Bruxism method and apparatus using electrical signals
First Claim
1. A method in dental bruxism for the detection and biofeedback of subconscious and sleeping teeth grinding of a patient, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) inserting into the ear channel of the patient a socially inconspicuous elongated transducer having an insulative base and a plurality of electrodes exposed on the exterior of the base and in contact with the wall of said ear channel;
(b) utilizing said electrodes to detect microvolt level electrical signals at the wall of the ear channel, arising from movement of the muscles of the temporomandibular joint during teeth grinding;
(c) amplifying the said electrical signals using amplifying means;
(d) electronically distinguishing the said signals from ongoing electrical activity detected by the said electrodes; and
(e) utilizing the distinguished signals to operate warning means to warn the patient that he is grinding his teeth.
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Abstract
The invention measures the electrical signals at the microvolt level emitted from the masseteric (jaw) muscle when bruxism occurs. The apparatus detects electrical signal impulses from electrodes on a transducer probe located within one of the patient'"'"'s ear channels and transmits the detected signals to an amplifier. in one embodiment, a circuit converts the signal information into an audible tone. The tone provides the immediate knowledge of the bruxism which leads to controlling of the action. The apparatus may be worn inconspicuously during the day and without discomfort while asleep for sleep interruption feedback.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A method in dental bruxism for the detection and biofeedback of subconscious and sleeping teeth grinding of a patient, the method comprising the steps of:
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(a) inserting into the ear channel of the patient a socially inconspicuous elongated transducer having an insulative base and a plurality of electrodes exposed on the exterior of the base and in contact with the wall of said ear channel; (b) utilizing said electrodes to detect microvolt level electrical signals at the wall of the ear channel, arising from movement of the muscles of the temporomandibular joint during teeth grinding; (c) amplifying the said electrical signals using amplifying means; (d) electronically distinguishing the said signals from ongoing electrical activity detected by the said electrodes; and (e) utilizing the distinguished signals to operate warning means to warn the patient that he is grinding his teeth. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. Apparatus in dental bruxism for the detection and biofeedback of subconscious and sleeping teeth grinding of a patient, the apparatus comprising:
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(a) an elongated transducer probe adapted to be inserted in the ear channel of the patient and having an insulative body and a plurality of conductive electrodes mounted on the surface of said insulative body; (b) amplifying means within said probe electrically connected to said electrodes to amplify the microvolt level electrical signals detected by said electrodes at the wall of said ear channel, said microvolt level signals arising from movement of the muscles of the temporomandibular joint during said teeth grinding; (c) filter means electrically connected to said amplifying means to distinguish said temporomandibular joint muscle activity from other electrical signals detectable at said ear channel wall and producing verified signals; and (d) warning means electrically connected to said filter means to warn when said verified signals occur thereby indicating the grinding of teeth by the patient. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification