Abstract:
A handheld orthodontic tool includes a housing, electric motor, and a probe configured to engage a tooth. An operator applies manual pressure to the tooth with the probe, and the electric motor activates to vibrate the tooth through the probe. The orthodontic tool enables accelerating individual tooth or a group of teeth during orthodontic treatment to reach differential tooth movement speed, which will shorten the treatment time and reduce side effects including root resorption and anchorage loss.

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
       [0001]    This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/612,745, which is entitled “VIBRATOR FOR TOOTH MOVEMENT MODULATION,” and was filed on Mar. 19, 2012. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates generally to devices for use in orthodontia, and, more specifically, to devices for moving teeth during orthodontic treatment. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    In orthodontics, most of the treatments require moving teeth at different speeds. Ideally, anchorage teeth should not move and the moving teeth should displace quickly into the desired position. However, in reality, this movement is difficult to achieve. Tooth movement is initiated by a load system provided by orthodontic appliance. Normally, activation of the appliance results in an action force on the moving tooth and reaction forces on other teeth, which cause other teeth to move. For example, in a canine tooth retraction case, one of the strategies is to retract the canine tooth into the distal vacant space and keep the molars stationary (as the anchorage tooth). If a segmental wire is used to retract the canine tooth, due to action and reaction, activation of the wire not only retracts the canine tooth, but also forces the molars to move, resulting in a loss of anchorage. 
         [0004]    Measures have been implemented to secure the anchorage using techniques, such as transpalatal arch (TPA), that bind the molars together or that add mini-implants to strengthen the anchorage. These techniques provide a certain level of success, but they also add a layer of complexity to the treatment. Some of these techniques, such as implants, are invasive. Other treatments also present similar challenges. Since reaction forces are inevitable, an alternative approach is needed. The question is whether sensitivity of an individual tooth or a group of teeth to orthodontic loads systems can be increased so that the teeth under the load system move faster than others. If the answer to this question is yes, then clinicians will be able to use a set of specially designed tools to accelerate the movement of tooth or teeth that they intend to move with reduced side effects, such as anchorage loss and root resorption, because these side effects are closely linked to the length of treatment time. Such clinical outcomes benefit both clinicians and patients greatly. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    A new orthodontic tool improves orthodontic treatments that require differential tooth movement speed (DTMS). DTMS is desired in various orthodontic treatments, such as canine tooth retraction or space closure, where only a specific tooth or a group of teeth need to be moved. Previous research has shown that applying certain levels of vibrational force on a tooth accelerates the tooth movement under an orthodontic force. The orthodontic tool enables clinicians to accelerate specified target tooth or teeth movements by applying a vibrational force to the teeth to be moved with a certain frequency, intensity characterized as either force magnitude or amplitude of the vibration, and duration. The orthodontic tool provides orthodontists better control over movements of an individual tooth or group of teeth. Consequently, the orthodontic tool significantly reduces the treatment time and side-effects, such as root resorption, unwanted tooth displacement, and anchorage loss that can occur during prolonged orthodontic treatment. Shortening the treatment time also shortens the time for anchorage teeth to move, and reduces anchorage loss, which has been a major challenge in orthodontic treatment. 
         [0006]    In one embodiment, an orthodontic tool has been developed. The orthodontic tool includes a housing, a probe extending from the housing that is configured to engage a tooth or a group of teeth, and an electric motor positioned in the housing, the electric motor being activated to vibrate the tooth or teeth through the probe. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]      FIG. 1A  is a schematic diagram of an orthodontic tool that vibrates at least one tooth during orthodontic treatment. 
           [0008]      FIG. 1B  is an exploded schematic diagram of the orthodontic tool of  FIG. 1A . 
           [0009]      FIG. 2A  is a schematic view of an adapter for the orthodontic tool of  FIG. 1A  that is configured to engage a maxillary canine, incisor, or premolar. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2B  is a schematic view of another adapter for the orthodontic tool of  FIG. 1A  that is configured to engage maxillary teeth. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2C  is a schematic view of another position of the adapter of  FIG. 2B  that is configured to engage maxillary teeth. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2D  is a schematic view of another adapter for the orthodontic tool of  FIG. 1A  that is configured to engage maxillary teeth. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2E  is a schematic view of another adapter for the orthodontic tool of  FIG. 1A  that is configured to engage maxillary teeth. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2F  is a schematic view of another adapter for the orthodontic tool of  FIG. 1A  that is configured to engage maxillary teeth. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2G  is a schematic view of another adapter for the orthodontic tool of  FIG. 1A  that is configured to engage maxillary teeth. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3A  is a schematic view of an adapter for the orthodontic tool of  FIG. 1A  that is configured to engage mandibular teeth. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3B  is a schematic view of an adapter for the orthodontic tool of  FIG. 1A  that is configured to engage mandibular teeth. 
           [0018]      FIG. 3C  is a schematic view of another position of the adapter of  FIG. 3B  that is configured to engage mandibular teeth. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3D  is a schematic view of an adapter for the orthodontic tool of  FIG. 1A  that is configured to engage mandibular teeth. 
           [0020]      FIG. 3E  is a schematic view of an adapter for the orthodontic tool of  FIG. 1A  that is configured to engage mandibular teeth. 
           [0021]      FIG. 3F  is a schematic view of an adapter for the orthodontic tool of  FIG. 1A  that is configured to engage mandibular teeth. 
           [0022]      FIG. 3G  is a schematic view of an adapter for the orthodontic tool of  FIG. 1A  that is configured to engage mandibular teeth. 
           [0023]      FIG. 4A  is a schematic view of an adapter for the orthodontic tool of  FIG. 1A  that is configured to engage multiple adapters to different teeth. 
           [0024]      FIG. 4B  is a detail schematic view of the adapter of  FIG. 4A  that is configured to engage multiple adapters to different teeth 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0025]    The description below and the accompanying figures provide a general understanding of the environment for the apparatus described herein as well as the details for use of the apparatus. In the drawings, like reference numerals are used throughout to designate like elements. 
         [0026]    Various anatomical terms are used herein to describe the functions of the orthodontic tool with reference to the teeth of a patient. The term “lingual” refers to a side of a tooth that faces the tongue or to pressure applied to teeth in the direction of the tongue. The term “labial” refers to a side of a tooth that faces the lips. The term “buccal” refers to a side of a tooth that faces the cheek. The term “mesial” refers to a direction toward the mandibular symphysis, where the bones of the lower jaw are fused together at the front of the mouth. The term “distal” refers to a direction away from the mandibular symphysis (opposite the mesial). The term “vestibular” refers generally to the sides of the teeth that face away from the tongue, including the labial and buccal sides, or to a direction of pressure applied to teeth in a direction away from the tongue. The term “apical” refers to a direction along a length of a tooth pointing away from the jaw that anchors the tooth. The term “occlusal” refers to a direction along a length of a tooth pointing toward the jaw that anchors the tooth. The term “maxillary” refers to the upper jaw. The term “mandibular” refers to the lower jaw. 
         [0027]      FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B  depict a handheld orthodontic tool  100 . The orthodontic tool  100  includes a base housing  104 , connector  124 , and a detachable adapter  136 . The base housing  104  holds a battery  108 , electronic control unit  112 , and an electric motor  116 . A contoured grip  118  is formed on a portion of the base housing  104  to provide a comfortable surface for an operator to hold the orthodontic tool  100  during use. The operator can be a medical professional or a patient who uses the device to apply pressure and vibrational force to one or more teeth during a course of orthodontic treatment. The pressure should be sufficient to ensure that the entire vibrational force is applied to a tooth or a group of teeth. 
         [0028]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B , the electric motor  116  is a direct current (DC) motor that resonates an output shaft  120 . The output shaft  120  strikes the connector  124  as electric motor  116  resonates the output shaft, which generates vibrations in the connector  124 . The vibrations are transferred through the connector  124  to a probe that is part of the adapter  136 . When the adapter  136  engages one or more teeth, the vibrations are transferred to the teeth through the probe to promote movement of the teeth for orthodontic treatment. In  FIG. 1A , the battery  108  supplies electrical power to the electronic control unit  112  and electrical motor  116 . In another embodiment, the orthodontic tool  100  includes a power cord and receives electrical power from a standard electrical outlet supplying 110-240 VAC electrical energy at 50-60 Hz. 
         [0029]    During operation, an operator holds the orthodontic tool  100  using one or two hands on the grip  118 . The operator selects the intensity and frequency of vibration with a user interface (UI)  114 . In one embodiment, the user interface  114  is a multi-position selector switch formed on the exterior of the base housing  104 . The multi-position selector switch  114  is configured to generate a signal indicating a vibration frequency and intensity. The signal generated by the selector switch, or user interface, is operatively connected to the electronic control unit  112 , which modulates the electrical power signal received from the electrical power source. The modulated electrical power signal is delivered to the electrical motor  116  to operate the motor at the selected frequency of vibration and intensity. The operator selects a vibrational frequency and intensity for the orthodontic tool with reference to the type of teeth that are being manipulated. For example, the operator selects a lower vibrational intensity level when manipulating incisor teeth, and selects a higher vibrational intensity level when manipulating molar teeth. In some operating modes, the electronic control unit  112  varies the electrical power provided to the electrical motor with reference to a programmed pattern stored in a memory of the electronic control unit  112 . 
         [0030]    The connector  124  engages the base housing  104 . The output shaft  120  extends from the base housing  104  into the connector  124 . The connector  124  includes a socket  126 , spring  128 , and retention member  130 . The adapter  136  includes a base  140  and a retention groove  142 . To connect the adapter  136  to the orthodontic tool  100 , the base  140  is inserted with a downward force into the socket  126 , compressing the spring  128 . Rotation of the adapter  136  engages the retention member  130  with the retention groove  142  to secure the adapter  136  in place. During operation, the connector  124  transfers vibrational force from the output shaft  120  to the adapter  136 . To remove the adapter  136 , an operator disengages the retention member  130  to release the adapter  136 . The operator then pulls the adapter  136  out of the socket  126 . The spring  128  expands to urge the adapter  136  from the socket  126  to enable quick removal of the adapter  136  during use. As described below, various adapters can be connected to the orthodontic tool  100 . 
         [0031]      FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B  depict an adapter  136  and exemplary probe  238 A. The adapter  136  and probe  238 A are formed from a single rigid support piece, such as a thermoplastic. The probe  238 A is covered in a softer material, such as silicone rubber, to engage a tooth. The common adapter  136  enables use of a wide range of probes that are configured to engage one or more teeth with the orthodontic tool  100 . An operator engages the adapter  136  of the appropriate probe to the orthodontic tool  100 , and can switch between different probes quickly during orthodontic procedures. 
         [0032]      FIG. 2A-FIG .  2 G depict different adapter configurations for adjusting the position of maxillary teeth. In  FIG. 2A , the adapter  136  includes a probe  238 A. The probe  238 A and adapter 136  bend at about a right angle to the output shaft of the electrical motor  116  to engage a tooth  240 . In the example of  FIG. 2A , the probe  238 A is configured to terminate in a rounded tip to engage the vestibular sides of incisors, canines, and premolar teeth. When connected to the orthodontic tool  100 , an operator pushes the probe  238 A against the tooth  240  in the lingual direction  244 . The adapter  136  and probe  238 A transmit vibrations from the orthodontic tool  100  to the tooth  240 . The tooth vibrates in the lingual and buccal directions  245  in response to the vibrations transmitted through the probe  238 A. 
         [0033]    In  FIG. 2B  another probe  238 B also bends at about a right angle to the output shaft of the electrical motor  116  at an articulation  239  and then terminates in a curve and U-shaped end or cup to engage a lower edge of the tooth  240 . The U-shaped end or a cap enables the orthodontic tool  100  to apply pressure on the tooth  240  in the apical direction  257  while the probe  238 B applies vibration to the tooth in the mesial and distal directions  256 . The adapter  136  approaches the canine or incisor teeth  240  and the U-shaped end or cap enables the probe  238 B and adapter  136  to remain engaged to the tooth  240 . 
         [0034]    In  FIG. 2C  another probe  238 D bends at about a right angle to the output shaft of the electrical motor  116  at an articulation  239  and then terminates in a curve having a rounded tip, which engages the occlusal surface of the molar  242 . The engagement of the rounded tip with the occlusal surface of the molar enables the orthodontic tool  100  to apply pressure on the tooth  242  in the apical direction  257  while the probe  238 D applies vibration to the tooth in the mesial and distal directions  256 . The adapter  136  approaches the molar or premolar tooth  242  and the rounded tip of the probe  238 D engages the occlusal surface of the molar or premolar tooth  242 . 
         [0035]    In  FIG. 2D  another probe  238 C also bends at about a right angle to the output shaft of the electrical motor  116  and terminates in a hooked end and rounded tip to engage a lingual side of the tooth  240 . The hooked end and tip of the probe  238 C engages the tooth  240  while an operator pulls the orthodontic tool  100  in the buccal direction  248 . The adapter  136  and probe  238 C transmit vibrations from the orthodontic tool  100  to the tooth  240 . The tooth vibrates in the lingual and buccal directions  245  in response to the vibrations transmitted through the probe  238 C. 
         [0036]    In  FIG. 2E  the probe  238 D is configured to bend at about a right angle to the output shaft of the electrical motor  116  at articulation  239  and then curve into a rounded tip to engage a an interior of a cusp on the tooth  242 . The rounded tip of the probe  238 D engages the occlusal surface of the molar  242 . The operator pushes the probe  238 D in the apical direction  257  to engage the tooth  242 . When engaged to the molar  242 , an operator can push or pull on the orthodontic tool  100  in the lingual and buccal directions  252  and in the mesial and distal directions  256 . The adapter  136  and probe  238 D transmit vibrations from the orthodontic tool  100  to the tooth  242 . 
         [0037]    In  FIG. 2F  another probe  238 E engages an incisor, canine, or premolar tooth  240 . The probe  238 E includes a U-shaped end or a cap to engage the crown of the tooth  240  in a similar manner to the probe  238 B. The probe  238 E, however, extends in the longitudinal axis along the length of the adapter  136  and the orthodontic tool  100  instead of including the articulation  239  in the probe  238 B. The probe  238 E enables the operator to apply manual pressure on the tooth  240  in the apical direction  257 . The orthodontic tool  100  generates vibrational forces in the apical and occlusal directions  258 , and the probe  238 E transmits the vibrational forces to the tooth  240 . 
         [0038]    In  FIG. 2G  another probe  238 F engages a molar tooth  242 . The probe  238 F includes a ball shaped end to engage the bottom of the tooth  242  in a similar manner to the probe  238 D. The probe  238 F, however, extends in the longitudinal axis along the length of the adapter  136  and the orthodontic tool  100  instead of including the articulation  239  in the probe  238 D. The probe  238 F enables the operator to apply manual pressure on the tooth  242  in the apical direction  257 . The orthodontic tool  100  generates vibrational forces in the apical and occlusal directions  258 , and the probe  238 F transmits the vibrational forces to the tooth  242 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 3A-FIG .  3 G depict different adapter configurations for adjusting the position of mandibular teeth. In  FIG. 3A , the adapter  136  includes a probe  338 A, which extends approximately perpendicularly to the adapter  136  to engage a tooth  340 . In the example of  FIG. 3A , the probe  338 A is configured to engage the vestibular sides of incisors, canines, and premolar teeth. When connected to the orthodontic tool  100 , an operator pushes the probe  338 A against the tooth  340  in the lingual direction  244 . The adapter  136  and probe  338 A transmit vibrations from the orthodontic tool  100  to the tooth  340 . In one embodiment, the probe  338 A is the same probe  238 A that is depicted in  FIG. 2A . The tooth vibrates in the lingual and buccal directions  245  in response to the vibrations transmitted through the probe  338 A. 
         [0040]    In  FIG. 3B  another probe  338 B includes a U-shaped end or a cap that engages the crown of the tooth  340 . The U-shaped end or a cap enables the orthodontic tool  100  to apply pressure to the tooth  340  in the occlusal direction  259  while the probe  338 B applies vibration to the tooth  340  in the mesial and distal directions  256 . The adapter  136  approaches the incisors and canine teeth  340  depicted in  FIG. 3B  and the molar and premolar teeth  342  as depicted in  FIG. 3C . The U-shaped end or a cap enables the probe  338 B and adapter  136  to remain engaged to the tooth  340 . 
         [0041]    In  FIG. 3C  another probe  338 D includes a rounded tip configured to engage the occlusal surface of the molar  342 . The rounded tip enables the orthodontic tool  100  to apply pressure to the tooth  340  in the occlusal direction  259  while the probe  338 D applies vibration to the tooth  342  in the mesial and distal directions  256 . The adapter  136  approaches the molar and premolar teeth  342  and the rounded tip enables the probe  338 D and adapter  136  to remain engaged to the tooth  340 . 
         [0042]    In  FIG. 3D  another probe  338 C includes a hooked end that engages the lingual side of a tooth  340 . The hooked end of the probe  338 C engages the tooth  340  while an operator pulls the orthodontic tool  100  in the buccal direction  248 . The adapter  136  and probe  338 C transmit vibrations from the orthodontic tool  100  to the tooth  340 . The tooth vibrates in the lingual and buccal directions  245  in response to the vibrations transmitted through the probe  338 C. 
         [0043]    In  FIG. 3E  the probe  338 D is configured to engage the interior of the cusps in a molar tooth  342 . When engaged to the molar  342 , an operator can push on the orthodontic tool  100  apically to the crown in the occlusal direction  259 . The adapter  136  and probe  338 D transmit vibrations from the orthodontic tool  100  to the tooth  342  in the lingual and buccal directions  252  and in the mesial and distal directions  256 . In one configuration, the probe  338 D in FIG.  3 E is the same probe  238 D that is depicted in  FIG. 2E , but the probe  338 D is inverted along the longitudinal axis defined in the mesial and distal directions  256  of the portion extending past the articulation  239  to enable the probe  338 D to engage the tooth  342 . 
         [0044]    In  FIG. 3F  another probe  338 E engages an incisor, canine, or premolar tooth  340 . The probe  338 E includes a U-shaped end or a cap to engage the bottom of the tooth  340  in a similar manner to the probe  338 B. The probe  338 E, however, extends in the longitudinal axis along the length of the adapter  136  and the orthodontic tool  100  instead of including the articulation of the probe  338 B. The probe  338 E enables the operator to apply manual pressure on the tooth  340  in the occlusal direction  259 . The orthodontic tool  100  generates vibrational forces in the apical and occlusal directions  258 , and the probe  338 E transmits the vibrational forces to the tooth  340 . In one embodiment, the probe  338 E and adapter  136  depicted in  FIG. 3F  are the same as probe  238 E and adapter  136  depicted in  FIG. 2F , and the operator rotates the orthodontic tool  100  on the longitudinal axis to orient the probe  238 E/ 338 E with the maxillary tooth  240  or mandibular tooth  340 . 
         [0045]    In  FIG. 3G  another probe  338 F engages a molar tooth  342 . The probe  338 F includes a ball shaped end to engage the upper surface of the tooth  342  in a similar manner to the probe  338 D. The probe  338 F, however, extends in the longitudinal axis along the length of the adapter  136  and the orthodontic tool  100  instead of including the articulation  239  of probe  338 D. The probe  338 F enables the operator to apply manual pressure on the tooth  342  in the occlusal direction  259 . The orthodontic tool  100  generates vibrational forces in the apical and occlusal directions  258 , and the probe  338 F transmits the vibrational forces to the tooth  342 . In one embodiment, the probe  338 F and adapter  136  depicted in  FIG. 3G  are the same as probe  238 F and adapter  136  depicted in  FIG. 2G , and the operator rotates the orthodontic tool  100  on the longitudinal axis to orient the probe  238 F/ 338 F with the maxillary tooth  242  or mandibular tooth  342 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 4A  and  FIG. 4B  depict another embodiment of the adapter  136  that engages a plurality of probes  438 A- 438 C. The probes  438 A- 438 C are each configured to engage one of teeth  420 A- 420 C, respectively. In  FIG. 4B , a deformable support member  442  supports each of the probes  438 A- 438 C. The operator bends the support member  442  to enable each of the probes  438 A- 438 C to engage one of the teeth  420 A- 420 C. Because the curvature of teeth varies between patients, the deformable support member  442  enables the operator to adjust probes  438 A- 438 C for each patient individually. Additionally, different sizes of the adapter  136  and probes  438 A- 438 C include a range of different lateral spaces  444  between the probes to accommodate patients with differently sized teeth. The probes can engage adjacent teeth as depicted in  FIG. 4B , or they can be spaced to engage non-adjacent teeth. 
         [0047]    During operation, the orthodontic tool generates vibrational forces that are transmitted through the adapter  136  and each of the probes  438 A- 438 C to the teeth  420 A- 420 C. The multiple probes enable an operator to manipulate a group of teeth in the mouth selectively, while also minimizing the effects of the manipulation on other teeth that do not engage one of the probes  438 A- 438 C. 
         [0048]    While  FIG. 4B  depicts probes  438 A- 438 C with designs similar to the probe  238 A, alternative embodiments can include any of the probes  238 A- 238 F,  338 A- 338 F, or suitable combinations thereof.  FIG. 4B  depicts three probes, but alternative configurations of a multi-probe attachment can include two probes or four or more probes as well. 
         [0049]    During a course of orthodontic treatment, an operator uses the orthodontic tool  100  to apply manual pressure in any of the lingual, vestibular, mesial, and distal directions. In additional to manual pressure, the orthodontic tool  100  transmits vibrational forces to the teeth. The vibrational forces applied to the teeth reduce the amount of time needed to move the teeth during orthodontic treatment, and also reduce the likelihood of root resorption and unintended misalignment of the teeth during treatment. The vibrational forces applied to an individual tooth or to selected groups of teeth enable DTMS treatment of the selected teeth while reducing or eliminating disturbances to other teeth in the mouth. Other teeth in the mouth that do not directly engage the orthodontic tool  100  are minimally affected while the orthodontic tool  100  moves the selected teeth at a faster rate during treatment. The orthodontic tool can also be used to supplement traditional orthodontic treatments such as braces, retainers, transpalatal arches, and the like. The orthodontic tool  100  accelerates the movement of selected teeth while the traditional orthodontic device continues to align the remaining teeth at a slower rate. Therefore, the vibrational force is an additional force superimposed on the teeth in addition to the regular orthodontic treatment. Thus, the orthodontic tool  100  reduces the total treatment time of a traditional orthodontic device and produces more desirable results compared to using only the traditional orthodontic device. The orthodontic tool  100  is configured to perform a variety of orthodontic treatments including, but not limited to, space closure, canine impaction, and alignment treatments. 
         [0050]    While the preferred embodiments have been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same should be considered illustrative and not restrictive. While preferred embodiments have been presented, all changes, modifications, and further applications are desired to be protected.