Intra-oral light therapy apparatuses and methods for their use

Abstract

In some embodiments, an apparatus comprises a housing, an emitter, and an electronic circuit. The housing is configured to fit within a patient's mouth. The emitter is at least partially encased within the housing. The emitter is configured to emit an effective amount of light to the alveolar soft tissue when the housing is disposed within the mouth. The electronic circuit is operatively coupled to the emitter. The electronic circuit is configured to control the emitter when the housing is disposed within the mouth and the apparatus is in use during orthodontic treatment. The apparatus and its use for regulating tooth movement or maintaining or improving oral tissue health are disclosed herein.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus, comprising:
 a housing configured to fit within a patient's mouth;   an emitter at least partially encased within the housing, the emitter configured to emit an effective amount of a light to the alveolar soft tissue when the housing is disposed within the mouth; and   an electronic circuit operatively coupled to the emitter, the electronic circuit configured to control the emitter when the housing is disposed within the mouth and the apparatus is in use during orthodontic treatment.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the electronic circuit is configured to control at least one of an operational state of the emitter, a wavelength of the light emitted from the emitter, an intensity of the light emitted from the emitter, a frequency of the light emitted from the emitter, or a duration of light emission from the emitter. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the emitter includes at least one light emitting diode. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the effective amount of light has a wavelength from about 600 nm to about 1200 nm. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the light is monochromatic light. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the housing is configured to wrap over at least a portion of the teeth of the patient. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is configured to produce a force on at least a portion of the patient's gums when the housing is disposed within the mouth. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a reflective material coupled to the housing and configured to direct the light emitted from the emitter to the alveolar soft tissue.   
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the emitter is a first emitter, the alveolar soft tissue having a first region, the apparatus further comprising:
 a second emitter at least partially encased within the housing, the second emitter configured to emit an effective amount of light to a second region of the alveolar soft tissue when the housing is disposed within the mouth, the second emitter operatively coupled to the electronic circuit such that the electronic circuit controls the second emitter when the housing is disposed within the mouth and the apparatus is in use during orthodontic treatment.   
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the housing is a first housing having at least a portion configured to contact a maxillary alveolar soft tissue of the mouth, the apparatus further comprising:
 a second housing configured to fit within the patient's mouth, at least a portion of the second housing configured to contact a mandibular alveolar soft tissue of the mouth when the second housing is disposed within the mouth,   the second housing coupled to an electronic circuit and configured to at least partially encase an emitter operatively coupled to the electronic circuit, the emitter of the second housing configured to emit an effective amount of light to a region of the mandibular alveolar soft tissue when the second housing is disposed within the mouth, the electronic circuit of the second housing configured to control the emitter of the second housing when the second housing is disposed within the mouth and the apparatus is in use during orthodontic treatment.   
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the housing is an intra-oral housing, further comprising:
 an external housing extended from a front of the intra-oral housing and configured to be disposed exterior to the patient's mouth when the intra-oral cavity is within the patient's mouth, a power source and at least a portion of the electronic circuit disposed within the external housing.   
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the housing includes at least one shape retaining member, the shape retaining member being biased towards one of an open configuration or a closed configuration. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the electronic circuit is configured for wireless communication with an external electronic device. 
     
     
         14 . A method for regulating tooth movement, comprising:
 administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of light from the emitter of the apparatus of  claim 1 .   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising:
 exerting a force on one or more teeth of the patient, the force being exerted at least one of before, during, or after the light is administered.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the force is exerted by at least one of the apparatus or an orthodontic appliance. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein at least a portion of the emitter of the apparatus contacts the alveolar soft tissue when the light is administered. 
     
     
         18 . A method for maintaining or improving oral tissue health, comprising:
 administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of light from the emitter of the apparatus of  claim 1 .   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising:
 exerting a force on one or more teeth of the patient, the force being exerted at least one of before, during, or after the light is administered.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the maintaining or improving tissue health includes reducing, preventing or minimizing tooth-root resorption. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the maintaining or improving tissue health comprises reducing bone resorption or inflammatory dentin resorption or cementum resorption of the tooth root or periodontium. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the maintaining or improving tissue health comprises preventing or minimizing inflammation of tissue surrounding one or more teeth upon which the force is or was exerted. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising:
 administering an effective amount of vitamin D to the patient, the vitamin D being administered at least one of before, during, or after the light is administered.   
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein the effective amount of vitamin D is from about 2000 IU per day to about 12000 IU per day. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein the effective amount of vitamin D increases the vitamin D blood serum level of the patient. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein the effective amount of vitamin D is administered one of orally, transdermally, via injection or via insolation. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising:
 allowing a functional appliance to exert a force on one or more teeth of the patient, the force being exerted by the functional appliance at least one of before, during, or after the light is administered.   
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising:
 administering an effective amount of vitamin D to the patient, the vitamin D being administered at least one of before, during, or after the force is exerted.   
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising:
 allowing a functional appliance to exert a force on one or more teeth of the patient, the force being exerted by the functional appliance at least one of before, during, or after the force is exerted.   
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising:
 administering an effective amount of vitamin D to the patient, the vitamin D being administered at least one of before, during, or after the light is administered.   
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising:
 allowing a functional appliance to exert a force on one or more teeth of the patient, the force being exerted by the functional appliance at least one of before, during, or after the light is administered.   
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the force is a heavy force. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the force is a heavy force. 
     
     
         34 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the alveolar soft tissue is alveolar mucosa. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the alveolar soft tissue is alveolar mucosa. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the alveolar soft tissue is alveolar mucosa. 
     
     
         37 . A method for orthodontic treatment, comprising administering to a patient who wears an orthodontic appliance or is in need of orthodontic treatment an effective amount of light from the emitter of the apparatus of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein the patient wears an orthodontic appliance that exerts a force on one or more teeth of the patient. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein the light is administered during the alignment phase of orthodontic treatment. 
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein the light is administered during only the alignment phase of orthodontic treatment. 
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein the alveolar soft tissue is alveolar mucosa. 
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the force is effective for regulating tooth movement, maintaining oral tissue health or improving oral tissue health. 
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the force is a heavy force. 
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein the patient wears the same or a different orthodontic appliance that exerts a second force on one or more teeth of the patient during the retention phase of orthodontic treatment. 
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 44 , wherein the second force is a heavy force. 
     
     
         46 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein the patient wears an orthodontic appliance and is in need of orthodontic treatment. 
     
     
         47 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein the orthodontic treatment comprises tooth movement. 
     
     
         48 . The method of  claim 47 , wherein tooth movement is tooth alignment. 
     
     
         49 . The method of  claim 48 , wherein tooth alignment is measured using Little's Irregularity Index (LII). 
     
     
         50 . The method of  claim 47 , wherein the rate of tooth movement exceeds that of tooth movement caused by orthodontic treatment with an orthodontic appliance, but not with light therapy. 
     
     
         51 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the orthodontic appliance comprises a round wire. 
     
     
         52 . The method of  claim 44 , wherein the same or different orthodontic appliance comprises a square wire. 
     
     
         53 . An apparatus, comprising:
 a housing configured to fit within a patient's mouth;   an emitter optically coupled to the housing, the emitter configured to emit an effective amount of a light to the alveolar soft tissue when the housing is disposed within the mouth; and   an electronic circuit operatively coupled to the emitter, the electronic circuit configured to control the emitter when the housing is disposed within the mouth and the apparatus is in use during orthodontic treatment.   
     
     
         54 . The apparatus of  claim 53 , wherein the electronic circuit is configured to control at least one of an operational state of the emitter, a wavelength of the light emitted from the emitter, an intensity of the light emitted from the emitter, a frequency of the light emitted from the emitter, or a duration of light emission from the emitter. 
     
     
         55 . The apparatus of  claim 53 , wherein the emitter includes at least one light emitting diode. 
     
     
         56 . The apparatus of  claim 53 , wherein the effective amount of light has a wavelength from about 600 nm to about 1200 nm. 
     
     
         57 . The apparatus of  claim 53 , wherein the light is monochromatic light. 
     
     
         58 . The apparatus of  claim 53 , wherein the housing is configured to wrap over at least a portion of the teeth of the patient. 
     
     
         59 . The apparatus of  claim 53 , wherein the apparatus is configured to produce a force on at least a portion of the patient's gums when the housing is disposed within the mouth. 
     
     
         60 . The apparatus of  claim 53 , further comprising:
 a reflective material coupled to the housing and configured to direct the light emitted from the emitter to the alveolar soft tissue.   
     
     
         61 . The apparatus of  claim 53 , wherein the emitter is a first emitter, the alveolar soft tissue having a first region, the apparatus further comprising:
 a second emitter optically coupled to the housing, the second emitter configured to emit an effective amount of light to a second region of the alveolar soft tissue when the housing is disposed within the mouth, the second emitter operatively coupled to the electronic circuit such that the electronic circuit controls the second emitter when the housing is disposed within the mouth and the apparatus is in use during orthodontic treatment.   
     
     
         62 . The apparatus of  claim 53 , wherein the housing is a first housing having at least a portion configured to contact a maxillary alveolar soft tissue of the mouth, the apparatus further comprising:
 a second housing configured to fit within the patient's mouth, at least a portion of the second housing configured to contact a mandibular alveolar soft tissue of the mouth when the second housing is disposed within the mouth,   the second housing coupled to an electronic circuit and configured to be optically coupled to an emitter operatively coupled to the electronic circuit, the emitter of the second housing configured to emit an effective amount of light to a region of the mandibular alveolar soft tissue when the second housing is disposed within the mouth, the electronic circuit of the second housing configured to control the emitter of the second housing when the second housing is disposed within the mouth and the apparatus is in use during orthodontic treatment.   
     
     
         63 . The apparatus of  claim 53 , wherein the housing is an intra-oral housing, further comprising:
 an external housing extended from a front of the intra-oral housing and configured to be disposed exterior to the patient's mouth when the intra-oral cavity is within the patient's mouth, a power source and at least a portion of the electronic circuit disposed within the external housing.   
     
     
         64 . The apparatus of  claim 53 , wherein the housing includes at least one shape retaining member, the shape retaining member being biased towards one of an open configuration or a closed configuration. 
     
     
         65 . The apparatus of  claim 53 , wherein the electronic circuit is configured for wireless communication with an external electronic device. 
     
     
         66 . A method for regulating tooth movement, comprising:
 administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of light from the emitter of the apparatus of  claim 53 .   
     
     
         67 . The method of  claim 66 , further comprising:
 exerting a force on one or more teeth of the patient, the force being exerted at least one of before, during, or after the light is administered.   
     
     
         68 . The method of  claim 67 , wherein the force is exerted by at least one of the apparatus or an orthodontic appliance. 
     
     
         69 . The method of  claim 66 , wherein at least one of a portion of the emitter of the apparatus or a portion of an optical fiber coupled to the emitter of the apparatus contacts the alveolar soft tissue when the light is administered. 
     
     
         70 . A method for maintaining or improving oral tissue health, comprising:
 administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of light from the emitter of the apparatus of  claim 53 .   
     
     
         71 . The method of  claim 70 , further comprising:
 exerting a force on one or more teeth of the patient, the force being exerted at least one of before, during, or after the light is administered.   
     
     
         72 . The method of  claim 70 , wherein the maintaining or improving tissue health includes reducing, preventing or minimizing tooth-root resorption. 
     
     
         73 . The method of  claim 70 , wherein the maintaining or improving tissue health comprises reducing bone resorption or inflammatory dentin resorption or cementum resorption of the tooth root or periodontium. 
     
     
         74 . The method of  claim 70 , wherein the maintaining or improving tissue health comprises preventing or minimizing inflammation of tissue surrounding one or more teeth upon which the force is or was exerted. 
     
     
         75 . The method of  claim 66 , further comprising:
 administering an effective amount of vitamin D to the patient, the vitamin D being administered at least one of before, during, or after the light is administered.   
     
     
         76 . The method of  claim 75 , wherein the effective amount of vitamin D is from about 2000 IU per day to about 12000 IU per day. 
     
     
         77 . The method of  claim 75 , wherein the effective amount of vitamin D increases the vitamin D blood serum level of the patient. 
     
     
         78 . The method of  claim 75 , wherein the effective amount of vitamin D is administered one of orally, transdermally, via injection or via insolation. 
     
     
         79 . The method of  claim 66 , further comprising:
 allowing a functional appliance to exert a force on one or more teeth of the patient, the force being exerted by the functional appliance at least one of before, during, or after the light is administered.   
     
     
         80 . The method of  claim 67 , further comprising:
 administering an effective amount of vitamin D to the patient, the vitamin D being administered at least one of before, during, or after the force is exerted.   
     
     
         81 . The method of  claim 67 , further comprising:
 allowing a functional appliance to exert a force on one or more teeth of the patient, the force being exerted by the functional appliance at least one of before, during, or after the force is exerted.   
     
     
         82 . The method of  claim 70 , further comprising:
 administering an effective amount of vitamin D to the patient, the vitamin D being administered at least one of before, during, or after the light is administered.   
     
     
         83 . The method of  claim 70 , further comprising:
 allowing a functional appliance to exert a force on one or more teeth of the patient, the force being exerted by the functional appliance at least one of before, during, or after the light is administered.   
     
     
         84 . The method of  claim 67 , wherein the force is a heavy force. 
     
     
         85 . The method of  claim 71 , wherein the force is a heavy force. 
     
     
         86 . The apparatus of  claim 53 , wherein the alveolar soft tissue is alveolar mucosa. 
     
     
         87 . The method of  claim 66 , wherein the alveolar soft tissue is alveolar mucosa. 
     
     
         88 . The method of  claim 70 , wherein the alveolar soft tissue is alveolar mucosa. 
     
     
         89 . A method for orthodontic treatment, comprising administering to a patient who wears an orthodontic appliance or is in need of orthodontic treatment an effective amount of light from the emitter of the apparatus of  claim 53 . 
     
     
         90 . The method of  claim 89 , wherein the patient wears an orthodontic appliance that exerts a force on one or more teeth of the patient. 
     
     
         91 . The method of  claim 89 , wherein the light is administered during the alignment phase of orthodontic treatment. 
     
     
         92 . The method of  claim 91 , wherein the light is administered during only the alignment phase of orthodontic treatment. 
     
     
         93 . The method of  claim 89 , wherein the alveolar soft tissue is alveolar mucosa. 
     
     
         94 . The method of  claim 90 , wherein the force is effective for regulating tooth movement, maintaining oral tissue health or improving oral tissue health. 
     
     
         95 . The method of  claim 90 , wherein the force is a heavy force. 
     
     
         96 . The method of  claim 89 , wherein the patient wears the same or a different orthodontic appliance that exerts a second force on one or more teeth of the patient during the retention phase of orthodontic treatment. 
     
     
         97 . The method of  claim 96 , wherein the second force is a heavy force. 
     
     
         98 . The method of  claim 89 , wherein the patient wears an orthodontic appliance and is in need of orthodontic treatment. 
     
     
         99 . The method of  claim 89 , wherein the orthodontic treatment comprises tooth movement. 
     
     
         100 . The method of  claim 99 , wherein tooth movement is tooth alignment. 
     
     
         101 . The method of  claim 100 , wherein tooth alignment is measured using Little's Irregularity Index (LII). 
     
     
         102 . The method of  claim 99 , wherein the rate of tooth movement exceeds that of tooth movement caused by orthodontic treatment with an orthodontic appliance, but not with light therapy. 
     
     
         103 . The method of  claim 90 , wherein the orthodontic appliance comprises a round wire. 
     
     
         104 . The method of  claim 96 , wherein the same or different orthodontic appliance comprises a square wire. 
     
     
         105 . The apparatus of  claim 53 , wherein the emitter is external to the patient's mouth. 
     
     
         106 . The apparatus of  claim 53 , wherein the emitter is separate and apart from the housing. 
     
     
         107 . The apparatus of  claim 59 , further comprising a wire that exerts the force. 
     
     
         108 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , further comprising a wire that exerts the force. 
     
     
         109 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the housing is configured to contact alveolar soft tissue of the mouth when the housing is disposed within the mouth. 
     
     
         110 . The apparatus of  claim 53 , wherein at least a portion of the housing is configured to contact alveolar soft tissue of the mouth when the housing is disposed within the mouth. 
     
     
         111 . A system for administering light therapy to alveolar soft tissue of a patient, comprising:
 a first portion configured to be disposed within a patient's mouth, a first emitter coupled to the first portion and configured to emit an effective amount of a light at a first wavelength to the alveolar soft tissue when the first portion is disposed within the mouth, and an electronic circuit operatively coupled to the first emitter, the electronic circuit configured to control the first emitter when the first portion is disposed within the mouth and the apparatus is in use during a first stage of an orthodontic treatment, the first stage beginning at a time T 0 , the first; and   a second portion different from the first portion and configured to be disposed within the patient's mouth, a second emitter coupled to the second portion and configured to emit an effective amount of a light at a second wavelength, different than the first wavelength, to the alveolar soft tissue when the second portion is disposed within the mouth, and an electronic circuit operatively coupled to the second emitter, the electronic circuit configured to control the second emitter when the second portion is disposed within the mouth and the apparatus is in use during a second stage of the orthodontic treatment, the second stage subsequent to the first stage and beginning at a time T >0 .   
     
     
         112 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein at least a portion of the apparatus is configured to contact the patient's alveolar soft tissue. 
     
     
         113 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein at least a portion of the apparatus is configured to contact the patient's alveolar soft tissue. 
     
     
         114 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein at least a portion of the apparatus is configured to contact the patient's alveolar soft tissue. 
     
     
         115 . The method of  claim 66 , wherein at least a portion of the apparatus is configured to contact the patient's alveolar soft tissue. 
     
     
         116 . The method of  claim 89 , wherein at least a portion of the apparatus is configured to contact the patient's alveolar soft tissue.