Device having activated textured surfaces for treating oral tissue

Abstract

Mouthpieces having activated textured surfaces that can be implemented using repetitive movement mechanisms and energy (e.g., electromagnetic radiation) emitting sources are disclosed. The mouthpieces may be used to provide detection, treatment and management of conditions including tooth discoloration and periodontal disease. Implementations can include a low-profile mouthpiece or a mouthpiece covering only front sides of the upper and lower teeth. Other combinations may include full-mouth implementations suitable for simultaneously covering part or all of a patient's upper and lower rows of teeth. The activated textured surfaces may include a surface topography consisting of bristles.

1 . A dental device for exposing teeth to electromagnetic radiation, comprising:
 a carrier having a planar shape with opposing planar sides at least one of which is structured and suitable to be applied to at least one tooth;   a microprocessor; and   at least one source in communication with the microprocessor and oriented to emit electromagnetic radiation from the source toward the tooth.   
     
     
         2 . The dental device as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the source is a light emitting diode or an optical fiber panel. 
     
     
         3 . The dental device as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the source is an electrochemiluminescent material. 
     
     
         4 . The dental device as set forth in  claim 1 , the microprocessor being programmable by a user to vary at least one of an intensity, distribution and duration of electromagnetic radiation emitted from the source. 
     
     
         5 . The dental device as set forth in  claim 1 , the dental device being configured to treat a surface of the tooth, whereby the carrier is configured to overlay and contact the surface. 
     
     
         6 . The dental device as set forth in  claim 1 , the carrier having a substantially uniform thickness. 
     
     
         7 . The dental device as set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising a dentifrice, the dentifrice containing one or more of an agent having one or more of cleaning, sterilizing and whitening properties, and an agent that is at least partially activated by the electromagnetic radiation emitted from the source. 
     
     
         8 . The dental device as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the carrier is dimensioned with a planar shape to treat surfaces of the tooth by overlaying and contacting them. 
     
     
         9 . The dental device as set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising a dentifrice, wherein the dentifrice comprises an anti-caries agent. 
     
     
         10 . The dental device as set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising a dentifrice, wherein the dentifrice comprises one or more of a peroxy compound, an oxidoreductase agent, an antibacterial agent, an anti-caries agent, an anti-plaque agent or plaque control activator, an anti-tartar agent, a desensitizing agent, an etching agent, a photosensitizer or photodynamic therapy photosensitizer, and a whitening agent. 
     
     
         11 . A dental device operable by a user for exposing teeth to electromagnetic radiation during a treatment, the dental device comprising:
 a carrier constructed with a planar shape, opposing surfaces and a substantially uniform thickness therebetween to be applied to at least one tooth surface to be treated;   at least one source attached to the carrier and oriented to emit electromagnetic radiation from the source toward the tooth surface; and   a programmable microprocessor coupled to the carrier and configured to control an intensity and time of exposure of the at least one source.   
     
     
         12 . The dental device as set forth in  claim 11 , wherein the dental device is configured to notify the user upon an occurrence of one or more of a completion of the treatment or an expiration of a treatment time. 
     
     
         13 . The dental device as set forth in  claim 11 , wherein the carrier is a dental tray. 
     
     
         14 . The dental device as set forth in  claim 11 , wherein the carrier is a dental tape. 
     
     
         15 . The dental device as set forth in  claim 11 , the programmable microprocessor being configurable by a user to control one or more of a light, wavelength, brightness, power, or duration of emission parameter of operation of the source. 
     
     
         16 . The dental device as set forth in  claim 15 , the programmable microprocessor being configured for varying at least one of an intensity, distribution and duration of electromagnetic radiation emitted from the source. 
     
     
         17 . The dental device as set forth in  claim 11 , further comprising one or more of a transparent panel and a diffuser panel disposed over the source. 
     
     
         18 . The dental device as set forth in  claim 11 , further comprising a reflective panel disposed between the source and the carrier. 
     
     
         19 . The dental device as set forth in  claim 11 , wherein:
 the dental device further comprises a dentifrice, the dentifrice containing an agent, which has one or more of cleaning, anti-caries, sterilizing and whitening properties and which is at least partially activated by the electromagnetic radiation emitted from the source; and   the carrier is constructed to contact substantially all of the tooth surface to be treated.   
     
     
         20 . The dental device as set forth in  claim 11 , further comprising a dentifrice, wherein the dentifrice comprises one or more of a peroxy compound, an oxidoreductase agent, an antibacterial agent, an anti-caries agent, an anti-plaque agent or plaque control activator, an anti-tartar agent, a desensitizing agent, an etching agent, a photosensitizer or photodynamic therapy photosensitizer, and a whitening agent.