ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCE INCLUDING VIBRATION SOURCE

Abstract

An intra oral removable orthodontic assembly which influences teeth alignment. The assembly comprises; a intraoral attachment fitted to a seating unit and in use, held in place by intraoral engagement of the attachment with crowns of teeth of a wearer. The intraoral attachment is shaped to at least partially conform to at least a dental arch. The seating unit includes a power source, a PCB controller and a source of vibration transmissible to the attachment. The seating device vibrates in response to the source of vibration at a selected frequency between 60 Hz-130 Hz inducing a response in a selected tooth or group of teeth of a wearer. The attachment includes a working head having an array of displaceable formations responsive to said vibration and arranged to engage said teeth.

Claims

1. An intra oral removable orthodontic assembly which influences teeth adjustment; the assembly comprising; a intraoral attachment fitted to a seating unit and in use, held in place by intraoral engagement of the attachment with crowns of teeth of a wearer; the intraoral attachment shaped to at least partially conform to at least part of a dental arch; the seating unit including a power source, a PCB controller and a source of vibration transmissible to the attachment; wherein said seating device vibrates in response to said source of vibration at a selected frequency between 60 Hz-130 Hz inducing a response in a selected tooth or group of teeth of a wearer; characterised in that the attachment includes a working head having an array of displaceable formations arranged to engage said teeth and responsive to said vibration.

2. An assembly according to claim 1 wherein, said intraoral attachment intraoral attachment is detachably fitted to the seating unit.

3. An assembly according to claim 2 wherein, said formations responsive to vibration comprise protrusions and extending from a surface of the attachment.

4. An assembly according to claim 3 wherein the protrusions are nodules arranged on an upper and/or lower surface provided on the attachment.

5. An assembly according to claim 4 wherein the nodules are arranged to engage 30%-50% of the crowns of a wearer.

6. An assembly according to claim 5 wherein the nodules fall within a height range of 1-10 mm.

7. An assembly according to claim 6 wherein the nodules fall within a thickness range of 1-5 mm.

8. An assembly according to claim 7 wherein the vibration induces a force on the intra oral attachment to facilitate seating of said nodules on said teeth crowns.

9. An assembly according to claim 8 wherein the intraoral attachment is shaped and sized for targeting a selection of teeth in a teeth arch of a wearer of the attachment.

10. An assembly according to claim 9 wherein said intraoral attachment engages the clinical crowns of the teeth.

11. An assembly according to claim 10 wherein the dental arch is a quadrant

12. An assembly according to claim 11 wherein the intraoral attachment is shaped to engage anterior maxillary and mandibular teeth;

13. An assembly according to claim 12 wherein said intraoral attachment is interchangeable with another intraoral attachment on the seating unit.

14. An assembly according to claim 13 wherein said intraoral attachment is made from viscoclastic medical grade silicone.

15. An assembly according to claim 14 wherein elasticity in said silicone enables close engagement of the intraoral attachment with all clinical crowns of the teeth in a selected teeth array.

16. An assembly according to claim 15 wherein said vibration source comprises a motor which operates at 3 speeds.

17. An assembly according to claim 16 wherein said power source is a battery.

18. An assembly according to claim 17 wherein said battery is rechargeable.

19. An assembly according to claim 18 wherein the battery is charged using an induction charger housed within the casing of the seating unit.

20. An assembly according to claim 19 wherein the seating unit automatically switches off after a predetermined time period.

21. An assembly according to claim 20 wherein the seating unit automatically switches off after a two minute time period.

22. An intra oral removable orthodontic assembly which influences teeth alignment and provided in the form of a kit; the kit comprising a central seating unit including a housing defining an internal space, and extending from the housing at least one connection configured to receive and retain thereon a detachable intraoral attachment; the kit including a selection of intraoral attachments; each said detachable intraoral attachment shaped to conform to at least part of a dental arch; the seating unit including, a power source, a PCB controller and a source of vibration; wherein said seating device vibrates in response to said source of vibration at a selected frequency between 60 Hz-130 Hz causing location of the attachment on a selected group of teeth of a wearer; characterised in that the attachment includes a working head having an array of formations arranged to engage said teeth influenced by said vibration.

23. An assembly according to claim 22 wherein, said formations comprise displaceable nodules protruding from a top and/or bottom surface provided on the detachable attachment.

24. An assembly according to claim 23 wherein the nodules are arranged to engage 30%-50% of the crowns of a wearer;

25. An assembly according to claim 24 wherein said intraoral attachment is interchangeable with another intraoral attachment on the seating unit.

26. An assembly according to claim 25 wherein said intraoral attachment is made from viscoelastic medical grade silicone.

27. An assembly according to claim 26 wherein said power source is a battery.

28. An assembly according to claim 27 wherein said battery is rechargeable.

29. An assembly according to claim 28 wherein said vibration source comprises a motor which operates at 3 speeds;

30. An assembly according to claim 29 wherein the battery is charged using an induction charger housed within the casing of the seating unit.

31. An intra oral removable orthodontic assembly which influences teeth movement and adjustment, the assembly comprising a central seating unit including a housing defining an internal space, and extending therefrom a connection configured to receive and retain thereon a detachable intraoral attachment providing a working head; the seating unit including a source of vibration; wherein said seating unit vibrates in response to said source of vibration at a selected frequency; the vibration influencing engagement of the attachment with a selected group of teeth of a wearer; characterised in that the attachment includes a working head having an array of displaceable nodules arranged to engage said teeth and responsive to vibrations from said source of vibration.

32. An intra oral removable orthodontic assembly according to claim 31 wherein the detachable intraoral attachment is shaped to conform to a dental arch;

33. An intra oral removable orthodontic assembly according to claim 32 further comprising in the housing a power source, a PCB controller

34. An intra oral removable orthodontic assembly according to claim wherein the attachment is selected from a selection of intraoral attachments.

35. An intra oral removable orthodontic assembly according to claim 34 wherein the seating device vibrates in response to said source of vibration at a selected frequency between 60 Hz-130 Hz

36. An intra oral removable orthodontic assembly according to claim 22 wherein there are a plurality of formations comprising nodules, grooves which induce force against teeth thereby accelerating alignments.

37. An intra oral removable orthodontic assembly according to claim 36 wherein the nodules interact with a tooth or teeth and optimally harness teeth movement forces to enhance prescribed orthodontic tooth movement.

38. A method for correcting the alignment of teeth, using an intra oral removable orthodontic assembly which influences teeth alignment; the assembly comprising; an intraoral attachment detachably fitted to a seating unit, the attachment held in place in use by engagement between the intraoral attachment and crowns of teeth of a wearer; the detachable intraoral attachment shaped to conform to a dental arch; the seating unit including a source of vibration; wherein said seating device vibrates in response to said source of vibration at a selected frequency causing seating of the attachment on a selected group of teeth of a wearer: characterised in that the attachment includes a working head having an array of nodules arranged to engage said teeth; the method comprising the steps of: a) selecting the attachment and attaching it to the seating unit; b) placing the attachment at a selected location intra orally against teeth of a wearer; c) activating the vibration source; d) inducing a vibration by selecting a motor speed at a frequency selected for a particular patient; e) allowing the vibration at the selected frequency or range of selected frequencies to continue for a predetermined time period while the nodules of the attachment are in contact with teeth; f) allowing the vibration source to switch off after the predetermined time period.

39. A method according to claim 38 comprising the further step of applying the vibration at a frequency range between 60 Hz-130 Hz.

40. An assembly according to claim 3 wherein the protrusions are grooves arranged on an upper and/or lower surface provided on the attachment.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

[0036] FIGS. 1a-h show various views of an orthodontic assembly housing body with radial arms for receiving working heads.

[0037] FIGS. 2a-g shows various views of a working head attachable to the housing body of FIG. 1.

[0038] FIGS. 3 a-g shows various views of an alternative working head attachable to the housing body of FIG. 1.

[0039] FIG. 4a-d shows a working head according to an alternative embodiment and which is adapted to connect to a housing body.

[0040] FIGS. 5a-g shows a working head according to an alternative embodiment capable of attachment to the housing of FIG. 1.

[0041] FIG. 6a-e show an exploded layout of the housing body of FIG. 1 and various working heads selectable for attachment to the housing.

[0042] FIG. 7a shows an orthodontic appliance assembly in a working state with three working heads connected to the housing body of FIG. 1.

[0043] FIG. 7b shows one working head isolated.

[0044] FIG. 8 shows an orthodontic appliance including a housing and working head connected thereto.

[0045] FIG. 9 shows a front elevation view of a working head according to one embodiment located adjacent a patient's teeth array.

[0046] FIG. 10 shows a side elevation view of a working head according to an alternative embodiment located adjacent a patient's rear teeth array.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] The present invention will now be described in more detail according to preferred but non limiting embodiments and with reference to the accompanying illustrations. The examples referred to herein are illustrative and are not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the invention. While various embodiments of the invention have been described herein, it will be appreciated that these are capable of modification, and therefore the disclosures herein are not to be construed as limiting of the precise details set forth, but to avail such changes and alterations as fall within the purview of the description. Throughout the description a refence to a nodule can be taken to include a protrusion, enlargement, formation, cantilever, stem, column, tab, strut, extending from a surface of the attachment.

[0048] FIGS. 1a-h show a housing 1 which provides a docking station or anchorage for a variety of selected working heads to be described below. Housing 1 comprises a body 2 and extending radially therefrom are connection arms 3, 4 and 5. Arms 3, 4 and 5 respectively include formations 3a, 4a, and 5a which provide engagement with a working head, preferably though not exclusively in snap fit engagement. FIGS. 1c-f show housing 1 rotated clockwise through a horizontal plane gradually presenting features of the housing and arms 3, 4 and 5. FIG. 1g shows the housing body 2 inverted to reveal switch 6 which allows a user to selectively operate a vibration source contained in the housing. According to a preferred embodiment, switch 6 is now rounded recess which requires a user to depress a plastics cover to switch on. Preferably, there are 3 speed choices, elected by pressing down 1, 2, or 3 times consecutively (within 5 sec) to select the speed. Selected speeds are retained in a memory so that a user's speeds are built in when the device is used again. When working heads are received by body 2 each head will engage an opposing abutment surfaces 7, 8 and 9. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that housing body 2 may be provided without a vibration source. In a case where a vibration source is incorporated in the housing, this enhances the operation of the working heads selected for attachment to body 2. Various frequencies may be provide or user selected to achieve optimal operating parameters for each user of the orthodontic appliances.

[0049] FIGS. 2a-g shows various views of a working head 20 attachable to the housing body 2 of FIG. 1. Typically the head selected includes a configuration and geometry which optimises tooth or teeth capture for each user. This may be a function of overall size, groove size and shape, material of construction and hardness. Working head 20 comprises a body 21 which terminates in distal end 22 and proximal end 24. Incorporated in head 20 is a groove 23 which interacts with the targeted tooth or teeth and assists in harnessing programmed tooth movements to ultimately facilitate improved alignment. Head 20 is typically located to engage a tooth and the user applies selected force to create and enhance the adjustment/movement objective in conjunction with vibration. The selected force is induced from the engagement of the tooth with a silicone head and enhanced by the application of the vibration. Head 20 further comprises a proximal opening or recess 25 which receives a connecting arm such as connecting arms 3, 4 or 5 of housing body 2 described in FIG. 1.

[0050] FIGS. 3 a-g shows various views of an alternative working head 30 attachable to the housing body of FIG. 1. Detachable working head 30 comprises a body 31 which terminates in distal end 36 and proximal end 34. Body 31 includes a shaped working end 36 which has included thereon an array of nodules 33 which are manufactured from an elastic or rubberised material, such as but not limited to silicone rubber, which allows elastic displacement of the nodules during use of the head 30. End 36 is contoured to best accommodate a partial dental arch shape or designed to accommodate curvature/contours which it is used with. Nodules 33 interact with the targeted tooth or teeth and assists in harnessing natural tooth movements to ultimately facilitate improved alignment. Head 30 is typically engaged with teeth and the user applies selected force (location, bite and vibration), to create and enhance the alignment therapy objectives by chewing on the nodules. Head 30 further comprises a proximal opening or recess 37 which receives a connecting arm such as connecting arms 3, 4 or 5 of housing body 2 described in FIG. 1.

[0051] FIG. 4a-d shows an orthodontic appliance working head 40 according to an alternative embodiment. Working head 40 comprises a body 41 which is substantially arch shaped and incorporates arrays of nodules 42 which engage with the teeth of a user. Head 40 includes a flexible chassis which can be customised to a patients bite. Head 40 has a connecting arm 43 terminating at end 44 which is arranged to engage a detachable housing (described in more detail with reference to FIG. 8). Arm 43 also includes abutment surface 45 which engages an opposing surface of a housing (not shown—see item 72 of FIG. 8).

[0052] FIGS. 5a-g shows an alternative working head 50 according to an alternative embodiment capable of attachment to the housing body 2 of FIG. 1. Working head 50 comprises a body 51 which terminates in distal working end 52 and proximal end 54. Head 50 includes arrays of elastic nodules 53 which engage with the targeted tooth or teeth and assists in harnessing natural tooth movements under the action of a vibration. Head 50 is typically ‘chewed’ in that the user applies a force to create and enhance the adjustment objective in conjunction with a vibration. Head 50 further comprises at abutment end 54 a proximal opening or recess 55 which receives a connecting arm such as connecting arms 3, 4 or 5 of housing body 2 described in FIG. 1.

[0053] Nodules described herein, such as nodules 53, distribute vibrational forces to each individual tooth or teeth which is/are in contact with the nodules. The applied vibration forces include horizontal and/or vertical acceleration components which are transferred via a tooth crown through to ligaments and through to the tooth root. Since the nodules impact on each individual tooth, each tooth may be influenced separately either with or without influence from vibration and forces generated on adjacent teeth. Even where the attachment includes an array of nodules which contact multiple teeth, each tooth in the group is isolated, stimulated and acted upon separately by adjacent nodules as each tooth will normally require its own individual treatment. Upon application of a vibrational force to the tooth, forces generated include acceleration and axial forces which combine to stimulate cellular changes which influence tooth re alignments.

[0054] Factors which influence alignment correction include, frequency of vibration, size of force/s applied, geometry of the nodules, the layout of the nodules, the materials of construction of the nodules, their capacity to displace/deflect, their individual and co-operating contact with the tooth and the ability of the nodules to act on individual teeth without unwanted influence from other nodules. In the embodiments of FIG. 5, an array of like nodules 53 ise provided. Each nodule is cantilevered from and fixed to body 51 and comprises a relatively short stem which terminates at free end 56 in formation 57. When nodules 53 contact a tooth, nodules which are in contact with that tooth will undergo deformation and/or deflection to accommodate the crown geometry of the particular tooth. Since each nodule has elastic displacement and deformation capacity, a force will be applied to the tooth that those nodules are in a contact with. The deflection of the nodules at the interface between the tooth and the appliance.

[0055] This local effect of force application can be adjusted by providing an alternative nodule array and/or alternative nodule geometry. The alternative array of nodules and individual nodules can be effected by a change in the length, shape, diameter, stiffness. flexibility (elasticity), cluster density, spacing and variations in these parameters from nodule to nodule or from arrays of nodules to arrays of nodules. The appliance and nodule arrays are designed to optimise the application of mechanical and vibrational forces induced at the teeth. As a user bites into the nodules at the working end of the appliance, the nodules will locally displace to accommodate the geometry of the tooth or teeth contours that the nodules engage. Vibration is induced into the appliance and this is transmitted through the nodules stimulating the cells.

[0056] Vibrational forces are created by the motor and are initially constant. The vibrational forces are distributed through the tooth via the nodules, depending upon the nature of the interface between a nodule an the adjacent tooth. Preferred nodule height is within the range 1-10 mm and thickness within the range of 1-5 mm. It will be appreciated that sizes outside and either side of these ranges are contemplated and may be related to selection of alternative materials. Preferably, each nodule is manufactured from a relatively hard chassis over moulded with silicone nylon. The nodules are potentially spongy and displaceable but with sufficient stiffness to ensure optimal force transmission for cell stimulation, eventually influencing teeth alignment.

[0057] FIGS. 6a-e shows with corresponding numbering an exploded layout of the housing 1 of FIG. 1 and various working heads 20, 30, 50 and 60, selectable for attachment to the housing. Heads 20, 30 and 50 were described earlier. Head 60 is an alternative version of head 20 and operates in a similar manner to that described for working head 20. Head 60 comprises a body 61 having a distal end 62 and proximal end 64. Distal end incorporates a grove which is arranged to target a particular tooth. End 64 includes recess 65 which receives and retains one or other of arms 3, 4 or 5 of housing 1.

[0058] FIG. 7a shows with corresponding numbering an orthodontic appliance 80 fully assembled from the working heads described earlier. According to one embodiment the present invention may be provided in a kit form including a housing and an array of working heads which a user may select from. The arrangement shown in FIG. 7 has selected heads 20, 30 and 60. In this case head 50 was not selected but one of selected heads 20, 30 and 60 can be removed and head 50 (see FIG. 7b) or any other suitable working head may be inserted in its place.

[0059] Appliance 80 can be placed in a user's mouth in any one of a variety of orientations with the option of activating the vibration, using switch 6. A vibration motor may be concealed in housing body 2 along with a power source such as a battery which is rechargeable or non-rechargeable. Where a rechargeable battery is employed, recharging may be effected by induction. Alternatively a port can be provided to connect to an external power source via a lead (not shown) which may include a USB terminal. A rechargeable battery might typically last for at least 20 minutes before recharging.

[0060] It can be seen that a potentially unlimited number of head designs can be selectively attached to housing 1 depending upon particular user requirements. Typically the patient might use the appliance assembly 80 two or three times a day or according to orthodontic requirements. Since there is a relationship between vibration frequency and effectiveness of the targeting of a tooth by the selected working head, the orthodontic assembly according to the invention allows a user to select a combination of working heads and vibrational frequencies depending upon that users particular prescription for use.

[0061] The assembly therefore imparts significant user versatility and allows the selection of working head and vibration frequencies to synergistically enhance the alignment and other orthodontic objectives. According to one embodiment the vibration source may include multiple settings which allows vibrational frequency adjustments. Vibrations may also be used to enhance nerve stimulation using the assembly.

[0062] FIG. 8 shows an orthodontic appliance assembly 70 according to an alternative embodiment including a working head 71 and housing 72. Working head 71 is similar to the working head 40 arrangement described with reference to FIG. 4. Head 71 includes working end 76 which incorporates arrays of nodules 77 as describe earlier. Housing 72 comprises a body 74 retains electrics such as a motor and battery which allow vibration. Port 78 can be used to recharge a battery and/or for switching purposes. Housing 72 is capable of detachable fitment to working head 71 via junction 73 which includes click fit nodule 75. Junction 73 includes opposing abutment surfaces 79 and 82 as shown in FIG. 8d.

[0063] FIG. 9 shows a front elevation view of a working head 90 according to one embodiment located in use adjacent a patient's front teeth array 91. Detachable working head 90 comprises a body 91 which terminates in distal working end 92 and proximal end 93. Working end 92 has included thereon an array of nodules 94 which are manufactured from an elastic or rubberised material, such as, but not limited to silicone rubber, which allows elastic displacement, compression, deflection of the nodules during use of the head 90. End 92 is contoured to accommodate a dental arch shape or other required shape. Nodules 94 interact with a targeted tooth or teeth, in this example, one or more of teeth 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 100, 101, 102, assist in harnessing natural tooth movements in conjunction with applied vibration. The user applies selected force (location, bite and vibration), to create and enhance the therapy objectives enhanced by the nodules. Proximal end 93 includes a connection 103 acting as a docking port which engages a vibration source as previously described.

[0064] FIG. 10 shows a side elevation view of a working head 110 according to an alternative embodiment located adjacent a patient's rear teeth array 111. Detachable working head 110 comprises a body 112 which terminates in distal working end 113 and proximal end 114. Working end 113 has included thereon an array of nodules 115 which as before are manufactured from an elastic or rubberised material, and allow elastic displacement, compression, deflection of the nodules during use of the head 110. End 113 is contoured to accommodate a dental arch shape or other required shape. Nodules 115 interact with a targeted tooth or teeth as previously described herein. Proximal end 114 includes a connection 117 acting as a docking port which engages a vibration source as previously described.

[0065] In use the intra oral removable orthodontic assembly which influences teeth alignment is prepared by attaching a selected attachment of a particular shape and configuration to the seating unit or housing. The user gently bites on the attachment which brings formations such as the grooves and nodules described herein into engagement with a tooth or an array of teeth including engagement with crowns. Each tooth in an array may be engaged individually by the formations. A vibration source in the seating unit induces vibration at a selected frequency causing seating engagement of the attachment on a selected tooth or group of teeth of a wearer. The formations which may be grooves or nodules are able to undergo elastic displacement, deformation, distortion, compression, bending and in conjunction with an applied vibration influences tooth or teeth movement. A patient is asked to adopt a time regime which is arranged to best suit the individual's treatment.

[0066] In summary the method comprising the steps of:

a) selecting the attachment and attaching it to the seating unit;
b) placing the attachment at a selected location intra orally against teeth of a wearer;
c) activating the vibration source;
d) inducing a vibration by selecting a motor speed at a frequency selected for a particular patient;
e) allowing the vibration at the selected frequency or range of selected frequencies to continue for a predetermined time period while the formations such as nodules or grooves on the attachment are in contact with teeth;
f) allowing the vibration source to switch off after the predetermined time period.
It will be appreciated that alternative formations of various shapes (male or female) are contemplated beyond use of grooves and nodules, but grooves and nodules are preferred.

[0067] Each working head is capable of targeting slower moving teeth and this may be enhanced by local vibrations. The orthodontic assembly however configured for use will generally be sized to fit within a field of 100 mm×100 mm but alternative sizes are contemplated. Materials of construction for the working head may be selected from smooth, heat resistant, non reflective, semi-firm material, hard, soft, plastics/silastic, medical grade silicone, rubberised, electrically neutral and thermally inert.

[0068] Each working head and its connector may be disposable or reusable and capable of cleaning or sterilisation. Typically the appliances are provided in a kit including those with and without working heads. A kit may typically comprise a selection of working heads, a housing separated from working heads, a vibration motor insider the housing and recharging leads.

[0069] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the overall spirit and scope of the invention broadly described herein.