DENTAL APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The application claims priority under 35 U. S.C. §119 to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/902,431, filed on February 20, 2007, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The disclosure relates generally to dental devices and especially to a motorized orthodontic apparatus for stripping dental enamel •

BACKGROUND

[0003] Dental treatment often requires stripping enamel off tooth surfaces. In orthodontics especially, reduction of tooth size by grinding interproximal surfaces of teeth is a common procedure.

[0004] This procedure is used to eliminate teeth crowding, to modify irregular tooth surfaces or to create space between teeth to align or permit insertion and placement of orthodontic bands, implants, or crowns. If adjacent teeth are too close together, it is necessary to create a space between them through the introduction of a mechanical force.

[0005] Numerous devices and methods such as spacing strips and discs are utilized to create the necessary space between adjacent teeth but the most common practice is to strip dental enamel by inserting a segment of an abrasive metal or a diamond band adjacent a patient's tooth and to manually pull each band end in a reciprocal motion until the desired amount of enamel is striped off.

[0006] While these devices have proved effective for generating the required space between adjacent teeth, l

their use is uncomfortable, cumbersome and manually exhaustive. It is physically difficult to hold and oscillate abrasive bands within the small confines of the patients' mouth. The manual oscillating manipulation often causes gum laceration in the patient or injures dentist's fingers. This manual oscillating manipulation may yield inaccurate and imprecise stripping. [0007] Thus, there is a need for a motorized spacing device which may be used in situations involving tight contacts and which will minimize irritation to patients' gum tissue and will facilitate faster and easier reduction of tight tooth contacts as well as irregular tooth surfaces.

SUMMARY

[0008] The disclosure provides a motorized dental device useful for stripping dental enamel to create space in between teeth or to shape irregular surfaces of teeth. [0009] The present disclosure utilizes a motorized device that powers the oscillating movement of a mounted abrasive band. The disclosure is capable of operating at various adjustable speeds.

[0010] In accordance with the present disclosure, a tooth spacing device is provided which comprises a mounting frame capable of housing abrasive bands. The terminal ends of the mounting frame secure the band and are blunted so as to minimize the potential for tissue damage upon insertion of the mounting frame into the mouth.

[0011] The present disclosure, in a preferred embodiment, uses anchoring means that attach to patient gum or sides of the patient teeth to create a stable anchor for operating the device.

[0012] The present disclosure, in a preferred embodiment, uses a hinging means that allows the mounting frame to pivot around the point of juncture with the connecting means. This allows the dentist to operate the device at the desired angle for better reach and placement.

[0013] The motorized device of the present disclosure utilizes any one of the commonly used power sources operated by an independent engine or a turbine. The motorized device of the present disclosure can also be attached to an electric or a battery operated power source.

[0014] The present disclosure may also be used as an aid in reducing filling material on tooth surfaces, as an aid in placing fillings where tooth contacts are tight, and as an aid in stripping off dental restorations interproximally.

[0015] The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURE [0016] FIG. IA illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. IB illustrates a top view of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates a frontal view of a mounting frame according to the present disclosure. [0019] FIG. 3 illustrates the insertion of an abrasive band into the blunted container of the mounting frame according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of a securing means according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates the side view of a hinging means according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "and," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "an agent" includes a plurality of such agents and reference to "the cancer cell" includes reference to one or more cancer cells known to those skilled in the art, and so forth. [0023] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice of the disclosed methods, the exemplary methods, devices and materials are described herein.

[0024] The references discussed throughout the text are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the inventors are not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior disclosure.

[0025] While the disclosure will be described in connection with particular preferred embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to those particular embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives,

modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0026] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. IA and FIG.

IB illustrate a side and a top view of an embodiment of the present disclosure respectively. The motorized device of this embodiment comprises a mounting frame (102) housing and securing an abrasive band, a connecting means

(104) that is connected to a power source, and a pair of anchoring means (106) that stabilizes the device in patient's mouth.

[0027] The mounting frame (102) holds an abrasive band that is placed in the interproxismal space striping enamel off by oscillating back and forth.

[0028] The anchoring means (106) places the motorized device of this disclosure in a stationary position giving the dentist more control during the procedure. The anchoring means (106) prevents dislocation of the motorized device while the power source is on by locking the anchors on the two sides of teeth on patient's gum.

[0029] The anchoring means (106) can be constructed by any suitable material customarily used in the industry such as dental gels or foams that mold or shape to the contour of gum line.

[0030] The connecting means (104) of the present disclosure connects it to a power source.

[0031] In another embodiment of the disclosure, the connecting means (104) could be connected to a hand-piece that is then attached to an air pressurized hose or an electric cable which in turn connects to a power source such as a dental drill.

[0032] In this embodiment where the power source is a dental drill, the device of the present disclosure can be

attached to it similar to any other hand-piece attachment currently used in the industry.

[0033] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the connecting means (104) attaches the mounting frame (102) to a standalone power source.

[0034] In another embodiment of the disclosure, the power source can be an independent engine or turbine solely connected to the device of this disclosure. [0035] One embodiment of the present disclosure, utilizing a power source, creates an oscillating movement allowing the abrasive band to strip away tooth enamel. The device of the present disclosure is capable of operating at various adjustable speeds. The abrasive band can be driven to vibrate at a frequency of 100 to 3500 cycles per minute with a stroke of 0.5 mm to 2.0 cm, which has been found effective and pleasant in flossing procedures.

[0036] In another embodiment of the disclosure, a capping means (108) is installed on the two top terminal ends of the mounting frame (102) which flaps open and closed to ensure the diamond strip is properly situated in place for patient safery. When flapped open, the capping means (108) allows for easy removal of diamond strip.

[0037] FIG. 2 illustrates a frontal view of a mounting frame (102) according to the present disclosure. The mounting frame blunted container (202) houses an abrasive band (204) and provides for at least one horizontal surface of the abrasive band (204) to be exposed for insertion into the interproximal space between the teeth. The mounting frame (102) has blunted edges to prevent injury to patient's gum.

[0038] In one embodiment of the disclosure, the mounting frame blunted container (202) is a U-shaped container.

[0039] In another embodiment of the disclosure, the mounting frame (102) is a rectangular piece having two terminal ends and one bottom end.

[0040] The mounting frame blunted container (202) of the present disclosure can have different dimensions corresponding to different dimensions of abrasive bands

(204) . This accommodates the mounting of variously sized bands with different degrees of abrasiveness giving the dentist more control over what band to choose depending on the size and extent of the reduction procedure. This helps to reduce the incidence of gum tissue injury since the width and length of the band can be customized.

[0041] The abrasive bands (204) according to the present disclosure can have different dimensions and different degrees of abrasiveness.

[0042] In one embodiment of the disclosure, the abrasive band (204) is a diamond strip.

[0043] The dimensions of the abrasive bands (204) in accordance to the present disclosure can be those of standard diamond bands customarily used in the field with length of 0.75-1 inch and height of 5-10 millimeters.

[0044] In one embodiment of the disclosure, the abrasive band (204) is replaceable and disposable.

[0045] In another embodiment, the entire mounting frame (102) is replaceable and disposable.

[0046] FIG. 3 illustrates the insertion of an abrasive band into the mounting frame blunted container according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] in this embodiment, the abrasive band (204) slides into a groove (304) along the terminal ends of the

mounting frame (102) allowing the abrasive band (204) to be securely housed.

[0048] In one embodiment of the disclosure, the terminal ends of abrasive bands (204) are attached permanently to sliding means (302) that slide into a groove (304) along the terminal ends of the mounting frame (102) keeping the abrasive band (204) securely in place.

[0049] FIG. 4 illustrates a frontal view of a securing means (402) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Securing means (402) provides for the abrasive band (204) to be securely and tightly attached to the terminal ends of the mounting frame (102) . Some examples of appropriate securing means (402) can be a clamp, a buckle, a snap, a lock, a pin, or a screw. [0051] This prevents the abrasive band (204) to dislodge and cause injury to patient's gum or dentist fingers .

[0052] The abrasive band (204) is secured to the mounting frame (102) under varying degrees of tension making it possible for the band to tilt and strip off teeth enamel at different angles. In other words, the abrasive band (204) can be placed on the mounting frame (102) in such a way that it can facilitate manipulation of the band in various bending and tilting angles. [0053] This ensures adaptability of the abrasive band (204) in modified reduction procedures and enables the dentist to obtain the right angle and to tilt to the desired degree to strip off teeth enamel. [0054] The band segment may be tightly secured to the mounting frame (102) to permit reduction of very tight tooth contacts. Alternatively, the same band may be flexibly secured to the mounting frame (102) to permit

shaping irregular tooth surfaces which requires a more flexible movement of the band.

[0055] FIG. 5 illustrates the side view of a hinging means (502) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] In one embodiment of the disclosure, the mounting frame (102) is pivotally attached to the connecting means (104) via a hinging means (502) . In this embodiment, the mounting frame (102) pivots around the hinging means (502) enabling the dentist to adapt the angle to patient's mouth or the position of the tooth being stripped. This gives the dentist better visibility during the procedure and it also enhances patient comfort.

[0057] When the mounting frame (102) is placed into the patient's mouth, the exposed surface of the abrasive band (204) is positioned in between the adjacent teeth. The width and abrasiveness of the band is appropriately selected to match the width of the interproximal gap and the degree of reduction desired. Accordingly, as the power source creates an oscillating movement, the abrasive band (204) vibrates in the interproximal gap stripping off teeth enamel.

[0058] During insertion of the abrasive band (204) in the interproximal gap, the band is secured to the mounting frame (102) preventing it from becoming loose into the patient's mouth. The blunted surface of the mounting frame (102) prevents any gum injury to the patient in case of accidental contact between the mounting frame (102) and the patient's gum. [0059] The blunted terminal ends and the entire mounting frame (102) surface significantly reduce the potential for patient discomfort due to abrasion of the interproximal gum tissue.

[0060] The device of the present disclosure, utilizing a power source, creates an oscillating movement allowing the abrasive band (204) to strip away tooth enamel. The device of the present disclosure is useful for stripping dental enamel to create space in between teeth or to shape irregular surfaces of teeth.

[0061] The device of the present disclosure may also be used as an aid in reducing filling material on tooth surfaces, as an aid in placing fillings where tooth contacts are tight, and as an aid in stripping off dental restorations interproximally.

[0062] As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, the present disclosure may be used as an aid in reducing filling material on tooth surfaces, as an aid in placing fillings where tooth contacts are tight, and as an aid in stripping off dental restorations interproximally.

[0063] As can be seen from the foregoing detailed description, this disclosure provides an effective tooth stripping device which will minimize a patient's discomfort during a dental spacing procedure and which will automate the procedure for the person performing the procedure .