Mouthpiece including tray with posterior extension

Abstract

A mouthpiece for oral cleaning of teeth of a user includes a tray configured to receive the teeth of an upper and / or lower jaw of the user, where the tray includes an occlusal portion, a lingual portion extending from a lingual edge of the occlusal portion, and a buccal portion extending from a buccal edge of the occlusal portion; a posterior extension extending from a posterior end of one of the lingual portion or the buccal portion of the tray, where the posterior extension includes an extension platen and extension bristles projecting from the extension platen, where the extension bristles clean at least a portion of a lingual surface or a buccal surface of the last molar and gums proximate to the last molar, not reachable by lingual cleaning elements or buccal cleaning elements, respectively, during operation of the mouthpiece.

Description

MOUTHPIECE I NCEU D I NG TRAY WITHPOSTERIOR EXTENSIONBACKGROUND

[0001] Brushing mouthpieces are a positive development in the oral healthcare market, reducing required brushing time and allowing for a simplified brushing technique with consistent cleaning results.

[0002] However, the buccal jawbone at the lower jaw of the user inhibits movement of the brushing mouthpiece all the way to the back of the last (most posterior) molar of the user. This results in consistently missing the posterior half of the last molar, which means plaque is not adequately removed from this region, likely causing carious lesions or gum disease to develop over time. FIG. 1A shows an example of a set of teeth 120 experiencing plaque buildup 101 (darkened area) on the lingual side of the posterior half of last molar 125, resulting from oral cleaning using a conventional brushing mouthpiece. FIG. IB similarly shows an example of plaque buildup 102 on the buccal side of the posterior half of the last molar 125, also resulting from oral cleaning using a conventional brushing mouthpiece. As shown, the plaque buildups 101 and 102 are significantly greater in size than indicated on the other molars.SUMMARY

[0003] According to a representative embodiment, a mouthpiece is provided for oral cleaning of teeth and gums of a user. The mouthpiece includes a tray configured to receive the teeth of at least a part of an upper jaw or a lower jaw of the user, where the tray includes an occlusal portion, a lingual portion connected to a lingual edge of the occlusal portion, and a buccal portion connected to a buccal edge of the occlusal portion, lingual cleaning elements projecting from the lingual portion toward the teeth and configured to clean lingual surfaces of the teeth and the gums during operation of the mouthpiece, and buccal cleaning elements projecting from the buccal portion toward the teeth and configured to clean buccal surfaces of the teeth and the gums during operation of the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece further includes a posterior extension extending from a posterior end of posterior end of at least one of the lingual portion, the buccalportion, or the occlusal portion, where the posterior extension includes an extension platen and extension cleaning elements projecting from the extension platen toward a last molar of the teeth, where the extension cleaning elements are configured to clean at least a portion of a lingual surface or a buccal surface of the last molar of the teeth and gums proximate to the last molar, not reachable by the lingual cleaning elements or the buccal cleaning elements, respectively, during operation of the mouthpiece.

[0004] According to another representative embodiment, a mouthpiece is provided for oral cleaning of teeth and gums of a user. The mouthpiece includes a tray configured to receive the teeth of at least one part of an upper jaw or a lower jaw of the user, where the tray includes an occlusal portion, a lingual portion connected to a lingual edge of the occlusal portion, and a buccal portion connected to a buccal edge of the occlusal portion, lingual cleaning elements projecting from the lingual portion toward the teeth and configured to clean lingual surfaces of the teeth and the gums during operation of the mouthpiece appliance, and buccal cleaning elements projecting from the buccal portion toward the teeth and configured to clean buccal surfaces of the teeth and the gums during operation of the mouthpiece appliance. The mouthpiece further includes a posterior extension extending from a posterior end of at least the lingual portion, where the posterior extension includes an extension platen and extension cleaning elements projecting from the extension platen toward a last molar of the teeth, where the extension cleaning elements are configured to clean at least a portion of a lingual surface of the last molar and gums proximate to the last molar, not reachable by the lingual cleaning elements during operation of the mouthpiece appliance.

[0005] According to another representative embodiment, a mouthpiece is provided for oral cleaning of teeth and gums of a user. The mouthpiece includes a tray configured to receive the teeth of at least one part of an upper jaw or a lower jaw of the user, where the tray includes an occlusal portion, a lingual portion connected to a lingual edge of the occlusal portion, and a buccal portion connected to a buccal edge of the occlusal portion, lingual cleaning elements projecting from the lingual portion toward the teeth and configured to clean lingual surfaces of the teeth and the gums during operation of the mouthpiece appliance, and buccal cleaning elements projecting from the buccal portion toward the teeth and configured to clean buccal surfaces of the teeth and the gums during operation of the mouthpiece appliance. Themouthpiece further includes a posterior extension extending from a posterior end of at least the buccal portion, where the posterior extension comprises an extension platen and extension cleaning elements projecting from the extension platen toward a last molar of the teeth, where the extension cleaning elements are configured to clean at least a portion of a buccal surface of the last molar and gums proximate to the last molar, not reachable by the buccal cleaning elements during operation of the mouthpiece appliance.

[0006] According to another representative embodiment, a method of cleaning teeth and gums includes providing a mouthpiece including a tray and a posterior extension, where the tray comprises an occlusal portion, a buccal portion extending from a buccal edge of the occlusal portion, and a lingual portion extending from a lingual edge of the occlusal portion, and where the posterior extension extends from a posterior end of at least the lingual portion or the buccal portion, and comprises an extension platen and extension cleaning elements; inserting the mouthpiece into a mouth of a user, such that the tray of the mouthpiece receives the teeth of at least a part of an upper jaw or a lower jaw of the user, where occlusal cleaning elements project from the occlusal portion of the tray toward occlusal surfaces of the teeth, buccal cleaning elements project from the buccal portion of the tray toward buccal surfaces of the teeth, lingual cleaning elements project from the lingual portion of the tray toward lingual surfaces of the teeth, and the extension cleaning elements project from the extension platen toward a last molar of the teeth; and operating the mouthpiece to clean the teeth and gums, where the extension cleaning elements clean at least a portion of a lingual surface or a buccal surface of the last molar and gums proximate to the last molar, not reachable by the occlusal, buccal or lingual cleaning elements, during the operation of the mouthpiece.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[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.

[0008] FIG. 1A shows an example of plaque buildup on a lingual side of the posterior part oflast molar of a user resulting from oral cleaning using a conventional mouthpiece.

[0009] FIG. IB shows an example of plaque buildup on a buccal side of the posterior part of the last molar of the user resulting from oral cleaning using a conventional mouthpiece.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a mouthpiece with a posterior extension, according to a representative embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 3A is a bottom perspective view of a mouthpiece with a posterior extension integrated with or attached to a lingual portion and an occlusal portion of a tray of a mouthpiece, according to a representative embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 3B is the bottom perspective view of the mouthpiece of FIG. 3 A including bristles extending from the posterior extension and the lingual and buccal portions of the tray of the mouthpiece, according to a representative embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 3C is a bottom perspective view of a mouthpiece with an angled posterior extension integrated with or attached to a lingual portion and an occlusal portion of a tray of a mouthpiece, according to a representative embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 3D is a bottom perspectives view of a mouthpiece with a posterior extension connected to a lingual portion of a tray of a mouthpiece by a posterior hinge, according to a representative embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 4A is a side perspective view of a mouthpiece with a posterior extension integrated with or attached to a buccal portion of a tray of a mouthpiece, according to a representative embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 4B is a bottom perspective view of a mouthpiece with a posterior extension integrated with or attached to a buccal portion and an occlusal portion of a tray of a mouthpiece, according to a representative embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 4C is a bottom perspective view of a mouthpiece with a posterior extension integrated with or attached to a buccal portion of a tray of a mouthpiece, according to a representative embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a side plan view of a mouthpiece with a posterior extension and a posterior hinge, according to a representative embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a method of using a mouthpiece with a posterior extension, according to a representative embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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 inventive concept.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] As used in the specification and appended claims, and in addition to their ordinary meanings, the terms “substantial” or “substantially” mean to within acceptable limits or degree. As used in the specification and the appended claims and in addition to its ordinary meaning, the term “approximately” means to within an acceptable limit or amount to one having ordinary skill in the art. For example, “approximately the same” means that one of ordinary skill in the art would consider the items being compared to be the same.

[0025] In view of the foregoing, the present disclosure, through one or more of its various aspects, embodiments and / or specific features or sub-components, is thus intended to bring out one or more of the advantages as specifically noted below. For purposes of explanation and not limitation, example embodiments disclosing specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of an embodiment according to the present teachings. However, other embodiments consistent with the present disclosure that depart from specific details disclosed herein remain within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, descriptions of well-known apparatuses and methods may be omitted so as to not obscure the description of the example embodiments. Such methods and apparatuses are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0026] As discussed above, movement of conventional tray shaped brushing mouthpieces is inhibited by the user’s jawbone during brushing. As a result, the brushing mouthpieces fail to adequately reach and clean the back of the last molars in the user’s mouth. Because the brushing mouthpieces consistently miss this area, the user may develop carious lesions or local gum health problems.

[0027] Therefore, according to various embodiments, a posterior extension is added to the posterior end of an occlusal portion of a tray in the mouthpiece to provide additional bristles. The additional bristles extend the reach of occlusal bristles on the occlusal portion further back into the user’s mouth, beyond posterior buccal and lingual planes of buccal and lingual portions ofthe tray, respectively. When the buccal portion of the tray, for example, bumps into the jawbone, this posterior extension is still able to clean the last molar from the top. The posterior extension may be configured to bend down in resting state to provide a better cleaning angle. When moved fully over the last molar, the posterior extension will reach the posterior (distal) surface of the last molar. While the mouthpiece moves occlusally, the posterior extension will brush the occlusal surface of the last molar, and can even move upwards if the last molar is a wisdom tooth that has a higher occlusal plane.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a mouthpiece, which includes flexible “fingers” or “platens” that form a tray around the teeth of a user, bending outward to accommodate wider teeth, with a posterior extension, according to a representative embodiment. Referring to FIG. 2, mouthpiece 200 is an apparatus configured for oral cleaning of a user’s teeth. Notably, in the following discussion, it is assumed for ease of description that the user (or operator) of the mouthpiece 200 is the same person whose teeth are being cleaned by the mouthpiece 200. However, it is understood that the user (or operator) may be a person, such as a dental hygienist or a parent of a young child, other than the person whose teeth are being cleaned, without departing from the scope of the present teachings.

[0029] In the depicted embodiment, the mouthpiece 200 includes a tray 205 that is configured to receive teeth in the right upper jaw, the left upper jaw, the right lower jaw, or the left lower jaw of the user. As such, the mouthpiece 200 has a substantially J-shape (quarter mouthpiece) that is able to accommodate and clean one quarter of the user’s teeth at a time. In an alternative embodiment, the mouthpiece may have a substantially U-shape (half mouthpiece) that is able to fit all of the teeth of the upper jaw or all of the teeth of the lower jaw at the same time. The quarter mouthpiece or the half mouthpiece may be paired with an opposite facing quarter mouthpiece or half mouthpiece so that that the teeth in both the upper and lower jaws may be cleaned at the same time. In yet another embodiment, the mouthpiece may be configured to receive only one or two teeth at a time, as opposed to an entire quadrant of teeth.

[0030] The tray 205 includes an occlusal portion 210a, an incisal portion 210b, a buccal portion 220a, a labial portion 220b, and a lingual portion 230. The occlusal portion 210a covers the occlusal surfaces of the teeth at a posterior end of the mouth and the incisal portion 210b covers the tops of the teeth at an anterior end of the mouth, where the occlusal and incisalportions 210a and 210b collectively may be referred to as an occlusal / incisal portion. The buccal portion 220a is attached to and extends from the buccal (cheek) side or edge of the occlusal portion 210a, the labial portion 220b is attached to and extends from the labial (lips) side or edge of the incisal portion 210b, and the lingual portion 230 is attached to and extends from the lingual (tongue) sides or edges of the occlusal / incisal portion. In an embodiment, the buccal portion 220a may be attached to the buccal edge by a buccal hinge that enhances flexibility of the buccal portion 220a relative to the occlusal portion 210a, and the lingual portion 230 may be attached to the lingual edge by a lingual hinge that enhances flexibility of the lingual portion 230 relative to the occlusal portion 210a. This enhanced flexibility is helpful in allowing expansion of the tray 205 to accommodate the teeth when the mouthpiece 200 is in place. The buccal and lingual hinges may be thin portions of connecting material between the buccal and lingual portions 220a and 230 and the respective edges, for example.

[0031] In the depicted embodiment, at least part of each of the occlusal portion 210a, the incisal portion 210b, the buccal portion 220a, the labial portion 220b, and the lingual portion 230 is segmented, which provides additional flexibility and a tighter fit to the teeth. For example, the labial portion 220b may be segmented into a first labial segment 221, a second labial segment 222 and a third labial segment 223, where slits are formed in the incisal portion 210b between adjacent segments. The buccal portion 220a may be segmented into a first buccal segment 224, a second buccal segment 225, a third buccal segment 226 and a fourth buccal segment 227, where slits are formed in the occlusal portion 210a between adjacent segments except for between the third and fourth buccal segments 226 and 227. Notably, the third labial segment 223 at the canine tooth is not attached to the occlusal portion 210a or the incisal portion 210b.

[0032] Likewise, the lingual portion 230 may be segmented into a first lingual segment 231 at the anterior end, a sixth lingual segment 236 at the posterior end, and a second lingual segment 232, a third lingual segment 233, a fourth lingual segment 234, and a fifth lingual segment 235 arranged between the first and sixth lingual segments 231 and 236. The occlusal segments of the occlusal portion 210a and the incisal segments of the incisal portion 210b are not shown, but they attach between pairs of the buccal / facial segments and lingual segments, with the exception of the first buccal segment 224, which is not paired with a corresponding lingual segment due to the tighter radius and shorter length of the lingual portion 230 as compared to the buccal portion220a.

[0033] The tray 205 also includes cleaning elements attached to and projecting from surfaces of the occlusal portion 210a, the incisal portion 210b, the buccal portion 220a, the labial portion 220b, and the lingual portion 230. The cleaning elements are configured to clean the surfaces of the teeth through contact when the mouthpiece 200 is in motion and / or by exposing the teeth to cleaning liquid or signals (e.g., ultrasound or light signals). The cleaning elements may include bristles, liquid jets, sponges, ultrasonic transducers, light emitting diodes (LEDs), and / or whitening elements, for example, as would be apparent to one skilled in the art. The bristles, in particular, may be formed of nylon or other known type of dental filaments, or an elastomer material. For ease of illustration, the embodiments discussed herein include bristles as the cleaning elements. However, it is understood that other types of cleaning elements may be included in place of or in addition to the bristles, without departing from the scope of the present teachings.

[0034] The cleaning elements include occlusal bristles 212 that project from the occlusal portion 210a toward the occlusal surfaces of the teeth for cleaning the occlusal surfaces, buccal bristles 228 that project from the buccal portion 220a toward the buccal sides of the teeth for cleaning the buccal surfaces, labial bristles 229 that project from the labial portion 220b toward the labial sides of the teeth for cleaning the labial surfaces, and lingual bristles 238 that project form the lingual portion 230 toward the lingual sides of the teeth for cleaning the lingual surfaces. As shown in FIG. 2, the occlusal bristles 212 may be provided only along the posterior half of the tray 205 since occlusal surface cleaning is needed only for the molars. The buccal bristles 228 and the lingual bristles 238 may arranged in bristles tufts, which are grouped together on the first through seventh buccal segments 221-227 and the first through sixth lingual segments 231-236, respectively.

[0035] In an embodiment, the occlusal portion 210a may be formed of a pliable material and the buccal and lingual portions 220a and 230 may be formed of a substantially rigid material. For example, the occlusal portion 210a may be formed of an elastomer or rubber, such as silicon rubber, and the buccal and lingual portions 220a and 230 may be formed of plastic, such as polypropylene and / or polyethylene, for example. However, the occlusal portion 210a may be formed of a substantially rigid material and / or the buccal and lingual portions 220a and 230 maybe formed a pliable material without departing from the scope of the present teachings. Also, the occlusal bristles 212, the buccal bristles 228, and the lingual bristles 238 may be formed of nylon, an elastomer, or other suitable material, such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) or pig hairs, for example. In the depicted embodiment, the occlusal bristles 212 are formed of the same pliable material as the occlusal portion 210a, such that the occlusal bristles 212 are integral with the occlusal portion 210a.

[0036] The anterior end of the tray 205 is attached to the distal end of a handle 207, by which external force is applied to move the tray 205 over the user’s teeth during operation of the mouthpiece 200. The movement of the tray 205 may be manual, in which case the proximal end of the handle 207 (not shown) is configured to be grasped by the user’s hand to move the mouthpiece 200 in a primarily back and forth (posterior / anterior) motion, similar to a brushing motion with a conventional toothbrush. Alternatively, the movement of the tray 205 may be at least partially automated, in which case the proximal end of the handle (or other linkage) is configured to attach to a drive unit (not shown), such as an electric motor or pneumatic motor, which operates through linkages to the tray 205, such as illustrative linkage 208, to move and / or vibrate the bristles in a selected motion, as would be apparent to one skilled in the art. In an embodiment, the drive unit may be mounted within the mouthpiece 200, such as between upper and lower trays 205 configured to clean the teeth of both the upper and lower jaws simultaneously. When the mouthpiece 200 is sectioned into segments, as shown in FIG. 2, the linkages may be connected between the drive unit and the various segments to provide a teeth cleaning action, as would be apparent to one skilled in the art.

[0037] The posterior end of the tray 205 is integrated with or attached to a posterior extension 240, embodiments of which are described in detail with reference to FIGs. 3A-5, below. Generally, the posterior extension 240 extends from the posterior end(s) of one or more of the occlusal portion 210a, the buccal portion 220a, and / or the lingual portion 230 of the tray 205, and includes extension bristles (not shown in FIG. 2) configured to clean posterior surfaces of the last molar and gums proximate to the last molar, not otherwise reachable by the occlusal bristles 212, the buccal bristles 228, or the lingual bristles 238 during use of the mouthpiece 200.

[0038] FIGs. 3A to 3D show various embodiments of the posterior extension 240 in FIG. 2 that include lingual posterior extensions. FIG. 3A is a bottom perspective view of a mouthpiecewith a posterior extension integrated with or attached to a lingual portion and an occlusal portion of a tray of a mouthpiece, according to a representative embodiment. FIG. 3B is the bottom perspective view of the mouthpiece of FIG. 3 A including bristles extending from the posterior extension, as well as the lingual and buccal portions, of the tray of the mouthpiece, according to a representative embodiment. The bottom of the mouthpiece refers to the interior side into which the teeth are inserted when the mouthpiece is in use, and the top of the mouthpiece refers to the opposite, exterior side that is visible when the teeth are inserted in the interior side.

[0039] Referring to FIGs. 3A and 3B, mouthpiece 300A includes illustrative posterior extension 340, which extends from the posterior end of the lingual portion 230 and part of the occlusal portion 210a of the tray 205. In particular, the posterior extension 340 includes a lingual extension platen 341 that extends from the posterior end of the lingual portion 230 and an occlusal extension platen 344 that extends from the posterior end of a part of the occlusal portion 210a. The posterior extension 340 further includes extension bristles 342 (shown in FIG. 3B) that project from the lingual extension platen 341 toward a lingual surface of a last molar of the teeth. Generally, FIG. 3A provides a clearer view of the posterior extension 340 since bristles are not included. The boundary B between the posterior extension 340 (including the lingual extension platen 341 and the occlusal extension platen 344) and the posterior ends of the occlusal portion 210a and the lingual portion 230 is shown by a dashed line.

[0040] The lingual extension platen 341 of the posterior extension 340 extends far enough posteriorly to enable the extension bristles 342 to clean at least a portion of a lingual surface and a posterior surface of the last molar and gums proximate to the last molar, without causing discomfort or gagging by the user due to encroaching too far back in the mouth. For example, the length of the lingual extension platen 341 may be about 0.5 to about 1.0 times the length of an average human molar.

[0041] The occlusal extension platen 344 of the posterior extension 340 has a width that is shorter than an entire width of the occlusal portion 210a. In the depicted embodiment, the part of the occlusal portion 210a from which the occlusal extension platen 344 extends begins at the lingual side of the posterior end of the occlusal portion 210a. In this case, the width of the occlusal extension platen 344 may cover about 20 percent to about 100 percent of the entire width of the occlusal portion 210a from the lingual side of the occlusal portion 210a, forexample. The occlusal extension platen 344 is included to provide additional stability for the posterior extension 340, as compared to the stability otherwise provided by just the lingual extension platen 341.

[0042] In an embodiment, the lingual extension platen 341 may be integrated with the lingual portion 230, and more particularly, with the sixth lingual segment 236 at the posterior end of the lingual portion 230. That is, the lingual extension platen 341 is a continuation of the lingual portion 230 that extends beyond the posterior end of the buccal portion 220a (as well as the posterior end of the occlusal portion 210a that does not include the occlusal extension platen 344). In this case, the lingual extension platen 341 is formed of the same material as the lingual portion 230. Alternatively, the lingual extension platen 341 may be a separate piece that is physically connected to the posterior end of the lingual portion 230 via a connector. For example, the lingual extension platen 341 may be connected to the lingual portion 230 by an adhesive, such as silicone, or by a 2K molding process, for example. Other types of connectors may include a welded connection or a mechanical connection, such as a “click in” connector, for example, although various other connectors may be included without departing from the scope of the present teachings. Likewise, the occlusal extension platen 344 of the posterior extension 340 may be integrated with the occlusal portion 210a. That is, the occlusal extension platen 344 is a continuation of part of the occlusal portion 210a that extends beyond the posterior end of the buccal portion 220a. In this case, the occlusal extension platen 344 is formed of the same material as the occlusal portion 210a. Alternatively, the occlusal extension platen 344 likewise may be a separate piece that is physically connected to the posterior end of the occlusal portion 210a via a connector, examples of which are discussed above.

[0043] In the depicted embodiment, the height of the lingual extension platen 341, parallel to the neck of the tooth, is about the same as the height of the lingual portion 230 of the tray 205. More particularly, the heights of the lingual extension platen 341 and the sixth lingual segment 236 may be substantially the same. The extension bristles 342 may be arranged in multiple parallel rows across the lingual extension platen 341 and extend in substantially the same direction as the lingual bristles 238 toward the lingual surfaces of the teeth. Accordingly, the extension bristles 342 are effectively configured to be an extension the lingual bristle field provided by the lingual bristles 238. It is understood, though, that the lingual extension platen341 may have a height that is less than or greater than the height of the lingual portion 230, and / or that the extension bristles 342 may be arranged in more or fewer than three rows, without departing from the scope of the present teachings.

[0044] Also in the depicted embodiment, posterior bristles in the posterior-most row of the extension bristles 342 in the lingual extension platen 341 are angled inwardly toward the other rows of bristles, which are straight and extend substantially perpendicularly (normal) from the surface of the lingual extension platen 341. In addition, the posterior bristles of the extension bristles 342 may be slightly longer than the other bristles of the lingual extension platen 341, which may be of equal length to one another. For example, the length of each of the posterior bristles may be about 10 mm to about 15 mm, and the length of each of the other bristles may is about 4 mm to about 10 mm, although the respective lengths may vary without departing from the scope of the present teachings. This configuration enables the posterior bristles to clean a portion of the posterior surface of the last molar and gums proximate to the last molar. As mentioned above, the extension bristles 342 may be formed of nylon, PBT, pig hairs, or of an elastomer, for example.

[0045] FIG. 3C is a bottom perspective view of a mouthpiece with an angled posterior extension integrated with or attached to a lingual portion and an occlusal portion of a tray of a mouthpiece, according to a representative embodiment.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 3C, mouthpiece 300B includes illustrative posterior extension 340’, which is substantially the same as the posterior extension 340 discussed above, except that lingual extension platen 341 ’ of the posterior extension 340’ angles inwardly relative to the sixth lingual segment 236 toward the lingual surface of the last molar. In comparison, the lingual extension platen 341 in FIGs. 3A and 3B is substantially aligned with the sixth lingual segment 236. The posterior extension 340’ includes the extension bristles 342 projecting from the lingual extension platen 341 ’ toward the lingual surface of the last molar, and the occlusal extension platen 344 extends from part of the posterior end of the occlusal portion 210a, as discussed above. The angling of the lingual extension platen 341 ’ toward the lingual surface of the last molar provides a tighter fit against the last molar when the mouthpiece is in user, thereby increasing pressure applied by the extension bristles 342 to the lingual surface. In addition, the angling of the lingual extension platen 341’ enables the extension bristles 342 to reach more ofthe posterior surface of the last molar.

[0047] FIG. 3D is a bottom perspective view of a mouthpiece with a posterior extension connected to a lingual portion of a tray of the mouthpiece by a posterior hinge, according to a representative embodiment.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 3D, mouthpiece 300C includes illustrative posterior extension 340”, which is connected to the tray 205 via a connector, embodied as representative posterior hinge 345. In order to enable operation of the posterior hinge 345, the posterior extension 340” is connected to only the lingual portion 230 of the tray 205, with no portion of the posterior extension 340” connected to the posterior end of the occlusal portion 210a.

[0049] The posterior extension 340” includes a lingual extension platen 341” and extension bristles 342” that project from the lingual extension platen 341” toward the lingual surface of the last molar of the teeth. As mentioned above, the lingual extension platen 341” is connected to the posterior end of the lingual portion 230 by the posterior hinge 345, which enables rotational movement of the posterior extension 340”. When the lingual extension platen 341” is formed of an elastomer, for example, the posterior hinge 345 may be formed as a thinned portion of the lingual extension platen 341”, as shown in FIG. 5, discussed below. The posterior hinge 345 thus has greater flexibility than the lingual extension platen 341”, enabling rotation of the same. In particular, the posterior hinge 345 enables rotation of the lingual extension platen 341” around an axis that is substantially in perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. Alternatively, the posterior hinge 345 may be a spring loaded hinge, or another type of mechanical connector that pivots around an axis perpendicular to the plane the drawing, such as a spring or other elastic pushed by an air cushion, for example. Of course, other types of posterior hinges and / or mechanical connectors may be incorporated without departing from the scope of the present teachings.

[0050] In an embodiment, the posterior hinge 345 may have a hinge stiffness that is greater than a stiffness of the lingual bristles 238, so that the bristles deform during the cleaning process before the posterior hinge 345 moves. For example, the hinge stiffness of the posterior hinge 345 may be about two times greater than the stiffness of the lingual bristles 238. The hinge stiffness also may be less than a stiffness of the lingual hinge connecting the lingual portion 230 to the lingual edge of the occlusal portion 210a, discussed above. Also, in an embodiment, the posterior hinge 345 may be biased, causing the lingual extension platen 341” of the posterior extension340” to flex toward the lingual and posterior surfaces of the last molar. That is, at rest, the lingual extension platen 341” bends inward toward the teeth as shown. The posterior hinge 345 may be biased by design where the posterior hinge 345 bends inward at an angle up to about 45 degrees when at rest, and flexes as needed, e.g., when the tray 205 is between the upper and lower jaws before moving beyond the last molar.

[0051] FIGs. 4A to 4C show various embodiments of the posterior extension 240 in FIG. 2 that include buccal posterior extensions. FIG. 4A is a side perspective view of a mouthpiece with a posterior extension integrated with or attached to a buccal portion of a tray of a mouthpiece, according to a representative embodiment.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 4A, mouthpiece 400A includes illustrative posterior extension 420, which extends from the posterior end of the buccal portion 220a and / or the occlusal portion 210a of the mouthpiece, consistent with the embodiments discussed below with reference to FIGs. 4B and 4C. In any case, the posterior extension 420 includes buccal extension platen 421 that conforms to the shape of the user’s jawbone when the mouthpiece 400A is in position.Therefore, in the depicted embodiment, the height of the buccal extension platen 421, parallel to the neck of the tooth, is slightly less than the height of the seventh buccal segment 227 of the buccal portion 220a, and is angled at the posterior-most corner to accommodate the jawbone. The buccal extension platen 421 is formed of a pliant material, such as an elastomer, and the second to seventh buccal segments 222 to 227 of the buccal portion 220a may be formed of a substantially rigid material, such as plastic, as discussed above.

[0053] Because the posterior extension 420 is guided to the back of the last molar by the curve in the jawbone, friction is minimized, which prevents discomfort. Also, because the jawbone supports the buccal extension platen 421, sufficient force transfer is realized from the cleaning elements (not shown in FIG. 4A) to the tooth surface.

[0054] FIG. 4B is a bottom perspective view of a mouthpiece with a posterior extension integrated with or attached to a buccal portion and an occlusal portion of a tray of a mouthpiece, according to a representative embodiment.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 4B, mouthpiece 400B includes illustrative posterior extension 440, which extends from both the posterior end of the buccal portion 220a and the occlusal portion 210a of the tray 205. In particular, the posterior extension 440 includes a buccal extension platen441 that extends from the posterior end of the buccal portion 220a and an occlusal extension platen 444 that extends from the posterior end of a part of the occlusal portion 210a. The posterior extension 440 further includes extension bristles 442 that project from the buccal extension platen 441 toward a buccal surface of a last molar of the teeth. Boundary B between the posterior extension 440 (including the buccal extension platen 441 and the occlusal extension platen 444) and the posterior ends of the buccal portion 220a and the occlusal portion 210a is shown by a dashed line.

[0056] The buccal extension platen 441 of the posterior extension 440 extends far enough posteriorly to enable the extension bristles 442 to clean at least a portion of a buccal surface and a posterior surface of the last molar. For example, the length of the buccal extension platen 441 may be about 0.5 to about 1.0 times the length of an average human molar. The occlusal extension platen 444 of the posterior extension 440 has a width that is substantially the same as the width of the occlusal portion 210a. In the depicted embodiment, the occlusal extension platen 444 is angled toward the buccal extension platen 441 such that it has a substantially triangular shape. The occlusal extension platen 444 is included to provide additional stability for the posterior extension 440, as compared to the stability otherwise provided by just the buccal extension platen 441, as well as to provide additional cleaning of the occlusal surface and / or posterior part of the last molar.

[0057] In an embodiment, the buccal extension platen 441 may be integrated with or connected to at least in part with the buccal portion 220a, and more particularly, with the seventh buccal segment 227 at the posterior end of the buccal portion 220a. In this case, the buccal extension platen 441 may be formed of an elastomer and may be attached to the more rigid buccal portion 220a by a 2K molding process, for example. The buccal extension platen 441 may be the same material as the buccal portion 220a when the buccal portion 220a is an elastomer. The occlusal extension platen 444 of the posterior extension 440 may be integrated with the occlusal portion 210a. That is, the occlusal extension platen 444 may be a continuation of the occlusal portion 210a that extends beyond the posterior end of the lingual portion 230. In this case, the occlusal extension platen 444 is formed of the same material as the occlusal portion 210a. Alternatively, the occlusal extension platen 444 may be a separate piece that is physically connected to the posterior end of the occlusal portion 210a via a connector. For example, theocclusal extension platen 444 may be connected to the occlusal portion 210a by an adhesive, such as silicone, for example. Other types of connectors may include a welded connection or a mechanical connection, such as a “click in” connector, for example, although various other connectors may be included without departing from the scope of the present teachings. In an embodiment, the buccal extension platen 441 of the posterior extension 440 need not be attached to the buccal portion 220a as long the occlusal extension platen 444 of the posterior extension 440 is attached to the occlusal portion 210a.

[0058] As discussed above with regard to the buccal extension platen 421, the height of the buccal extension platen 441, parallel to the neck of the tooth, is slightly less than the height of the seventh buccal segment 227 of the buccal portion 220a, and is angled at the posterior-most corner to accommodate the jawbone. The buccal extension platen 441 is formed of a pliant material, such as an elastomer, and the second to seventh buccal segments 222 to 227 of the buccal portion 220a may be formed of a substantially rigid material, such as plastic, as discussed above. Also, the extension bristles 442 are shown arranged in parallel rows across the buccal extension platen 441 and extend in substantially the same direction as the lingual bristles 238 toward the lingual surfaces of the teeth. Accordingly, the extension bristles 442 are effectively configured to be an extension the buccal bristle field provided by the lingual bristles 238. It is understood, though, that the extension bristles 442 may be arranged in more or fewer rows, without departing from the scope of the present teachings. As mentioned above, the extension bristles 442 may be formed of nylon or of an elastomer, for example.

[0059] FIG. 4C is a bottom perspective view of a mouthpiece with a posterior extension integrated with or attached to a buccal portion of a tray of a mouthpiece, according to a representative embodiment.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 4C, mouthpiece 400C includes illustrative posterior extension 440’, which extends from the posterior end of the buccal portion 220a. In particular, the posterior extension 440’ includes a buccal extension platen 441’ that extends from the posterior end of the seventh buccal segment 227 of the buccal portion 220a. The posterior extension 440’ further includes extension bristles 442 that project from the buccal extension platen 441’ toward a buccal surface of a last molar of the teeth. Boundary B between the posterior extension 440’ (including the buccal extension platen 441) and the posterior end of the buccal portion 220a isshown by a dashed line.

[0061] The buccal extension platen 441’ of the posterior extension 440’ extends far enough posteriorly to enable the extension bristles 442 to clean at least a portion of a buccal surface and a posterior surface of the last molar, as discussed above. In an embodiment, the buccal extension platen 441’ may be integrated with the buccal portion 220a, and more particularly, with the seventh buccal segment 227 at the posterior end of the buccal portion 220a. That is, the buccal extension platen 441 ’ is a continuation of the buccal portion 220a that extends beyond the posterior end of the occlusal portion 210a and the lingual portion 230. In this case, the buccal extension platen 441 ’ may be formed of an elastomer and may be attached to the more rigid buccal portion 220a by a 2K molding process, for example. The buccal extension platen 441’ may be the same material as the buccal portion 220a when the buccal portion 220a is an elastomer. Alternatively, the buccal extension platen 441’ may be a separate piece that is physically connected to the posterior end of the buccal portion 220a via a connector, as discussed above.

[0062] Also as discussed above, the height of the buccal extension platen 441’ is slightly less than the height of the seventh buccal segment 227, and is angled at the posterior-most corner to accommodate the jawbone. The buccal extension platen 441’ is formed of a pliant material, such as an elastomer, and the second to seventh buccal segments 222 to 227 of the buccal portion 220a may be formed of a substantially rigid material. Also, the extension bristles 442 are shown arranged in parallel rows across the buccal extension platen 441’ and extend in substantially the same direction as the lingual bristles 238 toward the lingual surfaces of the teeth. It is understood, though, that the extension bristles 442 may be arranged in more or fewer rows, without departing from the scope of the present teachings.

[0063] As mentioned above, the mouthpiece may include a hinge that rotationally attaches the posterior extension to the tray of the mouthpiece. FIG. 5 is a side plan view of a mouthpiece with a posterior extension and a posterior hinge, according to a representative embodiment, as mentioned above.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 5, illustrative posterior extension 340” extends from the posterior end of the lingual portion 230 of the tray 205. The posterior extension 340” includes the lingual extension platen 341” and extension bristles 342” that project from the lingual extension platen341” toward the last molar of the teeth. The posterior extension 340” further includes the posterior hinge 345 arranged between the posterior end of the lingual portion 230 and the lingual extension platen 341”. When the lingual extension platen 341” is formed of an elastomer or from a more rigid material, e.g., plastic, the posterior hinge 345 may be formed as a thinned portion of the lingual extension platen 341”, as shown. The posterior hinge 345 thus has greater flexibility than the lingual extension platen 341”. Alternatively, the posterior hinge 345 may be a mechanical connector that pivots around an axis perpendicular to the plane the drawing, as discussed above.

[0065] In an embodiment, the posterior hinge 345 is biased, causing the lingual extension platen 341” of the posterior extension 340” to flex toward the posterior surface of the last molar and gums proximate to the last molar, as indicated by bias arrow R. That is, at rest, the lingual extension platen 341” bends inward toward the lingual sides of the teeth and the gums proximate to the last molar, as shown. As discussed above, the posterior hinge 345 may be biased by design where the posterior hinge 345 bends inward at an angle up to about 45 degrees when at rest, and flexes upwardly as needed, e.g., when the tray 205 is between the upper and lower jaws before moving beyond the last molar.

[0066] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a method of using a mouthpiece with a posterior extension, according to a representative embodiment. As mentioned above, the mouthpiece may be operated manually by manual manipulation or automatically by a drive device, for example. The method of FIG. 6 covers both implementations.

[0067] Referring FIG. 6, in block S611, a tray of a mouthpiece is provided with a posterior extension, such as any of the posterior extensions 340, 340’, 340”, 420, 440, 440’ or 440”, for example. The tray includes an occlusal portion, a buccal portion extending from a buccal side of the occlusal portion, and a lingual portion extending from a lingual side of the occlusal portion, where the posterior extension extends from a posterior end of at least the lingual portion or the buccal portion. The posterior extension extends from a posterior end of at least the lingual portion or the buccal portion of the tray, and includes one or more extension platens and extension cleaning elements (e.g., bristles) that project from the one or more extension platens toward a last molar of the teeth. The posterior extension may further include a posterior hinge, which may bias the posterior extension toward the user’s teeth.

[0068] In block S612, the mouthpiece is inserted into the user’s mouth, such that the tray of the mouthpiece covers the user’s teeth. As discussed above, the mouthpiece may be a quarter mouthpiece that includes a tray configured to receive teeth in the right upper jaw, the left upper jaw, the right lower jaw, or the left lower jaw of the user, or half mouthpiece that includes a tray configured to receive teeth in the upper jaw or the lower jaw of the user at one time. Also, the mouthpiece may include upper and lower trays to receive teeth in both the upper and lower jaws, simultaneously. When inserted into the user’s mouth, occlusal cleaning elements project from the occlusal portion of the tray toward occlusal surfaces of the teeth, buccal cleaning elements project from the buccal portion of the tray toward buccal surfaces of the teeth, lingual cleaning elements project from the lingual portion of the tray toward lingual surfaces of the teeth, and the extension cleaning elements project from the extension platen toward a last molar of the teeth. The posterior extension may extend past the posterior planes of any of the occlusal, lingual or buccal portions of the tray that are not extended, respectively, so that the extension bristles are able to contact posterior parts of the buccal and / or lingual surfaces of the last molars.

[0069] In block S613, the mouthpiece is operated to clean the user’s teeth. Operation of the mouthpiece causes at least back and forth movement of the tray, resulting in the extension cleaning elements of the posterior extension cleaning the posterior surfaces, as well as the posterior parts of the buccal and / or lingual surfaces, of the last molars and gums proximate to the last molar not reachable by the occlusal, buccal or lingual cleaning elements, during the operation of the mouthpiece.. The mouthpiece may be operated manually by physically movement of the tray by the user using a handle, for example. Or, the mouthpiece may be operated at least partially automatically by a drive motor that causes movement and / or vibration of the tray.

[0070] Although the present specification describes components and functions that may be implemented in particular embodiments with reference to particular standards and protocols, the disclosure is not limited to such standards and protocols. Such standards are periodically superseded by more efficient equivalents having essentially the same functions. Accordingly, replacement standards and protocols having the same or similar functions are considered equivalents thereof.

[0071] The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide ageneral 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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, theabove 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. 1

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A mouthpiece for oral cleaning of teeth and gums of a user, the mouthpiece comprising: a tray configured to receive the teeth of at least a part of an upper jaw or a lower jaw of the user, wherein the tray comprises: an occlusal portion, a lingual portion connected to a lingual edge of the occlusal portion, and a buccal portion connected to a buccal edge of the occlusal portion, lingual cleaning elements projecting from the lingual portion toward the teeth and configured to clean lingual surfaces of the teeth and the gums during operation of the mouthpiece, and buccal cleaning elements projecting from the buccal portion toward the teeth and configured to clean buccal surfaces of the teeth and the gums during operation of the mouthpiece; and a posterior extension extending from a posterior end of at least one of the lingual portion, the buccal portion, or the occlusal portion, wherein the posterior extension comprises an extension platen and extension cleaning elements projecting from the extension platen toward a last molar of the teeth, wherein the extension cleaning elements are configured to clean at least a portion of a lingual surface or a buccal surface of the last molar of the teeth and gums proximate to the last molar, not reachable by the lingual cleaning elements or the buccal cleaning elements, respectively, during operation of the mouthpiece.

2. The mouthpiece of claim 1, wherein the posterior extension is integral with the lingual portion of the tray, extending past a posterior end of the occlusal portion.

3. The mouthpiece of claim 2, wherein the posterior extension has a length beyond the posterior end of the lingual portion that is about 0.5 to about 1.0 times a length of an average molar.

4. The mouthpiece of claim 1, wherein the posterior extension is connected to the posterior end of the lingual portion by a connector.

5. The mouthpiece of claim 4, wherein the connector comprises a posterior hinge configured to enable the posterior extension to rotate around an axis substantially parallel to the lingual surfaces of the teeth.

6. The mouthpiece of claim 5, wherein the posterior hinge is biased, causing the extension platen to flex toward the lingual surface of the last molar.

7. The mouthpiece of claim 5, wherein the posterior hinge has a hinge stiffness greater than a stiffness of the lingual cleaning elements, and less than a stiffness of a hinge connecting the lingual portion to the lingual edge of the occlusal portion.

8. The mouthpiece of claim 7, wherein the hinge stiffness is about two times greater than the stiffness of the lingual cleaning elements.

9. The mouthpiece of claim 1 , wherein the posterior extension is integral with the buccal portion of the tray, such that the posterior extension is a continuation of the buccal portion extending past and a posterior end of the occlusal portion.

10. The mouthpiece of claim 1, wherein the posterior extension is connected to the posterior end of the buccal portion by a connector.

11. The mouthpiece of claim 10, wherein the connector comprises a posterior hinge between the posterior extension and the buccal portion, such that the posterior extension is able to rotate around an axis substantially parallel to the buccal surfaces of the teeth.

12. The mouthpiece of claim 1, wherein the posterior extension is integral with the buccal portion of the tray, extending past a posterior end of the occlusal portion.

13. The mouthpiece of claim 1, wherein the posterior extension is connected to the buccal portion and the occlusal portion of the tray by a connector.

14. The mouthpiece of claim 13, wherein the extension platen and at least a part of the occlusal portion are formed of the same compliant material, and the buccal portion is formed of a rigid or semi-rigid material.

15. The mouthpiece of claim 14, wherein the compliant material comprises silicon or rubber.

16. The mouthpiece of claim 1, wherein the lingual, buccal and / or extension cleaning elements comprise bristles.

17. The mouthpiece of claim 1, wherein the lingual, buccal and / or extension cleaning elements comprise liquid jets, sponges type of cleaning elements, ultrasonic cleaning elements, light emitting diodes (LEDs), or whitening elements.

18. A mouthpiece for oral cleaning of teeth and gums of a user, the mouthpiece comprising: a tray configured to receive the teeth of at least a part of an upper jaw or a lower jaw of the user, wherein the tray comprises: an occlusal portion, a lingual portion connected to a lingual edge of the occlusal portion, and a buccal portion connected to a buccal edge of the occlusal portion, lingual cleaning elements projecting from the lingual portion toward the teeth and configured to clean lingual surfaces of the teeth and the gums during operation of the mouthpiece, and buccal cleaning elements projecting from the buccal portion toward the teeth and configured to clean buccal surfaces of the teeth and the gums during operation of the mouthpiece; anda posterior extension extending from a posterior end of at least the lingual portion, wherein the posterior extension comprises an extension platen and extension cleaning elements projecting from the extension platen toward a last molar of the teeth, wherein the extension cleaning elements are configured to clean at least a portion of a lingual surface of the last molar of the teeth and gums proximate to the last molar, not reachable by the lingual cleaning elements during operation of the mouthpiece.

19. A mouthpiece for oral cleaning of teeth and gums of a user, the mouthpiece comprising: a tray configured to receive the teeth of at least a part of an upper jaw or a lower jaw of the user, wherein the tray comprises: an occlusal portion, a lingual portion connected to a lingual edge of the occlusal portion, and a buccal portion connected to a buccal edge of the occlusal portion, lingual cleaning elements projecting from the lingual portion toward the teeth and configured to clean lingual surfaces of the teeth and the gums during operation of the mouthpiece, and buccal cleaning elements projecting from the buccal portion toward the teeth and configured to clean buccal surfaces of the teeth and the gums during operation of the mouthpiece; and a posterior extension extending from a posterior end of at least the buccal portion, wherein the posterior extension comprises an extension platen and extension cleaning elements projecting from the extension platen toward a last molar of the teeth, wherein the extension cleaning elements are configured to clean at least a portion of a buccal surface of the last molar of the teeth and gums proximate to the last molar, not reachable by the buccal cleaning elements during operation of the mouthpiece.

20. A method of cleaning teeth and gums, the method comprising: providing a mouthpiece comprising a tray and a posterior extension, wherein the tray comprises an occlusal portion, a buccal portion extending from a buccal edge of the occlusal portion, and a lingual portion extending from a lingual edge of the occlusal portion, and whereinthe posterior extension extends from a posterior end of at least the lingual portion or the buccal portion, and comprises an extension platen and extension cleaning elements; inserting the mouthpiece into a mouth of a user, such that the tray of the mouthpiece receives the teeth of at least a part of an upper jaw or a lower jaw of the user, wherein occlusal cleaning elements project from the occlusal portion of the tray toward occlusal surfaces of the teeth, buccal cleaning elements project from the buccal portion of the tray toward buccal surfaces of the teeth, lingual cleaning elements project from the lingual portion of the tray toward lingual surfaces of the teeth, and the extension cleaning elements project from the extension platen toward a last molar of the teeth; and operating the mouthpiece to clean the teeth and the gums, wherein the extension cleaning elements clean at least a portion of a lingual surface or a buccal surface of the last molar and gums proximate to the last molar, not reachable by the occlusal, buccal or lingual cleaning elements, during the operation of the mouthpiece.

Images