushes, cleaning mouthpieces, and mouth guards.

[0009]

[0006] In accordance with another representative embodiment, fractal unit (401), comprises: a fractal geometry configuration comprising a plurality of fractal elements arranged in a fractal configuration, the plurality of fractal elements being disposed in successive levels and repeating patterns, wherein each successive level comprises arches having a diameter that is approximately one-half of a diameter of arches of a previous level.

[0010] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011]

[0007] The example embodiments are best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawing figures. It is emphasized that the various features are not necessarily drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions may be arbitrarily increased or decreased for clarity of discussion. Wherever applicable and practical, like reference numerals refer to like elements.

[0012]

[0008] Fig. 1 A is a perspective view of an oral appliance comprising a fractal unit in accordance with a representative embodiment.

[0013]

[0009] Fig. IB is a perspective view of an oral appliance comprising a fractal unit in accordance with a representative embodiment.

[0014]

[0010] Fig. 2A is a perspective view of an oral appliance comprising a fractal unit in accordance with a representative embodiment.

[0015] [Oil] Fig. 2B is a perspective view of an oral appliance comprising a fractal unit in accordance with a representative embodiment.

[0016]

[0012] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an oral appliance comprising a fractal unit in accordance with a representative embodiment.

[0013] Fig. 4A is a perspective view of a first fractal element in accordance with a representative embodiment.

[0017]

[0014] Fig. 4B is a top view of a base and fractal elements having successively smaller diameters in accordance with a representative embodiment.

[0018]

[0015] Fig. 4C is a top view of a fractal unit comprising a plurality of fractal elements in accordance with a representative embodiment.

[0019]

[0016] Fig. 5A is a perspective view of a portion of a fractal unit comprising fractal elements contacting teeth in accordance with a representative embodiment.

[0020]

[0017] Fig. 5B is a perspective view of a portion of a fractal unit comprising fractal elements contacting teeth in accordance with a representative embodiment.

[0021]

[0018] Fig. 5C is a top view of a portion of a fractal unit comprising fractal elements contacting teeth in accordance with a representative embodiment.

[0022]

[0019] Fig. 6A is a perspective view of a portion of an oral appliance showing application of a force to engage a fractal element with a tooth for cleaning in accordance with a representative embodiment.

[0023]

[0020] Fig. 6B is a perspective view of a portion of an oral appliance showing application of a force to engage a fractal element with a tooth for cleaning in accordance with a representative embodiment.

[0024]

[0021] Figs. 7A and 7B are cross-sectional views showing the action of a device to engage fractal elements of an oral appliance with a tooth in accordance with a representative embodiment.

[0025] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026]

[0022] In the following detailed description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, representative embodiments disclosing specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of an embodiment according to the present teachings. Descriptions of known systems, devices, materials, methods of operation and methods of manufacture may be omitted so as to avoid obscuring the description of the representative embodiments. Nonetheless, systems, devices, materials and methods that are within the purview of one of ordinary skill in the art are within the scope of the present teachings and may be used in accordance with the representative embodiments. It is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for purposes of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. The defined terms are in addition to the technical and scientific meanings of the defined terms as commonly understood and accepted in the technical field of the present teachings.

[0027]

[0023] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third etc. may be used herein to describe various elements or components, these elements or components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element or component from another element or component. Thus, a first element or component discussed below could be termed a second element or component without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0028]

[0024] The terminology used herein is for purposes of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the specification and appended claims, the singular forms of terms ‘a’, ‘an’ and ‘the’ are intended to include both singular and plural forms, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Additionally, the terms "comprises", and / or "comprising," and / or similar terms when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0029]

[0025] Unless otherwise noted, when an element or component is said to be “connected to”, “coupled to”, or “adjacent to” another element or component, it will be understood that the element or component can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or component, or intervening elements or components may be present. That is, these and similar terms encompass cases where one or more intermediate elements or components may be employed to connect two elements or components. However, when an element or component is said to be “directly connected” to another element or component, this encompasses only cases where the two elements or components are connected to each other without any intermediate or intervening elements or components.

[0030]

[0026] Fig. 1 A is a perspective view of an oral appliance 100 comprising a fractal unit in accordance with a representative embodiment. Various aspects of the fractal unit are described more fully below.

[0027] The oral appliance 100 comprises a mouthpiece 101 comprising a plurality of fractal elements 102 adapted to engage teeth in a user’s mouth. The oral appliance comprises a handle 103, which is illustratively adapted to actuation of the fractal elements 102 to effect cleaning of the teeth. The handle 103 illustratively comprises an active actuator useful in causing the desired actuation of the fractal elements 102 and any end-effectors (not shown in Fig. 1 A) that may be attached thereto for cleaning the teeth. The handle 103 may comprises electrical switches 105 adapted to turn the oral appliance 100 on, and to change the setting of the actuator to effect different desired actions (e.g., cleaning, whitening, gum care). Notably, the various types of electrically actuated elements are within the purview of one of ordinary skill in the art. Just by way of illustration and not limitation, actuated elements contemplated by the present teachings include an electric motor, a drivetrain, pneumatic or hydraulic bladders, electromagnets, and smart materials (e.g., electroactive polymer actuators).

[0031]

[0028] Fig. IB is a perspective view of the oral appliance 100 comprising a fractal unit in accordance with a representative embodiment. The perspective view of Fig. IB shows the oral appliance 100 is hand-held and may have a shaft 107 adapted for better ergonomics to facilitate use (e.g., cleaning and replacement). Fig. IB shows more detail of the fractal elements 102, and as will be appreciated the fractal elements 102 may be disposed on two or three walls of the oral appliance to facilitate proximal and, as described more fully below, better contour following of the teeth to improve cleaning by removal of biofilms and food particles on the teeth.

[0032] Specifically, a space 109 exists between opposing fractal elements 102 for receiving the teeth of the user. The actuation of the fractal units results in improved contact of irregular tooth shapes and clamping of one, two or three sides of the teeth.

[0033]

[0029] Fig. 2A is a perspective view of an oral appliance 200 comprising a fractal unit in accordance with a representative embodiment. Various aspects of the fractal unit are described more fully below, and certain aspects and details of the oral appliance may be common to those described above in connection with Figs. 1 A-1B, and may not be repeated to avoid obscuring the presently described representative embodiments.

[0034]

[0030] The oral appliance 200 comprises a partial mouthpiece 202 in the form of an arch connected to a handle 201. The partial mouthpiece 202 comprises a base 204 over which a plurality of fractal elements 203 are disposed. As noted, the fractal elements 203 are as described herein and shown in greater detail below. The fractal elements 203 are disposed over a base 204, and as described herein, the fractal elements 203 are adapted to be removed and replaced as needed, such as a toothbrush head may be so adapted for routine replacement. The user holds the handle and the fractal elements 203 are located in the mouth for cleaning the teeth. The handle 201 may provide active actuation energy sources of the fractal elements 203 to effect cleaning of the teeth. In such an embodiment, the handle comprises an active actuator useful in causing the desired actuation of the fractal elements 203, and any end-effectors (not shown in Fig. 1 A) that may be attached thereto for cleaning the teeth. The handle 103 may comprises electrical switches (not shown) adapted to turn the oral appliance 200 on, and to change the setting of the actuator to effect different desired actions (e.g., cleaning, whitening, gum care). Notably, the various types of electrically actuated elements are within the purview of one of ordinary skill in the art. More generally, these active elements may re-use energy sources of the oral appliance. Alternatively, the oral appliance 200 may not be adapted to provide active actuation of the fractal elements 203, and rather may rely on manual manipulation to engage the fractal elements 203 with the teeth for cleaning.

[0035]

[0031] Fig. 2B is a perspective view of an oral appliance 210 comprising a fractal units in accordance with a representative embodiment. Various aspects of the fractal unit are described more fully below, and certain aspects and details of the oral appliance may be common to those described above in connection with Figs. 1 A-2A, and may not be repeated to avoid obscuring the presently described representative embodiments.

[0036]

[0032] The oral appliance 210 comprises the partial mouthpiece 202 connected to the handle 201. The partial mouthpiece 202 comprises a first base 209 over which a first fractal element 203 is disposed and a second base 211 over which a second fractal element 207 is disposed. As will be appreciated, the partial mouthpiece 202 of Fig. 2B is adapted to engage opposing upper and lower sides of the jaw, and thereby to engage the first fractal element 203 with teeth 206 on one side of the jaw and the second fractal element 207 with teeth 208 on the other (opposing) side of the jaw. As noted, the first and second fractal elements 203, 207 are as described herein and shown in greater detail below. The first and second fractal elements 203,207 are adapted to be removed and replaced as needed, such as a toothbrush head may be so adapted for routine replacement. The user holds the handle 201 and the first and second fractal elements 203,207 are located in the mouth for cleaning the teeth 206, 208. The handle 201 may provide active actuation of the fractal elements 203 to effect cleaning of the teeth. In such an embodiment, the handle 201 comprises an active actuator useful in causing the desired actuation of the fractal elements 203, and potentially also of any end-effectors (not shown in Fig. 1 A) that may be attached thereto for cleaning the teeth. The handle 201 may comprises electrical switches (not shown) adapted to turn the oral appliance 200 on, and to change the setting of the actuator to effect different desired actions (e.g., cleaning, whitening, gum care). Notably, the various types of electrically actuated elements are within the purview of one of ordinary skill in the art. More generally, these active elements may re-use energy sources of the oral appliance. Alternatively, the oral appliance 210 may not be adapted to provide active actuation of the fractal elements 203, and rather may rely on manual manipulation to engage the fractal elements 203 with the teeth for cleaning.

[0037]

[0033] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an oral appliance 300 comprising a fractal element 304 in accordance with a representative embodiment. Various aspects of the fractal unit are described more fully below, and certain aspects and details of the oral appliance may be common to those described above in connection with Figs. 1 A-2B, and may not be repeated to avoid obscuring the presently described representative embodiments.

[0038]

[0034] The oral appliance 300 comprises an arch-shaped element 302 connected to a handle 301. The arch-shaped element 302 comprises a fractal element 304 on each end of its arch. As will be appreciated, the arch-shaped element 302 of Fig. 3 is adapted to engage opposing sides of a tooth 305 and may be manipulated to clean a facial or lingual surface of the tooth 305. As noted, fractal elements 304 are described more fully herein and shown in greater detail below. The fractal elements 304 are adapted to be removed and replaced as needed, such as a toothbrush head may be so adapted for routine replacement. The user holds the handle 301 and fractal elements 304 are engaged with the jaw or teeth of the mouth for cleaning the teeth 305. The handle 301 may provide active actuation of the fractal elements 203 to effect cleaning of the teeth. In such an embodiment, the handle 301 comprises an active actuator useful in causing the desired actuation of the fractal elements 304, and any end-effectors (not shown in Fig. 3) that may be attached thereto for cleaning the teeth. The handle 301 may comprises electrical switches (not shown) adapted to turn the oral appliance 300 on, and to change the setting of the actuator to effect different desired actions (e.g., cleaning, whitening, gum care). Notably, the various types of electrically actuated elements are within the purview of one of ordinary skill in the art. More generally, these active elements may re-use energy sources of the oral appliance 300. Alternatively, the oral appliance 300 may not be adapted to provide active actuation of the fractal elements 304, and rather may rely on manual manipulation to engage the fractal elements 304 with the teeth 305 for cleaning.

[0039]

[0035] Fig. 4A is a perspective view of a fractal element 402 in accordance with a representative embodiment. As will be appreciated, the first fractal element 400 may be a component of the various fractal elements in oral appliances such as described above in connections with Figs. 1-3.

[0036] A fractal is a repeating pattern at different scales. Fractals may comprise complex patterns that are self-similar across different scales. More generally, as used herein fractal elements comprise a basic fractal element, which is a geometric shape containing detailed structure at successively small scales, usually having a fractal dimension strictly exceeding the topological dimension. As will be appreciated as the present description continues, the fractal elements of the various representative embodiments exhibit similar patterns at increasingly smaller scales also known as expanding symmetry or unfolding symmetry. One way that fractals are different from finite geometric figures is how they scale. Doubling the edge lengths of a filled polygon multiplies its area by four, which is two (the ratio of the new to the old side length) raised to the power of two (the conventional dimension of the filled polygon). Likewise, if the radius of a filled sphere is doubled, its volume scales by eight, which is two (the ratio of the new to the old radius) to the power of three (the conventional dimension of the filled sphere). However, when a fractal’s one-dimensional length is all doubled, the spatial content of the fractal scales by a power that is not necessarily an integer and is in general greater than its conventional dimension. This power is called the fractal dimension of the geometric object, to distinguish it from the conventional dimension (which is formally called the topological dimension). As described herein, fractals are created by down-scaling and repeating a particular geometry in a smaller scale with each successive fractal element having substantially the same shape but smaller scale than the previous fractal element. Each stage of a fractal element has a fractal geometry. In accordance with certain representative embodiments, the fractal geometry is a radius, as described more fully below. Generally, the fractal geometry (e.g., radius) of one stage is smaller than the radius of a fractal element of the previous stage. In certain representative embodiments, the radius of each successive fractal elements is one-half that of the radius of the fractal element of the immediately previous stage, and twice the radius of the next smaller immediate stage of the fractal element. As will be described more fully herein, the scaling of the successive fractal elements that comprise a fractal element for oral hygiene in accordance with various representative embodiments is used to improve conformity of the surface of the fractal element with the contour of the teeth to be cleaned. Just by way of illustration and not limitation, in a representative embodiment, the fractal element contacting the teeth has a diameter that is approximately one-half of the diameter of a tooth to better improve the conformity of the fractal element with the tooth. More generally, the diameter of the fractal element in contact with the tooth may have a diameter that is in the range of approximately 2 mm to approximately 10 mm.

[0037] Referring again to Fig. 4A, the fractal element 402 comprises a bearing countersurface 404, a first bearing surface 406 and a second bearing surface 408. The fractal element 402 serves as a base for forming a fractal element for use in an oral appliance of various representative embodiments. Specifically, each successive bearing surface is adapted to receive a fractal element that has substantially the same shape as the fractal element 402, but with a particular dimension that is a fraction of this dimension of the fractal element 402. By continuing this sequence with successively smaller fractal elements being disposed in the bearing surfaces of the current fractal, this scaling can continue until a desired dimension of the final fractal element is reached (e.g., the diameter of the final fractal element in the resultant fractal unit for the oral appliance is one-half the radius of a typical tooth).

[0040]

[0038] Fig. 4B is a top view of a base and fractal elements having successively smaller diameters in accordance with a representative embodiment. As will be appreciated, the first fractal element 400 may be a component of the various fractal elements in oral appliances such as described above in connections with Figs. 1-3.

[0041]

[0039] The base 403 comprises a first fractal element 402 comprising a bearing countersurface 404, a first bearing surface 406 and second bearing surface 408. The first bearing surface 406 is adapted to receive a second fractal element 410 and a second bearing surface 406 is adapted to receive a third fractal element 412. Notably, the base has a first radius rl and the second and third fractal elements 410, 412 each have a second radius r2 that is a fraction of the first radius rl (e.g., rl=2r2). Moreover, the second and third fractal elements 410, 412 have substantially the same shape as the first fractal element 402.

[0042]

[0040] The second fractal element 410 comprises a third bearing surface 414 and a fourth bearing surface 416, and the third fractal element 412 comprises a fifth bearing surface 418 and a sixth bearing surface 420. The third bearing surface 414 is adapted to receive a sixth fractal element 430 and the fourth bearing surface 416 is adapted to receive a seventh fractal element 432. Similarly, the fifth bearing surface 418 is adapted to receive an eighth fractal element 434 and the sixth bearing surface 420 is adapted to receive ninth fractal element 436. Continuing the pattern, the third bearing surface 414, the fourth bearing surface 416, the fifth bearing surface 418 and the sixth bearing surface 420 each have a third radius r3 that is a fraction of the second radius r2 (e.g., r2=2r3). Moreover, the second and third fractal elements 410, 412 have substantially the same shape as the first fractal element 402 and intervening fractal elements.

[0041] Similarly, fractal elements 440-454 are each disposed in respective bearing surfaces of third bearing surface 414, the fourth bearing surface 416, the fifth bearing surface 418 and the sixth bearing surface 420. Again, the radius of each of the fractal elements 440-454 is a fraction of the third radius r3 (e.g., / i r3) and each of the fractal elements 440-454 the same shape as the base 403 and intervening fractal elements. Again, the dimensions of the fractal elements 440-454 are selected relative to the dimensions of a tooth to enable effective conformity with the contours of the tooth to foster cleaning to remove biofilms and food debris.

[0042] Fig. 4C is a top view of a fractal unit 401 in accordance with a representative embodiment. As will be appreciated, the fractal unit 401 may be a component of an oral appliance such as described in connection with Figs. 1-3, and comprises fractal elements such as described above in connections with Figs. 4A-4B. Various aspects and details of the fractal unit 401 may be common to those described above in connection with representative embodiments described above in connection with Figs. 1-4B. These common aspects and details may not be repeated to avoid obscuring the presently described representative embodiments.

[0043]

[0043] The fractal unit 401 comprises a first fractal element 435 and a second fractal element 437, each comprising bearing surfaces in which subsequent fractal elements are disposed. In this case, third and fourth fractal elements 413,411 are disposed in bearing surfaces of the first fractal element 435, and fifth and sixth fractal elements 407,409 are disposed in the bearing surfaces of the second fractal element 437. Again, and as shown fourth-sixth fractal elements 407-413 are substantially the same shape as the first and second fractal elements 413, 415 and are scaled to be smaller than the first and second fractal elements 435,437. Moreover, the fourth-sixth fractal elements 407-413 are substantially the same size as one another.

[0044]

[0044] The fractal unit 401 further comprises seventh-fourteenth fractal elements 421-433, with each of the seventh-fourteenth fractal elements 421-433 being disposed in a respective one of the bearing surfaces of the fourth-sixth fractal elements 407-413. Again, and as shown seventhfourteenth fractal elements 421-433 are substantially the same shape as the first-sixth fractal elements 435, 437, 407-413 and are scaled to be smaller previous / intervening fractal elements. For example, the radii of the seventh-fourteenth fractal elements 421-433 may be a fraction of the radii of the fourth-sixth fractal elements 407-413, which in turn may be a fraction of the radii of the first and second fractal elements 435,437. Again, the dimensions of the fractal elements comprising the fractal unit 401 are selected relative to the dimensions of a tooth to enable effective conformity with the contours of the tooth to foster cleaning to remove biofilms and food debris.

[0045]

[0045] As alluded to above, end effectors may be selectively provided to carry out various desired functions. For example, bristles 439 may be provided on the surfaces of the fractal elements closest to the tooth, for example on the surfaces of fourth-sixth fractal elements 407-413 adapted to contact the tooth. These bristles 439 may be used in conjunction with the fractal elements to effect a desired function, such as cleaning the teeth of biofilms and food particles. Moreover, other functional components may be added to one or more fractal elements. These components can comprise light sources such as LEDs, image sensors, cameras or electrodes, or even fluid conduits for delivering cleaning fluid.

[0046]

[0046] Fig. 5A is a perspective view of portions of two fractal units on opposing sides of teeth and comprising fractal elements contacting teeth in accordance with a representative embodiment. As will be appreciated, the fractal unit may be a component of an oral appliance such as described in connection with Figs. 1-3, and comprises fractal elements such as described above in connections with Figs. 4A-4B. Various aspects and details of the fractal unit may be common to those described above in connection with representative embodiments described above in connection with Figs. 1-4B. These common aspects and details may not be repeated to avoid obscuring the presently described representative embodiments.

[0047]

[0047] The fractal unit comprises a first fractal element 501 and a second fractal element 503. As shown, the first and second fractal elements 501, 503 are disposed on opposing sides of teeth 509 and are adapted to clean the respective sides of the teeth 509 when actuated either actively via an electrical actuator, or passively via manual action. Moreover, and as alluded to above, the present teachings contemplate additional fractal elements to be disposed on the upper surfaces of the teeth 509 for cleaning these surfaces as well.

[0048]

[0048] The first fractal element 501 comprises first bearing surfaces in which respective third fractal elements 507 are disposed. Similarly, the second fractal element 503 comprises second bearing surfaces in which respective fourth fractal elements 511 are disposed. As such, in the presently described representative embodiment, the surfaces of the third and fourth fractal elements 507, 511 contact the respective surfaces of the teeth and are used to effect cleaning. Again, it is noted that the third and fourth fractal elements 507,511 may comprise end-effectors, such as bristles useful to clean the surfaces of the teeth.

[0049]

[0049] Notably, and as alluded to above, the present teachings contemplate removal and replacement of fractal elements. Generally, the fractal elements that are closest to the tooth surfaces may become worn with use, like a tooth brush head on an electric toothbrush. In this example, the third and fourth fractal elements 507,511 may be adapted for removal and replacement with new third and fourth fractal elements 507,511. The replacement of only fractal elements closest to the teeth is merely illustrative, and the present teachings contemplate removal of not only third and fourth fractal elements 507,511, but also the first and second fractal elements 501, 503.

[0050]

[0050] Fig. 5B is a perspective view showing serial arrangements of fractal units on opposing sides of teeth, each comprising fractal elements contacting teeth in accordance with a representative embodiment. Notably, this arrangement beneficially induces clamping of a tooth arch as shown. As will be appreciated, the fractal unit may be a component of an oral appliance such as described in connection with Figs. 1-3, and comprises fractal elements such as described above in connections with Figs. 4A-4B. Various aspects and details of the fractal unit may be common to those described above in connection with representative embodiments described above in connection with Figs. 1-5 A. These common aspects and details may not be repeated to avoid obscuring the presently described representative embodiments.

[0051]

[0051] The fractal unit comprises a first fractal element 521 and a second fractal element 523, each comprising bearing surfaces in which subsequent fractal elements are disposed. In this case, third and fourth fractal elements 525,527 and fifth and sixth fractal elements 537,539 are the first fractal element 521 and the second fractal element 523, respectively. Again, and as shown third and fourth fractal elements 525, 527, and the fifth and sixth fractal elements 537,539 are substantially the same shape as the first and second fractal elements 521,523 and are scaled to be smaller than the first and second fractal elements 521,523. Moreover, the fourth-sixth fractal elements are substantially the same size as one another.

[0052]

[0052] The fractal unit further comprises seventh-tenth fractal elements 529-535, and eleventh-fourteenth fractal elements 541-547, with each of the seventh-fourteenth fractal elements 529-547 being disposed in a respective one of the bearing surfaces of the third-sixth fractal elements 525-539. Again, and as shown seventh-fourteenth fractal elements are substantially the same shape as the first-sixth fractal elements and are scaled to be smaller previous / intervening fractal elements. For example, the radii of the seventh-fourteenth fractal elements 421-433 may be a fraction of the radii of the fourth-sixth fractal elements, which in turn may be a fraction of the radii of the first and second fractal elements 435,437. As such, in the presently described representative embodiment, the surfaces of the seventh-fourteenth fractal elements 525-547 contact the respective surfaces of the teeth 549 and are used to effect cleaning. Again, it is noted that the seventh-fourteenth fractal elements 525-547 may comprise endeffectors, such as bristles useful to clean the surfaces of the teeth. Moreover, and as alluded to above, the present teachings contemplate additional fractal elements to be disposed on the upper surfaces of the teeth 549 for cleaning these surfaces as well.

[0053]

[0053] Fig. 5C is a top view showing serial arrangements of fractal units on opposing sides of teeth, each comprising fractal elements contacting teeth in accordance with a representative embodiment. As will be appreciated, the fractal unit may be a component of an oral appliance such as described in connection with Figs. 1-3, and comprises fractal elements such as described above in connections with Figs. 4A-4B. Various aspects and details of the fractal unit may be common to those described above in connection with representative embodiments described above in connection with Figs. 1-5B. These common aspects and details may not be repeated to avoid obscuring the presently described representative embodiments.

[0054]

[0054] The fractal unit comprises a first fractal element 521 and a second fractal element 523, each comprising bearing surfaces in which subsequent fractal elements are disposed. In this case, third and fourth fractal elements 525,527 and fifth and sixth fractal elements 537,539 are the first fractal element 521 and the second fractal element 523, respectively. Again, and as shown third and fourth fractal elements 525, 527, and the fifth and sixth fractal elements 537,539 are substantially the same shape as the first and second fractal elements 521,523 and are scaled to be smaller than the first and second fractal elements 521,523. Moreover, the fourth-sixth fractal elements are substantially the same size as one another.

[0055]

[0055] The fractal unit further comprises seventh-tenth fractal elements 529-535, and eleventh-fourteenth fractal elements 541-547, with each of the seventh-fourteenth fractal elements 529-547 being disposed in a respective one of the bearing surfaces of the third-sixth fractal elements 525-539. Again, and as shown seventh-fourteenth fractal elements are substantially the same shape as the first-sixth fractal elements and are scaled to be smaller previous / intervening fractal elements. For example, the radii of the seventh-fourteenth fractal elements 421-433 may be a fraction of the radii of the fourth-sixth fractal elements, which in turn may be a fraction of the radii of the first and second fractal elements 435,437. As such, in the presently described representative embodiment, the surfaces of the seventh-fourteenth fractal elements 525-547 contact the respective surfaces of the teeth 549 and are used to effect cleaning. Again, it is noted that the seventh-fourteenth fractal elements 525-547 may comprise endeffectors, such as bristles useful to clean the surfaces of the teeth. Moreover, and as alluded to above, the present teachings contemplate additional fractal elements to be disposed on the upper surfaces of the teeth 549 for cleaning these surfaces as well.

[0056]

[0056] Fig. 6A is a perspective view of a portion of an oral appliance showing application of a force to engage a fractal element with a tooth for cleaning in accordance with a representative embodiment. Various aspects and details of the fractal unit may be common to those described above in connection with representative embodiments described above in connection with Figs. 1-5C. These common aspects and details may not be repeated to avoid obscuring the presently described representative embodiments.

[0057] As it is shown in Figs. 6A-6B, the vertical force Fy (bite force), could be transformed to a horizontal / lateral force Fx resulting in a certain level of clamping by fractal elements 601,603 around the surface of tooth 607. This force transformation between two key points on buccal and lingual sides of the mouthpiece fingers (points A and B), could occur in different ways.

[0057]

[0058] As an example, three methods are illustrated in Figs 6A-6B. Lingual and buccal side fingers of the mouthpiece (point A and B) could be connected with sliding or foldable elements, or simply by the help of mechanical springs. It should be mentioned that the suggested techniques can be considered as a very preliminary options, and more investigation is required to understand the interactions between different elements and applicability of the final design.

[0058]

[0059] By biting onto the flex-mount or just naturally clamping / loading it between upper and lower jaw, forces are exerted laterally which will separate both fractal surfaces from each other yet providing a certain level of clamping defined by the effective elasticity of the flex mount (wall thickness, material properties, bending curvature etc).

[0059]

[0060] In such a manner, the fractal configuration does automatically conform to the tooth / jaw contours in a self-aligning manner. In a variant of this embodiment, also a bistable compliant or flexible construction could be envisioned that will bring both fractal surface together (instead of separating it) - when a biting (normal) force is applied.

[0060]

[0061] Figs. 7A and 7B are cross-sectional views showing the action of a device to engage fractal elements of an oral appliance with a tooth in accordance with a representative embodiment. Various aspects and details of the fractal unit may be common to those described above in connection with representative embodiments described above in connection with Figs. 1-6B. These common aspects and details may not be repeated to avoid obscuring the presently described representative embodiments.

[0061]

[0062] As noted above, the present teachings contemplate actuation of fractal surfaces reusing energy sources of oral device. Turning to Figs. 7A-7B, reuse of existing energy sources of the oral appliance (motor, drivetrain, pneumatic or hydraulic bladder, electromagnet, etc.) to actuate the fractal elements 701-707 to towards to the surface of teeth 702,706. In the presently described representative embodiment, a pneumatic bladder system comprising bladders 711, 713 may be inflated (Fig. 7B) for cyclic / periodic contact establishment and mechanical engagement of the of the fractal surface elements with the tooth surface. By cyclically deflating (Fig. 7A and inflating (Fig. 7B) the bladders 711,713, the level of lateral clamping of the surfaces of the fractal elements 701-707 on teeth 702,706 can be controlled and adjusted.

[0062]

[0063] The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a complete description of all of the elements and features of the disclosure described herein. Many other embodiments may be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from the disclosure, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, the illustrations are merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions within the illustrations may be exaggerated, while other proportions may be minimized. Accordingly, the disclosure and the figures are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0063]

[0064] One or more embodiments of the disclosure may be referred to herein, individually and / or collectively, by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any particular invention or inventive concept. Moreover, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any subsequent arrangement designed to achieve the same or similar purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the description.

[0064]

[0065] The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b) and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together or described in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter may be directed to less than all of the features of any of the disclosed embodiments. Thus, the following claims are incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as defining separately claimed subject matter.

[0065]

[0066] The preceding description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the concepts described in the present disclosure. As such, the above disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments which fall within the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of the present disclosure is to be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the foregoing detailed description.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An oral appliance (100) comprising a fractal unit (401), comprising, a first fractal element (203) comprising a first bearing surface (406) and a second bearing surface (406); a second fractal element (207) disposed in the first bearing surface (406); and a third fractal element (412) disposed in the second bearing surface (406), wherein the second and third fractal elements (410, 412) have respective elements disposed adjacent to or in contact with a first side of a tooth (305).

2. The oral appliance (100) of claim 1, wherein the first and second bearing surfaces each have a first radius, and the second and third fractal element (412) each have a second radius that is less than the first radius.

3. The oral appliance (100) of claim 2, wherein the second radius is approximately one-half of the first radius.

4. The oral appliance (100) of claim 1, wherein the respective fractal elements (102) each comprise a symmetric element, or a symmetric element and an asymmetric element with respect to a central rotation axis.

5. The oral appliance (100) of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of fractal units in parallel or perpendicular to each other, or in parallel and perpendicular to each other.

6. The oral appliance (100) of claim 5, further comprising: a seventh fractal unit (401) comprising a fifth arch and a sixth arch; an eighth fractal unit (401) disposed in the fifth arch; and a ninth fractal unit (401) disposed in the fifth arch, wherein the eighth and ninth fractal units have respective elements adjacent to or in contact with the tooth (305) on a third side of the tooth (305).

7. The oral appliance (100) of claim 1, further comprising one or more of an end effector, a light emitting element, an electrode or a camera disposed along the respective elements and are disposed between the respective elements and the first side of the tooth (305).

8. The oral appliance (100) of claim 7, wherein the end effector comprises bristle, a tuft or a specific tuft layout, a pad, a rubber texture or a pillow, wherein the end effector is adapted to clean the tooth (305) surfaces with which the appliance engages.

9. The oral appliance (100) of claim 1, further comprising a passive mechanism adapted to cause the respective elements to contact or engage with one or more surfaces of the tooth (305) resulting in contour following or clamping.

10. The oral appliance (100) of claim 1, further comprising a bladder adapted to inflate to cause the respective elements to contact the tooth (305), and to deflate to cause the respective elements to cease contact with the tooth (305).

11. The oral appliance (100) of claim 1, further comprising an active mechanism adapted to move the respective elements of the second and third fractal elements (410, 412) relative to the first side of the tooth (305).

12. The oral appliance (100) of claim 8, further comprising an active actuation element adapted to move the respective elements relative to tooth (305) surfaces.

13. The oral appliance (100) of claim 12, wherein the active actuation element comprises a piezoelectric element, an ultrasonic element, a motor, a drive train, a pneumatic system, or a hydraulic system.

14. A fractal unit (401), comprising:a fractal geometry configuration comprising a plurality of fractal elements arranged in a fractal configuration, the plurality of fractal elements being disposed in successive levels and repeating patterns, wherein each successive level comprises arches having a diameter that is approximately one-half of a diameter of arches of a previous level.

15. The fractal unit (401) of claim 14, wherein the respective fractal elements (102) each comprise a symmetric element, or a symmetric element and an asymmetric element with respect to a central rotation axis.

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