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.

1 .- 28 : (canceled) 
     
     
         29 . An intra-oral light therapy system, comprising:
 an oral tray configured to fit within an oral cavity of a patient;   a plurality of emitters embedded within the oral tray and configured to overlie and irradiate mucosal tissue overlying a root of a tooth of the patient when in use in the oral cavity; and   a controller comprising instructions to irradiate the root of the tooth of the patient at a wavelength ranging from 620 nm to 1,000 nm and an intensity ranging from about 1 mW/cm 2  to about 100 mW/cm 2 .   
     
     
         30 . An intra-oral light therapy system, comprising:
 an oral tray configured to fit within an oral cavity of a patient;   a plurality of emitters embedded within the oral tray and configured to overlie and irradiate mucosal tissue overlying one or more roots of a plurality of teeth of the patient when in use in the oral cavity wherein each of the plurality of emitters is configured to emit light having a wavelength ranging from 620 nm to 1,000 nm and an intensity ranging from about 50 mW/cm 2  to about 200 mW/cm 2 ; and   a controller comprising instructions to activate the plurality of emitters according to a treatment regimen in response to the patient initiating a treatment session.   
     
     
         31 . An intra-oral light therapy system, comprising:
 an oral tray configured to fit within an oral cavity of a patient;   a plurality of emitters embedded within the oral tray and configured to overlie and irradiate mucosal tissue overlying one or more roots of a plurality of teeth of the patient when in use in the oral cavity; and   a controller comprising instructions to activate the plurality of emitters for a duration ranging from about 1 minute to about 20 minutes and at a wavelength ranging from about 845 nm to about 865 nm in response to the patient initiating a treatment session.