Method and apparatus for tooth regulation with heavy forces

Abstract

Methods are provided for regulating tooth movement and for maintaining or improving tissue health using heavy forces. Such methods comprise allowing a heavy force to be exerted on one or more teeth of a patient in need thereof; and administering an effective amount of light to the maxillary or mandibular alveolar bone of the patient, wherein the light is administered before, during, or after the heavy force is exerted. The light can have a wavelength in the range of about 585 nm to about 665 nm, or about 815 nm to about 895 nm. An apparatus useful for providing light therapy is also provided.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for regulating tooth movement, comprising:
 (a) allowing a heavy force to be exerted on one or more teeth of a patient in need thereof; and   (b) administering an effective amount of light to the maxillary or mandibular alveolar bone of the patient, wherein the light is administered before, during, or after the heavy force is exerted.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the heavy force has a magnitude ranging from about 175 grams of force to about 500 grams of force. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the patient has an orthodontic appliance on one or more of the patient's teeth. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the orthodontic appliance exerts the heavy force to the one or more teeth. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the light is extra-orally administered to the maxillary or mandibular alveolar bone. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the light is intra-orally administered to the maxillary or mandibular bone. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the light has a wavelength of from about 585 nm to about 665 nm or from about 815 nm to about 895 nm. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising installing an orthodontic appliance on one or more of the patient's teeth. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein installing the orthodontic appliance occurs prior to administering the light. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein installing the orthodontic appliance occurs subsequent to administering the light. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the method further comprises removing an orthodontic appliance from one or more of the patient's teeth. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the light is substantially monochrome. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the light radiates from a plurality of light sources that contact the patient's face. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein regulating tooth movement comprises increasing the velocity of tooth movement.