Patent Publication Number: US-2020297205-A1

Title: Toothie stick

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/820,568, filed Mar. 19, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth fully herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Dental aligners are orthodontic devices that typically are used to adjust teeth. Dental aligners are orthodontic appliances typically formed of transparent plastic. In order for a manufacturer to craft dental aligners, photographs of a patient&#39;s teeth often are employed to help in the crafting. Oftentimes such photographs are taken by the patients themselves using a handheld image capturing device such as, for example, smartphone cameras, and are uploaded electronically or otherwise provided to the manufacturer. However, patients typically have a great deal of uncertainty with respect to how the device should be positioned in order to capture an image properly. For example, patients often do not know the correct orientation, rotation, angle, and distance at which to hold their device when taking a photograph. Additionally, for technical reasons, rear cameras may have to be used, creating an additional barrier to taking the photographs successfully. As a result of the foregoing limitations, when images are captured, their quality often is sub-par, resulting in the photographs being rejected by the dental aligner manufacturer (e.g., as high as a 65% rejection rate). 
     U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 20180303331 A1 discloses an imaging device including a support, a dental retractor fastened to the support and defining a retractor opening, a mirror fastened to at least one of the support and the retractor, and a fastening structure. The fastening structure fastens an image acquisition apparatus to the support in a position in which the acquisition apparatus is oriented, in order to receive a composite image including a direct image of the retractor opening and an image of the retractor opening reflected by the mirror. 
     Canadian Patent No. CA 2375007 C is directed to a dental camera for obtaining a picture of an object in the mouth of a patient. The dental camera includes a light source for irradiating the object, a reflected light receipt element for receiving the light reflected from the object, such as one or more teeth and a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece has an opening which permits the passage of light to the reflected light receipt element. The reflected light passes through the mouthpiece and is received by the reflected light receipt element. The light of the light source preferably passes through the mouthpiece. 
     Smile Lite MDP is purported to be a “mini photo studio” equipped with three groups of light emitting diodes. Each group of diodes can be lit up individually, and the illumination power is controllable using a dimmer. 
     Smile Lite MDP is purported to be a plug and play device that does not need a special application or calibration process. See https://www.smileline.ch/en/products/smile-lite-mdp (last accessed on Feb. 27, 2019). 
     Smartphone Dental Light (SDL) by PhotoMed is a dental accessory for a smartphone. The SDL has two High CRI 95+ LED panels that have 8 levels of brightness. A lowest one of the brightness levels is purported to be ideal for dental photography. Higher power levels are purported to be for video taken further from a subject. The LED panels have swivel hinges that enable positioning of the hinges for different illumination types. Phones can be attached using a universal mount, and a grip includes a bluetooth trigger for functioning as a grip for one-handed photography. The SDL also has a case, a charger, and charging cable to charge the lights from one charger. See https://www.photomed.net/sdl.htm (last accessed on Feb. 27, 2019). 
     Non-dental selfie sticks also are known. 
     SUMMARY 
     The above and other limitations are overcome by a camera stick, a method of forming the camera stick, and a method of operating the camera stick, according to example aspects herein. In accordance with an example embodiment herein, the camera stick comprises a dental component for being positioned in a subject&#39;s mouth, a holder for holding a camera device, and at least one coupling mechanism mechanically coupled to the dental component and the holder. The at least one coupling mechanism is adjustable for enabling the dental component and holder to be positioned in space at a selected position and orientation relative to one another. 
     In accordance with one example embodiment herein, at least one of the holder and the dental component is mechanically rotatably coupled to the coupling mechanism. 
     Also, in one example embodiment herein, the at least one coupling mechanism comprises a first coupling mechanism, a second coupling mechanism, and a ratcheting mechanism interposed between and mechanically coupled to the first and second coupling mechanisms. The ratcheting mechanism enables at least one of the first and second coupling mechanisms to be rotated relative to another one of the first and second coupling mechanisms. Also in one example embodiment herein, the dental component comprises a cheek stretcher, and the camera stick further comprises a connecting component mechanically coupling the cheek stretcher to an end of the first coupling mechanism. Preferably, the connecting component has a base, the cheek stretcher is rotatably mechanically coupled to the base, and the connecting component is mechanically rotatably coupled to the end of the first coupling mechanism. 
     In still an additional example embodiment herein, the cheek stretcher comprises a first mouthpiece and a second mouthpiece, each being curved in shape and including an annular groove for receiving the subject&#39;s mouth. The cheek stretcher enables the subject&#39;s mouth to be opened to an extent that enables at least a substantial portion of a bite and/or teeth of the subject&#39;s mouth to be exposed to the camera device for being captured in an image. 
     In a further example embodiment herein, the ratcheting mechanism comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion includes an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower portion also includes an upper surface and a lower surface, and the upper surface of the lower portion is engaged with the lower surface of the upper portion. In one example, at least one of the upper surface or the lower surface of at least one of the upper portion or the lower portion forms a teethed surface, and the upper portion and lower portion can be rotatably engaged with one another. 
     The first coupling mechanism is rotatably mechanically coupled to the upper portion, and the second coupling mechanism is rotatably mechanically coupled to the lower portion. At least one of the first coupling mechanism or the second coupling mechanism is rotatable around an axis extending along a length of the at least one of the first coupling mechanism or the second coupling mechanism. 
     In still a further example embodiment herein, the camera stick also comprises a handle mechanically coupled to the ratcheting mechanism. In one example, the handle includes an elongate portion and a spindle attached thereto, the spindle being insertable into a bore hole of the ratcheting mechanism. 
     According to another example embodiment herein, the method of forming a camera stick is provided. The method comprises inserting a handle into an opening of a lower portion of a ratcheting mechanism, the lower portion being mechanically coupled to a first end of a first coupling mechanism. A next step includes engaging an upper portion of the ratcheting mechanism with the lower portion, the upper portion being coupled to a holder for holding a camera device. A further step includes coupling a cheek stretcher to a second end of the first coupling mechanism. 
     According to a further example embodiment herein, the method of operating a camera stick is provided. The method comprises setting a ratcheting mechanism of the camera stick to a predetermined position. The camera stick includes the ratcheting mechanism, a cheek stretcher coupled to the ratcheting mechanism by way of a first coupling mechanism, a camera holder coupled to the ratcheting mechanism by way of a second coupling mechanism, and a handle coupled to a lower surface of the ratcheting mechanism. The method also includes inserting the cheek stretcher into a subject&#39;s mouth, and operating a camera device held by the camera holder to take a picture of a predetermined part of the subject&#39;s mouth. Additionally, the method can include positioning the handle relative to the cheek stretcher to cause the predetermined part of the subject&#39;s mouth to be exposed to a view of the camera device. The predetermined part of the subject&#39;s mouth can include, by example and without limitation, at least one of a right bite, left bite, front bite, lower teeth, or upper teeth, of the subject&#39;s mouth. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a Toothie Stick device constructed according to an example aspect herein, wherein the Toothie Stick is represented holding an image capturing device. 
         FIG. 2  shows a ratcheting mechanism and parts of first and second coupling mechanisms of the Toothie Stick of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  shows a holder, coupler, and part of a rod of the Toothie Stick of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of part of the Toothie Stick of  FIG. 1 , holding the imaging capturing device. 
         FIG. 5  shows a rod of a second coupling mechanism, and couplers, of the Toothie Stick of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  shows part of the Toothie Stick of  FIG. 1 , including a cheek stretcher, connecting component, first coupling mechanism, and part of the ratcheting mechanism. 
         FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of the Toothie Stick of  FIG. 1 , with a handle thereof removed, and positioned such that the image capturing device and cheek stretcher have a particular relative orientation. 
         FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of the part of the Toothie Stick shown in  FIG. 7 , positioned such that the image capturing device and cheek stretcher have another particular relative orientation. 
         FIG. 9  shows a holder, coupler, and part of a rod of the Toothie Stick of  FIG. 1 , wherein the image capturing device is shown held by the holder. 
         FIG. 10  shows a perspective view of the holder of the Toothie Stick of  FIG. 1 , removed from the Toothie Stick. 
         FIG. 11  shows a method for assembling a Toothie Stick, according to an example aspect herein. 
         FIG. 12  represents assembly of the Toothie Stick according to the method of  FIG. 11 , in an example embodiment herein. 
         FIG. 13  shows a method for using a Toothie Stick to capture images of bites and teeth of a subject&#39;s mouth, according to an example aspect herein. 
     
    
    
     Same reference numerals appearing in different ones of the figures represent the same components, although each component may not be described in detail herein with respect to the description of each separate figure. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The inventors have developed a device and methods that standardize the manner in which patients and users can take photographs of their teeth and mouths, to ensure greater accuracy and quality in taken photographs to be used for creating dental aligners. 
     A Toothie Stick device  10  (also referred to herein as “device  10 ’) according to an example embodiment herein is shown in  FIG. 1 , and, generally (either in whole or in part) in  FIGS. 1-10 . The device  10  comprises at least one coupling mechanism  11 , a cheek stretcher  14 , a holder  16 , and a handle  22 . In one example embodiment herein, the coupling mechanism  11  comprises a ratcheting mechanism  12 , a first connecting mechanism  18 , and a second connecting mechanism  20 . The cheek stretcher  14  (also referred to herein as a “mouth stretcher”) is mechanically coupled to a first end of the first connecting mechanism  18  (in one example embodiment, this is by way of a connecting component  56  ( FIG. 6 )), and a second, opposite end of the first connecting mechanism  18  is mechanically coupled to the ratcheting mechanism  12 . As such, the cheek stretcher  14  is mechanically coupled to the ratcheting mechanism  12  by way of the first connecting mechanism  18  and connecting component  56 . A first end of the second coupling mechanism  20  is mechanically coupled to the ratcheting mechanism  12 , and a second, opposite end of the second coupling mechanism  20  is mechanically coupled to the holder  16 . As such, the holder  16  is mechanically coupled to the ratcheting mechanism  12  by way of the second coupling mechanism  20 . 
     The holder  16  comprises a base  70 , a plurality of grips  72 , and stem  54 ′ ( FIG. 3 ). An inside portion of each of the grips  72  forms a grooved seat  78  for receiving an image capturing device  17  ( FIG. 1 ), such as a smartphone or other image capturing device. In one example embodiment herein, the base  70  and grips  72  are integrally formed and are sized to receive an image capturing device  17  of a predetermined size and shape, such that the device  17  can be removably attached within the holder  16 , and such that, when attached, the device  17  maintains a substantially secure and stationary position in the holder  16 . In another example embodiment herein, at least one of the base  70  and/or grips  72  is adjustable for expansion to enable the image capturing device  17  to be inserted into the holder  16 , and at least one of the base  70  and/or grips  72  also is adjustable for then being compressed for securing the device  17  in the holder  16 . For example, in one example embodiment the base  70  has a first portion  74  and a second portion  76  wherein those portions  74 ,  76  are separatably or removably attached by way of a securing/separating mechanism (e.g., a connecting track or other mechanism) (not shown). Thus, those portions  74 ,  76  can be attached and also can be separated by way of a mechanism, such as, e.g., a connecting track. In one example embodiment herein, the mechanism (and/or connecting track) can include one or more (e.g., plastic) notches  92  and/or one or more holes  90 , and moreover in one example embodiment, one or more nuts, bolts, locking pins, springs, screws, string, wire, or the like can be used in the holes  90  and/or notches  92  to clamp the portions  74 ,  76  together. Expansion or opening of the holder  16  can be achieved by separating the portions  74 ,  76  along directions  57   a ,  57   b , respectively, for enabling the image capturing device  17  to be received, and compression or closing of the holder  16  can be achieved by closing the parts  74 ,  76  back together again (along the same, but opposite directions) for securing the device  17  in the holder  16 . In one example embodiment herein, one or more of the portions  74 ,  76  can be rotated relative the other of the portions  74 ,  76 . In one example embodiment herein, the mechanism includes one or more nuts, bolts, locking pins, and/or springs that enable the portions  74 ,  76  to be separated (e.g., by pulling them apart) and rotated relative to one another. Also, in one example embodiment herein, the holder  16  can include a light source  80  such as, e.g., a light emitting diode (LED) strip or another light source ( FIGS. 1 and 9 ). The light source  80  can be attached to, by example and without limitation, at least one of the grips  72 , by way of any suitable securing mechanism. The light source  80  provides additional illumination towards the mouth stretcher  14  and for photographs taken of a patient&#39;s teeth/bite. Although not shown for convenience, the light source  80  can be powered via battery or another source of electrical power. 
     In one example embodiment herein, the ratcheting mechanism  12  preferably has a structure that ensures that the device  17  can be positioned at one of a plurality of precise angles, that cater to enabling photographs to be taken that meet predetermined standards, and which therefore minimize or reduce the number of rejected photographs. The ratcheting mechanism  12  comprises a plurality of portions, such as upper and lower portions  24 ,  26 , respectively, each having an upper surface  27  having grooved teeth  28  ( FIG. 2 ), and a lower surface  30  having grooves  32  shaped to receive grooved teeth  28  therein. In the illustrated embodiments, and referring in particular to  FIG. 2 , the grooved teeth  28  of the lower portion  26  are receivable in corresponding grooves  32  of the upper portion  24 . When the grooved teeth  28  are received in the grooves  32  such the upper portion  24  sits on top of the lower portion  26  while the grooved teeth  28  of the lower portion  26  engage with the grooves  32  of the upper portion  24 , the upper and lower portions  24 ,  26  remain in a fixed position relative to one another. When the upper and lower portions  24 ,  26  are separated from one another such that the grooved teeth  28  of the lower portion  26  become sufficiently disengaged with the grooves  32  of the upper portion  24 , then one or each of those portions  24 ,  26  can be rotated with respect to the other portion, around an imaginary axis  33  passing through a center (bore hole  12 ′) of each portion  24 ,  26 . By example only, during such disengagement, the first connecting mechanism  18 , cheek stretcher  14 , connecting component  56 , and the upper portion  24  to which the cheek stretcher  14  is coupled by way of mechanism  18  and component  56 , can be rotated about the axis  33  with respect to the second connecting mechanism  20 , holder  16  (and any device  17  attached thereto), lower portion  26 , and handle  22 , and vice versa. Similarly during disengagement, the lower portion  26 , second connecting mechanism  20 , and holder  16  (and any device  17  attached thereto) can be rotated about the axis  33  with respect to the check stretcher  14 , the first connecting mechanism  18 , component  56 , the upper portion  24 , and the handle  22 , and vice versa.  FIGS. 7 and 8  represent different example rotated positions of the upper and lower portions  24 ,  26  relative to one another, and how the other components of device  10  are relatively orientated as a result of such positioning. 
     In one example embodiment herein, the second connecting mechanism  20  comprises a rod  38  having first and second ends. The first end of the rod  38  is mechanically coupled to the ratcheting mechanism  12  by way of a mechanical coupler  40 , and the second end of the rod  38  is mechanically coupled to the holder  16  by way of a mechanical coupler  42 . In one example embodiment, each of the couplers  40 ,  42  has an opening  44 ,  46 , respectively ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ), that extends at least partially through the respective coupler. The opening  44  of coupler  40  receives the first end of the rod  38 . Also in the illustrated embodiment, an opposite end  48  of coupler  40  can be inserted into an opening in the ratcheting mechanism  12 , such as an opening  50  in the lower portion  26  as represented in the illustrated embodiment ( FIG. 2 ). Also in one example embodiment, the opening  46  of coupler  42  receives the second end of the rod  38 . Also in the illustrated embodiment, an opposite end  52  of coupler  42  receives an arm  54  of holder  16 . 
     In one example embodiment herein, the opposite end  48  of coupler  40  is at least one of removably or rotatably mechanical coupled in the opening  50  of lower portion  26 , although in other examples such coupling can be a rigid mechanical coupling. 
     In one example embodiment herein, the arm  54  of holder  16  is at least one of removably or rotatably coupled to the coupler  42 , such that, in the case of rotatable coupling, the arm  54 , holder  16  (and device  17 ) can be rotated about an axis defined along a length of the rod  38 , relative to coupler  42 , and/or vice versa. 
     In one example embodiment herein, the first end of rod  38  is at least one of removably or rotatably coupled to the coupler  40 , and/or the second end of rod  38  is at least one of removably or rotatably coupled to the coupler  42 , such that, in the case of either rotatable coupling, the rod  38  and/or couplers  40 ,  42  (and, if desired, the components coupled thereto) can be rotated about the length of the rod  38 , relative to one another. 
     In another example embodiment herein, the first end of rod  38  is securely and rigidly mechanically coupled to the coupler  40  (e.g., by threading or another securing mechanism), and maintains a fixed position relative to the coupler  40 , and/or the second end of rod  38  is securely and rigidly mechanically coupled to the coupler  42  (e.g., by threading or another securing mechanism), and maintains a fixed position relative to the coupler  42 . 
     In one example embodiment herein, the rod  38  has a fixed, predetermined length, and the first connecting mechanism  18  and second connecting mechanism  20  preferably have predetermined lengths that ensure that the teeth stretcher  14  and device  17  are positioned at a predetermined distance away from one another, and also to ensure that the device  17  is held at a predetermined distance relative a mouth of a patient. In another example embodiment, at least one of the first connecting mechanism  18  or the second connecting mechanism  20  is telescopic in nature or otherwise has an adjustable length, such that, by adjusting the length(s), positions of the holder  16  (and device  17 ) and/or the mouth stretcher  14  relative to one another also can be adjusted as desired. 
     In the illustrated example embodiment, and referring to  FIG. 6 , the cheek stretcher  14  comprises two curved portions  14   a ,  14   b  that are connected (rotatably in one example, or rigidly in another example) at first ends thereof to a base  54  of connecting component  56  such that the curved portions  14   a ,  14   b  and base  54  collectively form an arc-type shape. The connecting component  56  also comprises a stem  58  that extends into an opening  60  of a coupler  62  (which forms at least part of first connecting mechanism  18 ). In one example embodiment herein, the stem  58  is removably and rotatably attached to the coupler  62 , such that the overall stretcher  14  can be rotated relative to an imaginary axis  66  defined by and extending through a length of the coupler  62  and connecting component  56 . In another example embodiment herein the stem  58  is securely and rigidly mechanically coupled to the coupler  62  (e.g., by threading or another securing mechanism), and maintains a fixed position relative to the coupler  62 . 
     Attached at a second end of the curved portion  14   a  is a first mouthpiece  14   c  that is curved in shape and which includes an annular groove  14   e  for receiving lips (and cheeks) of one side of a patient&#39;s mouth. Attached at a second end of the curved portion  14   b  is a second mouthpiece  14   d  that is curved in shape and which includes an annular groove  14   f  for receiving lips (and cheeks) of an opposite side of the patient&#39;s mouth. When the curved portions  14   c  and  14   d  are positioned in the patient&#39;s mouth, together they enable the patient&#39;s lips to be opened to an extent that enables at least a substantial portion of the patient&#39;s teeth/bite to be exposed to a camera  19  of the device  17 , for being captured in an image. The cheek stretcher  14  ensures the user&#39;s cheeks are out of the way when taking pictures of the user&#39;s teeth. By virtue of the configuration of the overall device  10  wherein the mouth stretcher  14  is positioned at a controlled distance from the device  17 , images of the patient&#39;s teeth can be captured which are less susceptible to being rejected for use in creating dental aligners. 
     Although the curved portions  14   a ,  14   b  in one example embodiment can be rigidly connected to the base  54  of connecting component  56 , in another example embodiment herein the curved portions  14   a ,  14   b  are at least one of removably or rotatably coupled to the base  54  such that, in the case of rotatable coupling, the curved portions  14   a ,  14   b  and mouth pieces  14   c ,  14   d  can be rotated relative to imaginary axis  66 . For example, in one embodiment, the portions  14   a ,  14   b  are integrally formed in a single structure that is rotatably coupled to the base  54 . By example, the integrally formed structure can be inserted into a slot in the base  54  so the structure becomes coupled thereto in a manner that enables the structure to be rotated relative to the base  54 , as represented in  1208  of  FIG. 12  (to be described below). 
     Referring again to coupler  62 , an end  63  of coupler  62  opposite the opening  60  can be inserted into an opening in the ratcheting mechanism  12 , such as an opening  65  in the upper portion  24  of the mechanism  12 , as represented in the illustrated embodiment ( FIG. 4 ). In one example embodiment herein, the end  63  of coupler  62  is at least one of removably or rotatably attached/coupled in the opening  65  of ratcheting mechanism  12 , such that, in the case of rotatable attachment, the overall cheek stretcher  14  (and connecting component  56 ) can be rotated with respect to axis  66 . In another example embodiment herein, the coupler  62  is securely and rigidly mechanically coupled with the opening  65  of the ratcheting mechanism  12  (e.g., by threading or another securing mechanism), and maintains a fixed position relative to the mechanism  12 . 
     Similarly, referring again to coupler  40 , end  48  ( FIG. 2 ) thereof is at least one of removably or rotatably attached/coupled in opening  50  of ratcheting mechanism  12  (lower portion  26 ), such that, in the case of rotatable attachment, the coupler  40  (and rod  38 , coupler  42 , holder  16 , and device  17 ) can be rotated about an axis defined along a length of the rod  38 , relative to the ratcheting mechanism  12 , and/or vice versa. In another example embodiment herein, the coupler  40  is securely and rigidly mechanically coupled with the opening  50  of the ratcheting mechanism  12  (e.g., by threading or another securing mechanism), and maintains a fixed position relative to the mechanism  12 . 
     Also in one example embodiment herein, the handle  22  is at least one of removably or rotatably attached/coupled to the lower portion  26  of ratcheting mechanism  12  such that, in the case of rotatable attachment/coupling, the lower portion  26  and/or handle  22  can be rotated related to one another.  FIG. 10  shows one example embodiment of the handle  22  in more detail. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle  22  includes an elongate portion  22   c , a spindle  22   a  for being inserted into a bore hole  12 ′ ( FIGS. 7 and 8 ) in the ratcheting mechanism  12 , and grooved teeth  22   b  that are arranged circumferentially at an end of the elongate portion  22   c  adjacent the spindle  22   a . In one example embodiment herein, the elongate portion  22   c  and spindle  22   a  are integrally formed, although in other example embodiments they may be separate parts, and/or may be removably attached to one another. 
     Also in one example embodiment herein, and although not shown for convenience, the bore hole  12 ′ is formed in the lower portion  26  of the mechanism  12 , or, in another example embodiment herein, in both the lower portion  26  and the upper portion  24  of the mechanism  12 . The spindle  22   a  can be received in the bore hole  12 ′ preferably to an extent such that lower surface  30  ( FIG. 2 ) of the lower portion  26  engages with the teeth  22   b  of the handle  22 . In one example embodiment herein, the lower surface  30  of the lower portion  26  includes a teethed surface having grooves  32  with which the teeth  22   b  of the handle  22  can be engaged. When both surfaces are so engaged, the handle  22  and the ratcheting mechanism  12  maintain a substantially fixed and secured position relative to one another. When removed from such engagement, one or both of the ratcheting mechanism  12  and handle  22  can be rotated about imaginary axis  33 , and then the ratcheting mechanism  12  and handle  22  can be re-engaged such that they maintain a new relative orientation with respect to one another, in a fixed and secured manner. 
     In another example embodiment herein, the handle  22  is securely and rigidly mechanically coupled to the ratcheting mechanism  12  (e.g., by threading or another securing mechanism), and maintains a fixed position/orientation relative to the mechanism  12 . 
     Methods according to example embodiments herein will now be described.  FIG. 11  shows a flow diagram of a method for assembling a Toothie Stick (e.g., such as device  10 ), and  FIG. 12  represents assembly of the Toothie Stick according to that method, in an example embodiment herein. In steps  1100  and  1202  the handle  22  is inserted into the lower portion  26 . By example, the spindle  22   a  is inserted into bore hole  12 ′ the lower portion  26  as described above. In step  1104  an image capturing device  17  (e.g., a smartphone) is clamped in the holder  16 , wherein the holder  16  is shown in step  1204  as being attached to upper portion  24  by way of second connecting mechanism  20 . In steps  1106  and  1206  the upper portion  24  and lower portion  26  are engaged with one another to form the ratcheting mechanism  12 . In one example embodiment herein, such engagement includes engaging grooved teeth  28  of upper surface  27  of lower portion  26  with corresponding grooves  32  of the upper portion  24 , and, in one example in which the spindle  22   a  is of sufficient length and the bore hole  12 ′ also is formed in upper portion  24 , the engagement also can include inserting the spindle  22   a  into the portion of bore hole  12 ′ included in the upper portion  24 . In steps  1108  and  1208  the curved portions  14   a ,  14   b  (which are shown connected to mouthpieces  14   c ,  14   d ) are inserted into the base  54  to form teeth stretcher  14 . In one example embodiment herein, and as represented in step  1208  of  FIG. 12 , the curved portions  14   a ,  14   b  are an integrally formed structure that is inserted into a groove or slot of the base  54 , such that the structure becomes coupled to the base  54  in a rotatable manner relative to the base  54 , although in other examples the structure is coupled to the base in a rigid and/or non-rotatable manner. In one example embodiment herein, the structure is detachably coupled to the base  54 . The foregoing is one example of a manner in which the Toothie Stick  10  is assembled. Of course, this example is not limiting, and the Toothie Stick  10  can be assembled in other manners such as with components thereof being connected in a different order than explained above. 
     An example method for using a Toothie Stick  10  according to an example aspect herein will now be described, with reference to  FIG. 13 . To obtain a photograph of a right bite  1302  of a patient&#39;s teeth, the ratcheting mechanism  12  of the Toothie Stick  10  is set to a first position (e.g., the upper and lower portions  24 ,  26  of ratcheting mechanism  12  are positioned relative to one another in a first predetermined orientation for capturing the right bite  1302 ) in step  1304 . In step  1306  the mouthpieces  14   c ,  14   d  (forming a teeth retractor) are inserted into the patient&#39;s mouth. The patient can then pull the handle  22  towards his/her right, thereby exposing the right bite (step  1308 ). The patient then maintains his/her head level and looks forward in step  1310 . Then, in step  1320 , the photograph is taken of the exposed bite, using, for example, the image capturing device  17 , which is optimally positioned to capture an image of the right bite by virtue of the foregoing steps. 
     To obtain a photograph of a left bite  1322  of the patient&#39;s teeth, the ratcheting mechanism  12  of the Toothie Stick is set to a second position (e.g., the upper and lower portions  24 ,  26  are positioned relative to one another in a second predetermined orientation for capturing the left bite  1322 ) in step  1323 . In step  1324  the mouthpieces  14   c ,  14   d  (forming a teeth retractor) are inserted into the patient&#39;s mouth. The patient can then pull the handle  22  towards his/her left, thereby exposing the right bite (step  1326 ). The patient then maintains its head level and looks forward in step  1328 . Then, in step  1329 , the photograph is taken of the exposed bite, using, for example, the image capturing device  17 , which is optimally positioned to capture an image of the right bite by virtue of the foregoing steps. 
     To obtain a photograph of a front bite  1330  of the patient&#39;s teeth, the ratcheting mechanism  12  of the Toothie Stick is set to a third position (e.g., the upper and lower portions  24 ,  26  are positioned relative to one another in a third predetermined orientation for capturing the front bite  1330 ) in step  1332 . In step  1334  the mouthpieces  14   c ,  14   d  (forming a teeth retractor) are inserted into the patient&#39;s mouth. The patient can then maintain his/her head level, and look forward, exposing the front bite (step  1336 ). Then, in step  1338 , the photograph is taken of the exposed front bite, using, for example, the image capturing device  17 , which is optimally positioned to capture an image of the front bite by virtue of the foregoing steps. 
     To obtain a photograph of the patient&#39;s lower teeth ( 1340 ), the ratcheting mechanism  12  of the Toothie Stick  10  is set to a fourth position (e.g., the upper and lower portions  24 ,  26  are positioned relative to one another in a fourth predetermined orientation for capturing lower teeth) in step  1342 . In step  1344  the mouthpieces  14   c ,  14   d  (forming a teeth retractor) are inserted into the patient&#39;s mouth. The patient can then open its mouth and tilt its head downwardly (step  1346 ). Then, in step  1348 , the photograph is taken of the lower teeth, using, for example, the image capturing device  17 , which is optimally positioned to capture an image of the lower teeth by virtue of the foregoing steps. 
     To obtain a photograph of the patient&#39;s upper teeth ( 1350 ), the ratcheting mechanism  12  of the Toothie Stick  10  is set to a fifth position (e.g., the upper and lower portions  24 ,  26  are positioned relative to one another in a fifth predetermined orientation for capturing upper teeth) in step  1352 . In step  1354  the mouthpieces  14   c ,  14   d  (forming a teeth retractor) are inserted into the patient&#39;s mouth. The patient can then open their mouth and tilt their head upward (step  1356 ). Then, in step  1358 , the photograph is taken of the upper teeth, using, for example, the image capturing device  17 , which is optimally positioned to capture an image of the upper teeth by virtue of the foregoing steps. 
     The components of the Toothie Stick  10  can be made from any suitable material(s), including, without limitation and by example, plastic. The Toothie Stick  10  can be used to control the orientation, position, and angle of a camera device  17  relative to one&#39;s mouth, to enable capture of high quality images that can be used for creating a dental aligner. 
     While various example embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example, and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) that various changes in form and detail can be made therein. Thus, the present invention should not be limited by any of the above described example embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents. 
     In addition, it should be understood that the Figures are presented for example purposes only. The architecture of the example embodiments presented herein is sufficiently flexible and configurable, such that it may be utilized (and navigated) in ways other than that shown in the accompanying figures. 
     Further, the purpose of the foregoing Abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The Abstract is not intended to be limiting as to the scope of the example embodiments presented herein in any way. It is also to be understood that the procedures recited in the claims need not be performed in the order presented.