METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TOOTH REGULATION WITH HEAVY FORCES

• US 20130196284A1
• Filed: 03/14/2013
• Published: 08/01/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 10/13/2010
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Biolux Research Holdings, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Biolux Research Limited
• Inventors: Brawn, Peter Robert
• Application Number:
  US13/826,383
• Publication Number:
  US 20130196284A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 433/24
• CPC Class Codes: A61C 19/00 Dental auxiliary appliances dental chairs or accessories therefor, working stands whether or not combined with chairs A61G15/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61C 7/00 Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
• CPC Class Codes: A61C 7/08 Mouthpiece-type retainers or positioners, e.g. for both the lower and upper arch arch-shaped medicament applicators for teeth or gums A61C19/063; mouthguards for protecting the teeth of sportsmen A63B71/085
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 2005/0606 Mouth
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 2005/0628 including a radiation sensor
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 2005/0647 the applicator adapted to be worn on the head
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 2005/0651 Diodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 2005/0659 infrared
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 2005/0662 Visible light
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 2005/0663 Coloured light
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 5/0601 Apparatus for use inside the body
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 5/0603 for treatment of body cavities
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 5/0613 Apparatus adapted for a specific treatment
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 5/067 using laser light

Abstract

Methods are provided for regulating tooth movement and for maintaining or improving tissue health using heavy forces. Such methods comprise allowing a heavy force to be exerted on one or more teeth of a patient in need thereof; and administering an effective amount of light to the maxillary or mandibular alveolar bone of the patient, wherein the light is administered before, during, or after the heavy force is exerted. The light can have a wavelength in the range of about 585 nm to about 665 nm, or about 815 nm to about 895 nm. An apparatus useful for providing light therapy is also provided.

Claims

1. A method for regulating tooth movement, comprising:

(a) allowing a heavy force to be exerted on one or more teeth of a patient in need thereof; and

(b) administering an effective amount of light to the maxillary or mandibular alveolar bone of the patient, wherein the light is administered before, during, or after the heavy force is exerted.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the heavy force has a magnitude ranging from about 175 grams of force to about 500 grams of force.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the patient has an orthodontic appliance on one or more of the patient'"'"'s teeth.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the orthodontic appliance exerts the heavy force to the one or more teeth.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the light is extra-orally administered to the maxillary or mandibular alveolar bone.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the light is intra-orally administered to the maxillary or mandibular bone.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the light has a wavelength of from about 585 nm to about 665 nm or from about 815 nm to about 895 nm.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising installing an orthodontic appliance on one or more of the patient'"'"'s teeth.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein installing the orthodontic appliance occurs prior to administering the light.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein installing the orthodontic appliance occurs subsequent to administering the light.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises removing an orthodontic appliance from one or more of the patient'"'"'s teeth.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the light is substantially monochrome.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the light radiates from a plurality of light sources that contact the patient'"'"'s face.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein regulating tooth movement comprises increasing the velocity of tooth movement.