MAGNETICALLY RETAINED ACCESSORIES

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. The Field of the Invention

The present invention is in the field of dental light curing devices and systems.

2. The Relevant Technology

In the field of dentistry, dental cavities or preparations are often filled and/or sealed with photosensitive polymerizable compositions that are cured by exposure to radiant energy, such as visible or UV light. These compositions, commonly referred to as light-curable compositions, are placed within dental cavity preparations or onto dental surfaces where they are subsequently irradiated by light. The radiated light causes photosensitive components within the compositions to initiate polymerization of polymerizable components, thereby hardening the light-curable composition within the dental cavity preparation or other dental surface.

Light-curing devices are typically configured with an activating light source, such as a quartz-tungsten-halogen (QTH) bulb or light emitting diodes (LEDs). QTH bulbs generate a broad spectrum of light that can be used to cure a broad range of polymerizable compositions. QTH bulbs generate substantial waste heat and require bulky surrounding structure to draw waste heat away from the bulb and to dissipate the waste heat.

Use of LED light sources has been a significant improvement in dental curing devices. LEDs are smaller than QTH bulbs and generally radiate light at a narrow range surrounding a specific peak wavelength. They often require significantly less input power to generate a desired output of radiation. In addition, LED light sources provide a longer life (e.g. , tens of thousands of hours or more) than QTH bulbs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to dental curing light systems including a dental light curing device and one or more head attachment members that may be removably attached over a distal head end of the dental curing light. The head attachment members are retained in place by a magnetic attachment mechanism. In one example, the dental light curing device includes a device body having a proximal end and a distal end, the device body including a handle portion disposed adjacent the proximal end and extending towards the distal end, and low profile head and neck portions disposed adjacent the distal end. The low profile head and neck portions are sized and configured for insertion into an oral cavity of a patient. The low profile head portion is configured to support or contain one or more light sources (e.g. , one or more LEDs). The system further includes one or more head attachment members that are separate from the dental curing light device.

It is to the thin, low profile head portion than the head attachment member is magnetically attachable to. Because the head portion to which the head attachment member magnetically attaches to is such low profile, the head attachment member (which is also relatively small and lightweight) as well as the head portion of the dental curing light are easily insertable within the oral cavity of a patient without causing significant discomfort to the patient or frustration to the practitioner.

Means for magnetically attaching the head attachment members over the one or more light sources is also provided. A first portion of the magnetic attachment means is included within the distal head portion of the dental light curing device, adjacent the light source(s). A second portion of the magnetic attachment means is included within each head attachment member. One portion of the magnetic attachment means comprises a magnet, while the other portion comprises a magnetically attractable material (e.g. , another magnet or a metallic material to which the magnet of the first portion is attracted). This advantageously allows a selected head attachment member to be releasably attached to the distal end of the device body over the light source(s) such that light generated by the light source(s) is received by the head attachment member.

Such a magnetic attachment mechanism is superior to alternative mechanical retention mechanisms that require formation of intricate mating structures (e.g. , as found in snap, press, or bayonet couplings), as such structures can easily be cracked or broken, after which they fail to function. In addition, such intricate structures including mating protrusions and recesses may tend to accumulate debris, and can be difficult to clean and disinfect. The use of a magnetic retention mechanism for attaching one of several interchangeable head attachment members over the distal end of the dental curing light device allows the distal end of the curing light adjacent the light source(s) to have a smooth surface that is easily cleaned, less likely to accumulate debris, and less prone to breakage. Similarly, the surfaces of the head attachment member that contact the distal end of the device may also be formed so as to be smooth, without mechanical coupling protrusions and/or recesses that are difficult to clean and may easily be broken.

In one embodiment, the distal head portion of the dental curing light includes a retaining ring that holds a lens or protective cover in place over the light source(s). The retaining ring may surround the lens or protective cover and the adjacent light source(s). Such a retaining ring may be formed of a magnetically attractable material, for example an ANSI 400 series stainless steel. Such a stainless steel alloy is magnetically attractable (i.e. , it will stick to a magnet), and is also heat treatable so as to provide increased wear resistance to the retaining ring. Increased wear resistance is beneficial to this structure as it may contact the patient's teeth and may otherwise be subjected to forces that may otherwise deform or wear the retaining ring.

In one embodiment, the majority of the body of the dental curing light is formed of a material that is not magnetically attractable to any significant degree (e.g., an aluminum alloy). As used herein, the phrase "not magnetically attractable to any significant degree" means that although the material may exhibit some magnetic attraction, this attraction is not sufficient to retain the head attachment members in place. In other words, any attraction is minimal, so that any attraction is insufficient to overcome the gravitational force that would otherwise cause separation between the structures. For example, a portion of the head portion of the device body (a retaining ring surrounding the light source(s)) may be formed of a magnetically attractable material, while the remainder of the body is formed of a material that is not magnetically attractable to any significant degree. Such a configuration is further advantageous as the attachment member will only attach to the distal head portion (e.g. , the retaining ring) that is magnetically attractable, adjacent and over the light source(s). This minimizes or prevents the head attachment member from sliding along the body of the dental curing light, away from the intended location over the light source(s). Furthermore, it prevents the head attachment member from inadvertently attaching to other portions of the body, other than the intended attachment location.

These and other benefits, advantages and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the manner in which the above recited and other benefits, advantages and features of the invention are obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a top perspective view of an exemplary dental curing light device; Figure 2 is a bottom perspective view of the dental curing light device of

Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view through a distal head portion of the dental curing light device of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4A illustrates an exemplary head attachment member configured as a ball curing attachment;

Figure 4B illustrates an exemplary head attachment member configured as a light shield;

Figure 4C illustrates an exemplary head attachment member configured as a spot curing attachment; and

Figure 5A is an upper perspective view of the distal head portion of the dental curing light device adjacent to an exemplary head attachment member prior to magnetically attaching the head attachment member over the distal head end;

Figure 5B is a lower perspective view of the distal head portion of the dental curing light device and adjacent exemplary head attachment member;

Figure 5C illustrates the distal head portion of the dental curing light once the head attachment member is magnetically attached so as to be retained in place over the light source(s) disposed on the distal head portion;

Figure 6A illustrates an exemplary protective cone-shaped head attachment member magnetically attached over the distal head portion of a dental curing light device;

Figure 6B illustrates the cone-shaped head attachment member of Figure 6 A being used within a dental preparation; Figures 7A illustrates an exemplary head attachment member including a collimating lens for collimating light;

Figure 7B illustrates an alternative exemplary head attachment member including a collimating lens for collimating light;

Figure 7C illustrates another alternative exemplary head attachment member including a collimating lens for collimating light;

Figure 7D is a perspective view of a distal head portion of a dental curing light including the light collimating head attachment member of Figure 7B, as well as the footprint of light emitted by such system; and

Figure 8 illustrates an exemplary diagnostic fluorescing head attachment member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

I. Introduction

The present invention encompasses dental curing light systems that include a dental curing light device and at least one head attachment member that can be releasably attached by magnetic means to the distal head end of the dental curing light device. In one example, the dental curing light device includes a device body having a proximal end and a distal end, the device body including a handle portion disposed adjacent the proximal end and extending towards the distal end, and low profile head and neck portions disposed adjacent the distal end so as to be sized and configured for insertion into an oral cavity of a patient. The head portion at the distal end is configured to support or contain one or more light source(s).

The system further includes one or more head attachment members that are separate from the dental curing light device. Means for magnetically attaching the head attachment member over the one or more light source(s) is also provided. A first portion of the magnetic attachment means is included within the distal head portion of the dental curing light device, adjacent the light source(s). A second portion of the magnetic attachment means is included within each head attachment member. One portion of the magnetic attachment means comprises a magnet, while the other portion comprises a magnetically attractable material (e.g. , another magnet or a metallic material to which the magnet of the other portion is attracted). This advantageously allows any selected head attachment member to be releasably attached to the distal end of the device body over the light source(s) such that light generated by the light source(s) is directed by the head attachment member.

Head attachment members are preferably relatively small and light weight. The small size of each head attachment member paired with the thin, low profile distal head portion provides for easy insertion and excellent maneuverability of the distal head end of the device body as well as the entire attached head attachment member within the oral cavity of the patient. This ease of insertion and high maneuverability is provided with a minimum of discomfort to the patient and frustration to the practitioner.

II. Definitions

The term "light source" includes any structure that may be used to generate and emit light. Exemplary structures include, but are not limited to, LED(s).

The term "LED" includes any light emitting diode. It may include additional the electrical components in addition to the light emitting die as well as an integral lens or protective layer included in a typical LED structure. Accordingly, references made herein to embodiments of the dental curing light systems including head attachment members including a lens are made with reference to secondary lenses or lenses that are not otherwise integrally included as part of the LED structure.

The term "lens", as used herein, refers to any object through which light may travel and does not inherently imply any characteristics for focusing or collimating light. Such lenses may be included within head attachment members of the present inventive systems.

The term "spot cure" refers to a procedure of curing less than the total area of a light curable composition (e.g. , through a veneer or translucent dental appliance) without curing excess light curable composition that may be squeezed out around the perimeter of the appliance.

The term "spectrum of light" refers to light that is monochromatic or substantially monochromatic, as well as light that falls within a range of wavelengths. The term "wavelength", when used in the context of the term "spectrum of light", refers to either the actual wavelength of monochromatic light or the dominant wavelength within a range of wavelengths. III. Exemplary Dental Curing Light Systems

Dental curing light systems according to the invention include a dental curing light device having one or more LED or other light sources and at least one head attachment member that is releasably attachable to the dental curing light device by a magnetic attachment mechanism so that at least a portion of the light emitted by the light source(s) passes through the attached head attachment member. The systems may include a variety of different types of head attachment members that can be interchanged to provide a multiplicity of functions. Although the dental curing light device is perfectly suitable for use (e.g. , in curing a photocurable dental composition) without an attached head attachment, in this way, the releasably attachable head attachment members add versatility to an otherwise simple dental curing light device.

A. Dental Curing Light Devices Having an LED Light Source

Examples of dental curing light devices that may be used in connection with the inventive systems are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,331, 111 to Cao; U.S. Patent No. 6,692,252 to Scott; U.S. Patent No. 6,702,576 to Fischer et al.; U.S. Patent No. 6,994,546 to Fischer et al.; U.S. Patent No. 6,890, 175 to Fischer et al.; U.S. application Serial No. 10/301,158, filed November 21, 2002, and entitled "Wide Bandwidth LED Curing Light"; and PCT application Serial No. PCT/US09/069738 filed December 29, 2009 and entitled "Dental Curing Light Having Unibody Design that Acts as a Heat Sink". For purposes of disclosing exemplary dental curing light devices, the foregoing patents and applications are incorporated by reference.

One presently preferred dental curing light device is embodied by the VALO™ dental curing light of Ultradent Products, Inc., located in South Jordan, Utah.

Reference is now made to Figures 1-3, which illustrates an exemplary dental curing light device 100 including an LED light source. As shown, the dental curing light device 100 has the general configuration of an elongate dental hand piece with a sleek and slender device body 102 having a distal head end 104 and a proximal gripping end 106. Distal end 104 includes a neck portion 108 and a head portion 110. Distal end 104 is sized and configured to be inserted into the mouth of a dental patient.

In one embodiment, the proximal gripping end 106 of the device body 102 can have a thickness in a range from about 10-40 mm, more preferably about 15-30 mm. Such dimensions provide for comfortable gripping by the user. The low profile neck 108 and head portion 110 are thinner than the handle portion and may have a maximum thickness, particularly head portion 110, that is less than about 25 mm, more preferably less than about 15 mm, and even more preferably less than about 10 mm. Most preferably, neck portion 108 and particularly head portion 110 include a maximum thickness less than about 8 mm. Even thinner head portions, for example having a maximum thickness less than about 5 mm, or even less than about 2 mm, may be possible when using relatively thin organic LEDs, mounting LED dies directly to head portion 110 of device body 102, and/or using photonic crystals rather than traditional lenses for light collimation. Additional details regarding such features are disclosed in PCT application Serial No. PCT/US09/069738 filed December 29, 2009 and entitled "Dental Curing Light Having Unibody Design that Acts as a Heat Sink", already incorporated by reference.

The low profile characteristics of the neck 108 and head portion 110 are particularly advantageous as they allow for easy and relatively comfortable insertion of the neck and head portions into the oral cavity of the patient during dental procedures. The thinness of the head and neck does not require that the patient open their mouth to an uncomfortable degree, and the head and neck portions are not so large as to fill the entire oral cavity, which provides for an increased degree of maneuverability of the head and neck portions, as well as sight lines from the practitioner to the head and neck portions (and the treatment site) in the oral cavity with minimal obstruction caused by the presence of the dental curing light device itself.

This is in contrast to larger, bulkier devices, for example, those including large, heavy fiber optic light guides that must be inserted into the patient's mouth during a given procedure, and which typically include a bend at the end of the light guide to aid in directing light to the desired site. Such a bend at the distal end of the light guide is required of such devices because they are typically so large that maneuvering the device so as to emit the light at a desired site is otherwise not possible. By contrast, the dental curing light 100 for use with the current system is preferably sleek, slender, substantially straight and linear, without the need for any bends, as the light source(s) may be mounted at the distal head end so as to emit light laterally outward relative to a longitudinal axis of the body. Preferably, such mounting and light emission will be substantially perpendicular to the body's longitudinal axis, as seen in Figures 2 and 7D.

In addition, the weight of such fiber optic light guides is significant, which further compounds issues of maneuverability within the oral cavity of the patient. Advantageously, the present inventive dental curing light device systems do not require use of such heavy, difficult to maneuver fiber optic light guides as the LEDs or other light sources are supported on or within the distal head portion of the dental curing light, and so are configured to be inserted themselves into the oral cavity of the patient, obviating any need for such large, bulky, heavy, and poorly maneuverable structures.

Curing light 100 includes a power cord 114 having a plug 116 that allows the device to be coupled to a power source. However, in an alternative embodiment, the dental curing light can have a rechargeable battery that powers an internal electronics assembly. Device body 102 may include a protective sleeve 118 attached to the proximal end. Protective sleeve 118 may enclose the opening in the device body 102 through which cord 114 passes and may also support cord 114 to prevent cord 114 from developing a short.

The dental curing light 100 may include an electronics assembly (not shown) connected to power cord 114 and that works in conjunction with power button 126 and intensity selector 128. Power button 126 allows the dental practitioner to power the curing light 100 on and off. Intensity selector 128 allows the dental practitioner to increase the intensity of the light being emitted from one or more LEDs or other light source(s) in head portion 110. Actuating intensity selector 128 increases the power delivered to the light source(s). To decrease power intensity, the user can power the curing light 100 off and back on again. Alternative control and operation modes will be readily apparent to one of skill in the art.

Figure 2 shows a bottom perspective view of dental curing light 100, while Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the distal head 110. Head portion 110 includes one or more light sources (e.g. , LEDs) 120. LEDs 120 are configured to emit light at one or more wavelengths suitable for curing a light curable dental composition in the mouth of a patient. Holes 122a and 122b allow an internal electronics assembly (not shown) to be secured to device body 102 using, for example, a pair of screws. Wires 134a and 134b connect the electronics assembly (not shown) with the one or more LEDs or other light sources 120. Alternative power connections (e.g. , electrically conductive traces) are possible.

As described above, device body 102 includes a handle or gripping portion 106 that is sized and configured for a dental practitioner to hold and manipulate with the hand. Handle portion 106 is typically rounded and substantially wider than neck portion 108, which is configured for insertion into a mouth of a patient. Neck portion 108 is typically narrow and elongate for minimizing the space necessary to manipulate the curing light 100 in the patient's mouth. Head portion 110 may be somewhat wider than neck portion 108, depending on the space required for the one or more LEDs. In one embodiment, the device body may be elongate. As shown in Figure 3, head 110 may include a recess or cavity 144 housing the LED(s) 120. In an alternative embodiment, the head 110 can have a flat surface that supports the LED(s). Additional details regarding the illustrated dental curing light 100, as well as alternative dental curing light configurations are disclosed in PCT application Serial No. PCT/US09/069738 filed December 29, 2009 and entitled "Dental Curing Light Having Unibody Design that Acts as a Heat Sink".

In one embodiment, device body 102 is constructed from a thermally conductive body material. Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to, thermally conductive metals, polymers, ceramics, fibers and/or nanomaterials (e.g. , nanotube and/or nanosheet materials such as graphene). According to one such embodiment, the device body 102 comprises an aluminum alloy. Aluminum alloys provide a device body that is sufficiently sturdy for use in the dental practice where instruments are often subjected to conditions or situations that might damage, blemish or otherwise cause deformations to body 102. Aluminum alloys typically include alloying metals that increase the toughness and other properties of the material. Additional details regarding suitable aluminum alloys, as well as additional information relative to thermally conductive body materials are disclosed in PCT application Serial No. PCT/US09/069738 filed December 29, 2009 and entitled "Dental Curing Light Having Unibody Design that Acts as a Heat Sink", already incorporated by reference.

The LEDs themselves may comprise any suitable LEDs configured to emit within a desired spectrum. Exemplary LED dies include inorganic solid-state LED dies and organic LED dies. Organic LED (OLED) dies are light emitting diodes whose emissive electroluminescent layer includes a film of organic compounds. The layer may typically include a polymer that allows suitable organic compounds to be deposited. The organic compounds are deposited in rows and columns onto a flat carrier. The use of OLED dies may further reduce the thickness of the distal head portion of the dental curing light beyond that illustrated in Figures 1-2, as OLED dies are flexible and thinner than conventional inorganic solid-state LED dies.

In one embodiment, the head portion 110 of device body 102 includes one or more light sources 120 that allows a dental practitioner to illuminate a polymerizable composition and cause the polymerizable composition to cure. Figure 3 illustrates the components surrounding exemplary LED light source 120 at the distal head 110 in greater detail. Head portion 110 supports or contains LED(s) or other light source(s) 120. Exemplary LED 120 is shown mounted on a thermally conductive layer 154. It is noted that the illustrated embodiment includes no heat sink other than body 102. In embodiments where device body 102 comprises a material other than a thermally conductive material, an internal heat sink may be provided in thermal contact with light source(s) 120. In addition to any lens or protective cover included with light source 120, an additional lens 150 may be provided. A retaining ring 158 is shown surrounding lens 150, so that ring 158 fixedly retains lens 150 in place. As will be described in conjunction with Figures 5A-5C, retaining ring 158 may be formed of a material that is magnetically attractable so that a magnet within a head attachment member is magnetically retained over distal head end 110.

It is noted that dental curing light device 100 is suitable for use (e.g. , in curing any desired photocurable dental composition) by itself, without the attachment of any head attachment member. The various head attachment members serve to more specifically configure the device 100 with a selected and attached head attachment member to a more specialized purpose.

B. Exemplary Head Attachment Members

A dental curing light system may include a dental curing light device and one or more interchangeable magnetically retained head attachment members. Examples of such head attachment members include, but are not limited to, light shield attachments, spot curing attachments, ball curing attachments, diagnostic fluorescing attachments, and cone shaped attachments. Figures 4A-4C illustrate various exemplary head attachment members. As seen in Figure 4A, an exemplary ball curing attachment member 160 may include a body 162, an elongate light guide 164 extending from body 162, and a light-emitting ball 166 at an end of light guide 164 distal to the portion of body 162 that magnetically couples to the distal head end of dental curing light 100 (not shown). Body 162 may be hollow, or may optionally include a focusing lens disposed within body 162 so as to receive and further focus light emitted from the LED(s) at distal head portion 110 (not shown) prior to introducing the focused light into light guide 164. Body 162 and light guide 164 may include opaque exterior surfaces to as to prevent the light from being emitted other than through ball 166.

As seen in Figure 4A, body 162 is open at its proximal end, and may include a rim 168 upon which a magnet 170 is supported. Magnet 170 may be held in place with an adhesive, or may be held by a friction fit so that it will not fall out or be pulled out once the head attachment member is magnetically attached over distal head 110 of the dental curing light (not shown). In the illustrated configuration, proximal end of body 162 is substantially cylindrical, as is rim 168. Magnet 170 may be similarly sized, including a diameter approximately equal to that of the inside of the proximal end of body 162, providing a flush fit against the interior of body 162. In the illustrated example, magnet 170 is ring shaped with a centrally disposed void. Other shapes for the proximal end of body 162, rim 168, and magnet 170 (e.g. , oval, rectangular, etc.) may be possible, although head attachment members including a proximal magnetic coupling end that are substantially circular in shape as shown may be preferred for their aesthetics and ease of manufacture and use.

Although head attachment member 160 is described as including a short light guide 164, head attachment member 160 is small and light weight as compared to the already relatively sleek, slender, lightweight dental curing light device 100. For example, head attachment member 160 may have a maximum diameter or width less than about 10 mm, and a maximum height that is also limited (e.g. , less than about 15 mm, more preferably less than about 10 mm). The small dimensions and resulting light weight of the head attachment member 160 is possible because of the light source(s) of the dental curing light device 100 are disposed at the distal head portion 110 of the dental curing light, and because of the small, thin, low profile characteristics of the distal head portion 110 of the dental curing light 100. Such a head attachment is in contrast to a typical light guide required for attachment to some dental curing lights in which the light guide attachment is perhaps 75 mm or more in length (e.g. , one-fourth or more of the length of the dental curing light body), and with a significantly larger diameter (e.g. , 30 mm) to provide support for the large diameter light guide, which is required in order to deliver sufficient light intensities to the treatment site. The weight and bulk characteristics of such light guide attachments as compared to a small head attachment member such as attachment member 160 are readily apparent.

By contrast, the head attachments of the present invention are small, for example having a height no more than about 15 mm, more preferably about 10 mm or less. The diameter of the head attachment members at the magnetic attachment location (e.g. , adjacent magnet 170) is also limited (e.g. , no more than about 10 mm). Such limited dimensions are possible as a result of the small, low profile head portion 110. The head attachment members are also light weight, for example, having a mass no greater than about 10% that of the dental curing light, more preferably no more than about 5% that of the dental curing light. By way of example, such attachments may weigh no more than about 25 grams, more preferably no more than about 15 grams. Such light weight attachments are advantageously easily magnetically attracted to and retained over the distal head portion of the dental curing light. Risk of the attachments being so heavy (as may result with a traditional large, bulky, heavy light guide attachment) as to fall off under force of gravity and/or upon accidental bumping is minimized or eliminated.

Figure 4B shows a light shield attachment member 260 including a body 262 including a proximal end that is generally configured as a cylinder, and includes an outwardly flared skirt 264 disposed at the distal end of body 262. The exterior surfaces of body 262 and skirt 264 may be opaque so as to prevent light from being transmitted through these surfaces. A magnet 270 having a similar shape and configuration to magnet 170 is disposed within body 262 near the proximal end of body 262, supported by rim 268. Light shield attachment member 260 is magnetically coupleable over the distal head 110 of dental curing light 100 in the same manner as attachment member 160, which is shown and described in further detail in conjunction with Figures 5A-5C with respect to head attachment member 160. Because body 262 and skirt 264 are opaque, light shield attachment member 260 may be used to prevent emitted light from escaping when the shield is placed against a surface including a composition to be cured or otherwise exposed to emitted light (e.g. , if shield attachment member 260 were positioned so a substrate (not shown) were flush with the distal end of flared skirt 264). In other methods, use of attachment member 260 including a flared skirt may shield the practitioner (e.g. , his or her eyes) from light emitted by the dental curing light. The entirety of body 262, including flared skirt 264 may be substantially opaque to the emitted light for this shielding purpose.

Figure 4C shows an exemplary spot curing attachment member 360 including a body 362, including a proximal end that includes a generally cylindrical portion including an internal rim 368 that supports a magnet 370 disposed within a proximal end of body 362. A central portion of body 362 is tapered, similar to ball curing attachment member 160, and includes a relatively small opening 366 at a distal end of body 362 for limiting the footprint of light emitted through spot curing attachment member 360. Body 362 may include an exterior surface that is opaque so as to limit transmission of light through the body 362 so that light transmitted by the spot curing attachment member 360 has a pattern or footprint that is smaller than the footprint of light energy that enters at the proximal end of body 362. Reducing the pattern of curing light energy allows a practitioner to selectively cure a portion of a light curable composition through a dental appliance (e.g. , a veneer) without curing any excess adhesive that may extend beyond the perimeter of the appliance.

The distal end of spot curing head attachment member 360 may be an empty void opening, or it may optionally be closed (e.g. , with a transparent or translucent tip). Any included closing tip is substantially transparent or translucent to curing light energy, which allows it to pass through the tip. Such a closed distal end may be desirable to keep foreign matter or objects from entering the head attachment member body 362 and contaminating any internal components (e.g. , lens structures). A provided tip may be flexible or hard, as desired. It may be formed, for example, of urethane, silicone, polyethylene, or any other elastomer with suitable transmission characteristics with respect to curing light wavelengths. Using a soft elastomeric tip allows the dental practitioner to hold the dental appliance in place with the tip while reducing the risk of breaking or cracking a veneer or other appliance as the dental practitioner presses the distal end of head attachment member 360 against the appliance.

Figures 5A-5C illustrate the distal head end 110 in conjunction with ball curing attachment member 160. As mentioned above, each head attachment member may include a magnet for magnetically retaining a selected head attachment member over the distal head 110 of the dental curing light so that light emitted by the LED(s) on or within the distal head 110 is received by the attached head attachment member.

Whatever the shape of the proximal end of the body of the head attachment member, preferably it matches the shape and size of the retaining ring 158 or other structure at the distal head 110 of curing light 100 to which it becomes magnetically coupled. The magnet 170 near the proximal end of body 162 is attracted to retaining ring 158, or other structure of distal head 110, which is formed of a magnetically attractable material. In one embodiment, it is retaining ring 158 that comprises such a material. Alternatively, the distal head 110 itself may comprise a magnetically attractable material. In one embodiment, the retaining ring 158 is magnetically attractable, while the surrounding body 102 of dental curing light 100 comprises another material that is not magnetically attractable to any significant degree. Magnetically attractable materials may include any material to which magnet 170 is attracted so as to retain head attachment member 160 in place. Examples of such materials may include, but are not limited to, metals to which a magnet is attracted such as iron, nickel, cobalt, or metal alloys containing a sufficient quantity of such metals so as to be magnetically attractable. One class of preferred magnetically attractable materials is ANSI series 400 stainless steels. Although other stainless steels (e.g. , ANSI series 300 stainless steels) may be somewhat similar in composition to ANSI 400 series stainless steels, many if not all of these other stainless steels exhibit no significant attraction to a magnet. In another example, the magnetically attractable material may comprise another magnet. In an alternative embodiment, the location of the magnet and the magnetically attractable material may be switched (i.e. , the distal head 110 may comprise a magnet, while each head attachment member may comprise a magnetically attractable material).

In one embodiment, only a small portion of the distal head 110 surrounding the location of the light source(s) is formed of a material that is magnetically attractable. For example, in one embodiment, only the retaining ring 158 is formed of such a material, while the remainder of body 102 is formed of a material that is not magnetically attractable to any significant degree (e.g. , ANSI 7075 aluminum alloy). This is advantageous as there is no significant magnetic attraction between the magnet 170 and surrounding body 102. This prevents or at least minimizes any tendency for magnet 170 and head attachment member 160 to slide off retaining ring 158 and distal head 110, along body 102. It provides a further advantage in that head attachment member 160 will not inadvertently attach itself to body 102, except over retaining ring 158 (or other magnetically attractable structure at distal head 110 disposed adjacent the light source(s)). This makes it easy for a practitioner to magnetically attach a head attachment member while holding only the dental curing light. By simply placing distal head 110 in close proximity (e.g. , as shown in Figures 5A-5B) to a properly oriented head attachment member 160, the head attachment member 160 is capable of spontaneously being pulled into place against retaining ring 158. This requires only a single hand to hold the dental curing light, and no contact at all by the practitioner with the head attachment member.

Such simple attachment is possible with a magnet 170 of any suitable type.

Strongly magnetic rare earth neodymium and/or samarium-cobalt magnets are particularly preferred, although other types of magnets (e.g. , AINiCo magnets, ceramic magnets, and/or ferrite magnets) may also be used.

As seen in Figures 5A-5C, the attachment members preferably attach so that the longitudinal axis of the attachment member is non-parallel (e.g. , substantially perpendicular) relative to the longitudinal axis of the body of the dental curing light device 100. Such a configuration is possible while still providing for good maneuverability of the distal head portion as well as the attached head attachment member within the oral cavity of the patient because of the size characteristics of both the distal head portion (which is itself small, thin, and low profile) and each attachment member (which are also small). An attempt to achieve such an attachment configuration with dental curing devices including a large, bulky distal and/or bulky, long, heavy light guides are impractical as they provide practically no maneuverability within the mouth. As such, the combination of the low profile head portion and the small, light weight head attachment members provides a distinct advantage not heretofore possible. Although illustrated in conjunction with a specific head attachment member and dental curing light, it will be understood that any head attachment member may employ the described magnetic attachment mechanism to magnetically retain the selected head attachment member over the distal light emitting end of a dental curing light. It will be further understood that the dental curing light may differ in configuration from that shown, so long as it provides a mechanism for magnetically attaching a selected head attachment member over the distal light emitting end of the dental curing light. Additional examples of such head attachment members and dental curing lights are described in conjunction with Figures 6A-8, below.

Figures 6A-6B illustrate a cone-shaped head attachment member in conjunction with a dental curing light. Such a head attachment member may serve to protect the underlying integral lens and/or light source(s). For example, during certain dental procedures, such as treatment of deep Class II fillings, it may be necessary for the light to be directed deep into the dental preparation and with sufficient intensity to cure a light-curable composition placed therein. To facilitate the dispersion of light within a Class II preparation, or any other deep preparation, it is sometimes desirable to use a cone-shaped head attachment member that can be inserted within the dental preparation, thereby enabling the radiated light to be dispersed within the desired treatment area.

Figure 6 A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a cone-shaped head attachment member 460 magnetically attached over the distal head end of a light curing device 200 comprising LEDs or other light source(s) 214. As shown, the head attachment member 460 includes a hollow body 462 having a substantially conical profile to enable the attachment member 460 to be inserted at least partially within a dental preparation, as mentioned above. The hollow body 462 extends from a proximal base 461, which circumferentially extends around body 462, to an apex 466. Body 462 includes a wall 464 extending from the base 461 and converges at the apex 466, defining a conical void within body 462.

In one embodiment, the wall 464 and the apex 466 can have a substantially uniform thickness, such that light passing through head attachment member 460 in a forward direction is able to pass through the apex 466 without being undesirably refracted by the head attachment member 460. Nevertheless, it is certainly within the scope of the invention to provide a head attachment in which the thickness of the wall 464 and apex 466 differ such that one is thicker or thinner than the other. One benefit provided by the hollow cone-shaped attachment member 460 is that it enables light to pass through the attachment member 460, particularly through the front portions of the attachment member 460 in the region of the apex 466, without being refracted, such that the light is enabled to be emitted with a desired intensity directly in front of the apex 466. At least a portion of the attachment member 460 may be coated or impregnated with one or more light-absorbing dyes or pigments if it is desired to prevent transmission of light through a particular portion of attachment member 460.

Although protective head attachment member 460 may not be specifically designed to focus light emitted from a light-curing device, an alternative embodiment may include a lens for focusing or otherwise modifying the path of emitted light. Such a lens may be fixedly attached to the body (e.g. , similar to lens 150 seen in Figure 3) or may be included with head attachment member 460 (e.g. , internal to the hollow body 462). As seen in Figure 6 A, the proximal end of head attachment member 460 includes a magnet 470 which is magnetically attracted to structure at the distal head end of dental curing light 200, surrounding light source(s) 214.

Figure 6B illustrates how cone-shaped protective head attachment member 460 may be positioned into a deep dental preparation 465 of a tooth 467. As shown, the head attachment member 460 is configured with a cone-shaped body that enables the head attachment member 460 to be inserted at least partially within the dental preparation 465. Inserting the head attachment member 460 within the dental preparation 465 is useful for preventing the emitted light from being dispersed to other areas within the patient's mouth. The conical shape of the head attachment member 460 can further be used to press against and manipulate uncured filling material 469.

As shown, the head attachment member 460 is also disposed against a matrix band 471 that may be used for providing form when filling the dental preparation 465. Matrix bands are well known to those of skill in the art. During the dental filling procedure, a dental filling material 469 is placed within the dental preparation 465 and cured with a suitable dental curing light device. If the dental preparation 465 is very deep, the filling procedure may occur in stages, so that initially deposited dental filling material 469 can be sufficiently cured before adding new material. For instance, the dental filling material 469 may be cured with light emitted from the dental curing light device 200 before additional dental filling material is added to the dental preparation 465.

A cone-shaped head attachment member 460 may also be used to manipulate the light-curable composition within the dental preparation 465. For instance, once the dental preparation 465 is sufficiently filled with the dental filling material 469, the head attachment member 460 may be used as a compression tool to work and compress the dental filling material 469 to ensure that the dental filling material 469 is properly distributed within the dental preparation 465. To facilitate this functionality, the head attachment member 460 may be configured with a blunt, rounded, closed apex, as shown.

Referring to Figures 7A-7D, another example of a head attachment member includes a collimating lens for focusing light. Such a lens may be provided in addition to or in place of a lens already fixedly attached to the dental curing light (e.g. , see fixed lens 150). In embodiments without any fixed lens, a head attachment member including a collimating lens may be magnetically attachable directly over the light source(s) (which may typically include their own protective layer and/or integral lens). Figure 7 A illustrates a head attachment member 560 including a collimating lens body 562 in place over light source(s) 314 of a dental curing light device 300 that includes two light sources (e.g. , LEDs) 314. According to this embodiment, the lens body 562 comprises a single integral collimating lens body configured to cover both of light sources 314. In embodiments that include a differing number of light sources, the lens body 562 may be correspondingly configured to cover such number of light source(s). The shape and curvature of the lens body 562 may also be customized to create a desired optical effect. The proximal end of head attachment member 560 includes a magnet 570 which is magnetically attracted to structure at the distal head end of dental curing light 300, surrounding light source(s) 314.

Collimating the light emitted from the LEDs 314 can also be accomplished with various collimating lens configurations. For instance, as shown in Figure 7B, the focusing lens structure may include two independent substantially hemispherical collimating lenses 562a that are concentrically aligned with the light sources 314. In other words, the central axis A of each substantially hemispherical collimating lens 562a is aligned with the central axis A of a corresponding light source 314. This causes the light emitted by the light sources 314 to be refracted into a path of illumination having a desired footprint, as described below in more detail in reference to Figure 7D.

Generally, the desired optical effect of a collimating lens is to reduce the angle of dispersion in which light is typically emitted from an LED (typically about 120°- 140°). By reducing the angle of dispersion, it is possible to collimate the light so that the dental curing light device 300 can efficiently operate within a greater range of distances from the desired application site. By way of example, collimating the light enables the dental curing light device 300 to irradiate a desired application site with substantially the same intensity of radiant energy at about 8 mm as at a distance of about 5 mm.

Figure 7C illustrates another embodiment of a head attachment member including a collimating lens. As shown, the collimating lens comprises two aspheric collimating lenses 562b disposed above and concentrically misaligned with the two light sources 314. In other words, the central axis A of each aspheric collimating lens 562b is askew to the central axis A' of the light source 314 to which it corresponds. It has been found that by offsetting the respective axes of the aspheric collimating lenses 562b and the light sources 314, it is possible to create a different collimating effect of the light emitted from the light sources 314.

Figure 7D is a top perspective view of the distal head portion of dental curing light device 300 emitting light within a path of illumination 316. The light emitted from the dental curing light device 300 is substantially collimated by a collimating lens of the head attachment member 560, as described above in Figure 7B. According to this embodiment, the path of illumination 316 comprises a substantially elliptical footprint 318. The elliptical shape of the footprint 318 is advantageous because it generally corresponds with the shape of many dental surfaces, which are commonly substantially elliptical, where the light is directed during dental restoration procedures, thereby increasing the overall efficiency of the dental curing light device 300. It will be appreciated, however, that the footprint of light may also comprise other shapes, such as, for example, shapes generated by light sources that include a single light source or three or more light sources.

A fluorescing head attachment member can be used to convert light emitted by a dental curing light device into light having a longer wavelength. In the case of blue or UV light emitted by some LEDs or other light sources, shifting the light to a longer wavelength (e.g. , green, yellow, orange or red) increases the ability of the light to illuminate, increase contrast and/or make more visible defects in at least one type of oral tissue. For example, a diagnostic fluorescing head attachment member may be useful in visually identifying and highlighting one or more of caries, calculus, fractures, fissures or other defects in teeth and/or diseased or abnormal soft oral tissues.

Figure 8 illustrates an exemplary dental curing light device 400 and a fluorescing head attachment member 660 magnetically attached to the distal head end of the dental curing light device 400, over LED(s) 414. The exemplary diagnostic fluorescing head attachment member 660 includes a magnet 670 disposed in the proximal end of body 662, which is magnetically attracted to a portion of dental curing light 400 surrounding the distal head end of the curing light 400, adjacent LED(s) 414. In one embodiment, the spectrum of light emitted by LED(s) 414 includes curing light wavelengths (e.g., approximately 350-490 nm) in order for the spectrum of light to be suitable for curing one or more different types of light-curable dental compositions.

Diagnostic head attachment member 660 may include a focusing lens or portion 664 that is able to collimate light emitted by the LED(s) 414. At least a portion of the light emitted by the LED(s) 414 is captured by and passes through the focusing lens or portion 664. Some of the light may also pass through the remaining portion of the head attachment member 660 depending on the angle at which light is emitted by the LED(s) 414. It will be appreciated that head attachment member 660 can be altered so as to not include a focusing portion or lens 664 (e.g. attachment member 660 could be flat on both surfaces), or so as to have multiple focusing lenses, or differently configured lenses, as desired.

At least a portion of the diagnostic fluorescing head attachment member 660 comprises at least one fluorescing dye, pigment or other compound that converts at least a portion of the spectrum of light emitted by the light source 414 to an altered spectrum of light having a longer wavelength. The attachment member 660 may be impregnated, coated or otherwise made using one or more fluorescing compounds. Two or more different fluorescing compounds can be used, e.g. , mixed together or layered within or on the attachment member 660 to get a blended effect or within different sections of the attachment member to yield different sections of transmitted light having different wavelengths.

In one embodiment, the head attachment member 660 comprises a first layer comprising a first fluorescing compound that converts at least a portion of the spectrum of light emitted by the light source 414 into a second spectrum of light and a second layer comprising a second fluorescing compound that converts the second spectrum of light and/or light that passes unaltered through the first layer into a third spectrum of light.

In one embodiment, at least a portion of the attachment member 660 may include a light absorbing dye or pigment that filters all or some of the light emitted by the dental curing light device that would otherwise be transmitted by the lens. For example, the attachment member may include a light absorbing dye or pigment that filters out light emitted by the light source 414 that is not converted into longer wavelength light. For example, depending on the selection of the fluorescing compound, only a fraction of the light emitted by the light source 414 may be converted into the altered spectrum of light, with some of the original spectrum of light passing through the attachment member 660 unchanged. Filtering the component of light that remains unaltered might assist the practitioner in better identifying defects in the targeted tissue by, e.g. , reducing glare that might otherwise be caused by the unaltered light. In one embodiment, the attachment member 660 comprises a first layer through which light passes comprising one or more fluorescing compounds and a second layer through which light then passes comprising the light absorbing dye or pigment in order to filter light that remains unaltered after passing through the first layer.

In the case where the light source 414 emits ultraviolet light (approximately 300-400 nm), violet light (approximately 400-450 nm) and/or blue light (approximately 450-500 nm), the head attachment member 660 may advantageously be adapted to convert such light into one or more of green light (approximately 500- 550 nm), yellow light (approximately 550-600 nm), orange light (approximately 600- 650 nm), or red light (approximately 650-700 nm). It is generally within the scope of the invention to provide a head attachment member having a fluorescing compound that is able to convert any spectrum of light having a first wavelength into a second spectrum of light having a second wavelength longer than the first wavelength. Such a head attachment member is advantageous as longer wavelengths of light are better able to highlight and cause certain oral tissues and/or defects contained therein to contrast relative to their surroundings. For example, green light has been found to be particularly useful in helping to detect the existence of plaque, calculus, tartar, or other impurities on the surface of a tooth. Yellow, orange and red light are particularly useful in detecting caries in a tooth, as well as diseases or other defects within soft oral tissues, such as soft tissues associate with a patient's gums, tongue or cheek. It is believed that longer wavelengths are better able to penetrate and thereby transilluminate healthy oral tissues, while defects typically block or scatter light in such a way as to highlight their location when surrounding healthy tissue is transilluminated (e.g. , illuminated from behind).

It is within the scope of the invention to utilize any fluorescing compound that alters light in a suitable manner. An example of a class of fluorescing compounds is fluorizine. A variety of fluorescing compounds sold under the trade name Edgeglo® are available from PolyOne Corporation. Examples of suitable Edgeglo® fluorescing colors include yellow, green, orange, and red. It will be understood that any of the illustrated head attachment members may be modified to become a diagnostic fluorescing head attachment member by including a fluorescing compound within the material from which the head attachment member is formed. Additional details regarding diagnostic fluorescing head attachment members are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12/145, 115 filed June 24, 2008, herein incorporated by reference.

The head attachment members according to the invention may comprise any desired material, examples of which include, but are not limited to, acrylic, polyacrylic, polypropylene, polycarbonate, silicone, aluminum dioxide, sapphire, quartz, and glass.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing lens designs are merely exemplary. It should be understood that any of the features of one lens described herein can be interchanged or supplemented with one or more other features described herein for any other lens or lenses. Additional details regarding shapes or configurations of various head attachment members are disclosed in U.S. Application Publication No. 2003/0215766, herein incorporated by reference. It will also be appreciated that the present claimed invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

What is claimed is: