PULSATILE ORTHODONTIC DEVICE

• US 20180147026A1
• Filed: 11/01/2017
• Published: 05/31/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 03/14/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Dentsply (Astrazeneca PLC)
• Original Assignee: Orthoaccel Technologies, Inc
• Inventors: LOWE, Michael K.
• Granted Patent: US 10,449,015 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: A61C 19/063 Medicament applicators for teeth or gums, e.g. treatment with fluorides
• 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 7/002 Orthodontic computer assisted systems
• CPC Class Codes: A61C 7/008 using vibrating means
• 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: G16H 10/60 for patient-specific data, e.g. for electronic patient records
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/40 relating to mechanical, radiation or invasive therapies, e.g. surgery, laser therapy, dialysis or acupuncture

Abstract

A processor containing software allowing for measuring the speed of a motor, and adjusting that speed by pulse width modulation is provided. A dedicated voltage limiter prevents excess speed, and a battery charge management controller to charge the battery and monitor the battery charge status, ensures battery voltage is regulated to 3.3 V. These additional features contribute to safety, such that when included on an orthodontic remodeling device they allow safe and effective vibration, with minimal changes in frequency and force and no danger of excess speed or power.

Claims

1. An orthodontic device, comprising:

i) an extraoral vibratory source;

ii) an extraoral processor that controls said vibratory source;

iii) a power source that drives said vibratory source;

iv) an intraoral attachment consisting essentially of a U-shaped bite plate allowing for contact with occlusal surfaces of a patient'"'"'s teeth, wherein a patient biting on said bite plate holds said device in place during use;

v) wherein said vibratory source is capable of coupling to said intraoral attachment;

vi) wherein said orthodontic device can vibrate at a frequency selected to be between 0.1 and 400 Hz; and

vii) wherein said orthodontic device automatically shuts off after a suitable treatment interval or provides feedback regarding an elapsed treatment interval.

2. The orthodontic device of claim 1, wherein said vibratory source is coupled to said intraoral attachment.

3. The orthodontic device of claim 1, wherein said processor captures duration of use data.

4. The orthodontic device of claim 1, wherein said processor captures frequency of use data and duration of use data.

5. The orthodontic device of claim 4, wherein frequency of use data and duration of use data updates in real time.

6. An orthodontic remodeling device, comprising:

a) an extraoral vibratory source;

b) an extraoral processor that controls said vibratory source and captures duration of use data;

c) a power source that drives said vibratory source;

d) an intraoral attachment consisting essentially of a U-shaped bite plate, wherein a patient biting on said bite plate holds said orthodontic remodeling device in place during use;

e) said vibratory source being capable of coupling to the intraoral attachment;

f) wherein said orthodontic remodeling device can vibrate at a frequency between 0.1 and 400 Hz; and

g) wherein said device automatically shuts off after a suitable treatment interval.

7. The orthodontic device of claim 6, wherein said vibratory source is coupled to said intraoral attachment.

8. The orthodontic device of claim 6, wherein said processor captures frequency of use data.

9. An orthodontic remodeling device, comprising:

a) an extraoral vibratory source;

b) an extraoral processor having programming that;

i) controls said vibratory source;

ii) records a duration of device use; and

iii) automatically shuts off said device after a predetermined period of time;

c) a power source that drives said vibratory source;

d) an intraoral attachment consisting essentially of a bite plate allowing for contact with occlusal surfaces, wherein a patient biting on said bite plate holds said orthodontic remodeling device in place during use;

e) said vibratory source being capable of being coupled to said intraoral attachment.

10. The orthodontic device of claim 9, wherein said vibratory source is coupled to said intraoral attachment.

11. The orthodontic device of claim 9, wherein said wherein said processor has programming to record frequency of use data.