MXPA06014981A

MXPA06014981A - Retracting devices.

Info

Publication number: MXPA06014981A
Application number: MXPA06014981A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Robert Hayman; Eric P Rose; Dennis Schroeder; William Dorfman; Steve Piorek; Nancy N Quan
Original assignee: Discus Dental Impressions Inc
Priority date: 2004-07-02
Filing date: 2005-06-30
Publication date: 2007-03-27
Also published as: KR20060080110A; AU2005270016A1; JP2008504902A; WO2006014371A2; WO2006014371A3; KR20060080111A; EP1776060A2; CA2572539A1; KR101217568B1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a retracting device for retracting at leasta portion of a user s mouth. The retracting device includes formations,which may be inter-engaging and/or non-inter-engaging with other dental toolsor apparatus. The formations are adapted for repeatably positioning a subject smouth with respect to a light system, and/or an imaging film, and/or a dental tray.

Description

RETRACTOR DEVICES FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to oral retractor devices in general. Specifically, the retractor devices are adapted to retract parts of the mouth.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Devices for extending the corners of the mouth, also known as cheek retractors or tongue cups, are well known in the art for extending parts of the lips, which extend the cheeks, for examination and / or treatment. of health professionals. Devices for extending the corners of the mouth include devices that extend a portion or parts of the upper and lower lips using levers that are pushed by an assistant, using eyelashes that hollow and extend the lips, using devices that include resilient metal members and using devices having two detent members to extend two parts of the lips. However, there is still a need for a retractor device like the one described below for the benefits that are associated with it.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention there is provided a retractable device for retracting at least a part of the user's mouth. The retractor device has formations, which can be inter-clutch and not inter-clutch with other tools or dental apparatus. The formations are adapted to repeatedly place the mouth of a person with respect to a lighting system and / or an image forming film and / or a dental tray, and / or an apparatus adapted for aspiration such as a vacuum cleaner, and / or a suction tube.

In one embodiment, a lighting system includes a separator such as a light output port, an image forming film device, a light guide, or an inspection device that includes inter-clutch formations so that it can be removed. like a separator and the retractable device that are juxtaposed.

In another embodiment, a retractable device includes formations such as a dental tray adapted to repeatedly place the teeth of a person with a composition for treatment.

In a further embodiment, a retractable device includes formations such as an image-forming device adapted to repeatedly place a person's teeth with respect to an image-forming device, and / or a light source or an image-forming source.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the retractable device includes at least two-channel seals or tabs, at least one resilient member, and at least two formations such as wing-like members, or tabs, wherein each of the Channel seals include a raceway, an inner sidewall, an outer sidewall, and each wing-like member is separated from the junction of the resilient member. Each of the wing-like members is adapted to fit within a slot in an external port, a light guide, an image-forming device or a device for examination, like a cone. In one aspect, each of the resilient members is attached to the inner side wall of the two adjacent channel seals by means of an adhesion or heat seal, and includes two arches and each of the wing or member tabs is attached to a channel retainer by means of an adhesion or heat seal. In another aspect, each of the resilient means is integrally molded to the internal side wall of the two adjacent channel seals and includes two arcs, and each of the wing or member tabs is molded integrally to a channel retainer.

According to another embodiment of the invention there is provided a retractable device for retracting the lips of a person, including at least two channel seals or tabs, at least one resilient member, at least two pillows, and at least two wing-like formations, wherein each channel retainer includes a channel, an internal side wall, and an external side wall, each resilient member is integrally molded or joined to the side walls of two adjacent channel seals and includes less an arch; each wing-like flange is integrally molded or attached to the outer wall of a channel retainer or flange at a location that is separate from the juncture of the resilient member, and the pillow is attached or molded to the resilient member, for example, approximately in the area of the arch.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, a retractable device is provided for retracting a person's lips, which includes at least two channel seals, at least two formations such as wing-type tabs and a tongue retainer, Channel seals are maintained in a separate separate relationship, at least one resilient member, wing type tabs are integrally joined or molded to the channel seals and the tongue retainer is attached to two of the channel seals.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the retractable lip device includes at least four channel seals or tabs, at least four resilient members, and at least two formations such as wing-type members or tabs, wherein each channel retainer includes a channel, an internal side wall, and an external side wall; each resilient member is integrally molded or joined to two outer side walls of two adjacent channel seals and includes an arc; and each wing-type member or flange is integrally molded or joined to a channel retainer or flange at a location that is separate from the bonding area of the resilient member. Each of the wing-like members are adapted to fit within a slot in an exit port, a light guide, an image-forming device or a device to be examined as a cone.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a retractable device is provided for retracting a person's lips, including four detents i. channel, a plurality of resilient members, so ! Minus two formations such as wing-like members, at least two pads, and a tongue retainer, the channel detents are kept in a separate separate relationship, and at least one resilient member comprising an arch, I the pillow is attached or molded to the resilient member, and the The tongue retainer is attached to two of the channel seals by means of two secondary resilient members. In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention, a retractable device is provided to retract the 15 lips of a person has at least one training I to accommodate a dental treatment composition, for Example, a whitening composition. In one aspect, The training can include at least one channel in the form I I of u that can be set to accommodate teeth ! j 20 lower, higher or both of a person. U-shaped channel I supports the catches in a relationship I of considerably constant space with respect to I 1 another. In another aspect, the arch of the retractable device I can be configured to accommodate a channel in the form of u.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, a retractor device having at least one formation such as a wing-like member can be held in place by natural compression of a person's lips. The wing-type members provide positioning and alignment for at least one formation coupled to an image forming apparatus. The configuration allows the patient to maintain a position during image formation with little effort, comparatively.

In one aspect, a retractor device includes at least one formation as a passively held portion for securing it to a person for dental imaging. The device further includes a first alignment formation coupled to the passively held portion wherein the first alignment formation provides alignment for at least one tooth; and the device may also include a second alignment formation coupled to an image forming device, wherein the second alignment formation has the shape and configuration to be coupled with at least one formation in the image forming device and both the First and second alignment formations serve to align the image forming device in a substantially fixed position with respect to at least one tooth. The device may include a film holder coupled to the passively held part. The film support is adapted to maintain an image forming film, or an image forming sensor, to form the image of at least one tooth.

In one embodiment, the retractor device can be a single-use device, and the image-forming film, or the image-forming sensor can be formed integrally with the holder.

In one aspect, a retractor device of the invention can be adjusted with a formation such as a tongue to tighten and to facilitate the insertion and removal of the device.

Other alternatives and embodiments for practicing the invention are also described herein and furthermore are mentioned below in the Detailed Description section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figs. 1 and lb represent a semi-schematic perspective view of a lip retractor device provided according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 1 represents a semi-schematic perspective view of an alternative lip retractor device provided according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 represents a flat semi-schematic view of the bottom of the lip retractor device of Fig. 1 fitted within a device, such as an output port, a light guide, an image forming device, a light source or a cone to examine.

Fig. 3 represents a flat semi-schematic view of the bottom of the lip retractor device of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 represents a semi-schematic side view of the lip retractor device of Fig. 1 taken along line A-A of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 depicts a planar semi-schematic top view of the lip retractor device of Fig. 1.

Fig. 6 represents a semi-schematic side view of the lip retractor device of Fig. 4 taken along line B-B of Fig. 4.

Fig. 7 represents a semi-schematic side view of the lip retractor device of Fig. 5 taken along line C-C of Fig. 5.

Fig. 8 represents a semi-schematic side view of an alternative lip retractor device provided according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 9 represents a semi-schematic front view of the lip retractor device of Fig. 1 worn by a user / patient.

Fig. 10 represents a semi-schematic front view of the lip retractor device of Fig. 8 worn by a user / person.

Fig. 10a represents another embodiment of the lip retractor device of Fig. 8 in service in a user / person.

Fig. 11 represents a planar, semi-schematic top view of the lip retractor device of Fig. La.

FIG. 11 represents a top semi-schematic view of the lip retractor device of FIG. 11.

Fig. 11b shows a semi-schematic plan view of the bottom of the lip retractor device of Fig. 1a fitted within a light guide.

Fig. 11c shows a mode of a light guide according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 12 represents a semi-schematic side view of the lip retractor device of Fig. 11.

Fig. 13 represents a semi-schematic front view of a light guide with slots.

Fig. 14 represents a semi-schematic side view of the lip retractor device of Fig. 11 fitted with pads.

Fig. 15 represents a semi-schematic top view of the pad having a jaw configuration.

Fig. 16 represents a perspective view of an embodiment of the lip retractor device including a u-shaped channel.

Fig. 16a represents a rear view of an embodiment of Fig. 16.

Fig. 17 represents a perspective view of a modality of the lip retractor device including a u-shaped channel.

Fig. 18 represents a perspective view of an embodiment of the lip retractor device having a u-shaped channel with a tongue.

Fig. 19 shows a perspective view, a lip retractor device accommodating the series of lower and upper teeth according to one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 20 shows a schematic view of the combination of a lip retractor device with the light guide and a lamp.

Fig. 21 shows a perspective view of a dental lighting system suitable for use with embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 22 shows a perspective view of a lamp head of a dental lighting system.

Fig. 23 shows a top view of the lip retractor device of Fig. 16 coupled with a light guide according to the principles of the invention.

Fig. 24 shows a perspective view of a frame of a dental lighting system of the present invention.

Fig. 25 shows a perspective view of a light guide including a damper and a lighting frame according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 25a shows an embodiment of a lighting frame including a heat sink.

Fig. 26 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a lighting frame of the present invention.

Fig. 27 shows a perspective view of a dental bleach or a healing lamp according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 28 shows a top view of a lighting frame coupled with a lip retractor according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 28a shows a lighting frame having formations according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 28b shows another embodiment of a lighting frame coupled with a lip retractor according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 28c depicts a semi-schematic front view of a lip retractor device coupled to a patient / user according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 29 shows a perspective view of a lip retractor with wings spread according to one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 29a shows a perspective view of a lip retractor device including targets according to one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 29b shows a perspective view of a lip retractor device with extended wings and chosen according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 29c shows a perspective view of a lip retractor device including a film holder according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 29d shows a perspective view of an alternative configuration of a lip retractor device.

Fig. 29e shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a retractor device.

Fig. 30 shows a perspective view of a fixed platform for image formation according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 30a shows an embodiment of the invention that includes a dental support structure and a fixation system for dental image formation.

Fig. 30b shows another embodiment of the invention that includes a dental support structure and a fixation system for dental image formation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The detailed description set forth below in relation to the drawings of the annex is proposed as a description of the current exemplified embodiments of a retractor device provided in accordance with the present invention and is not intended to represent the only ways in which it can be constructed or use the present invention. The description sets forth the features and steps for constructing and using the retractor device of the present invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and structures can be fulfilled by means of different modalities that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and field of the invention. Also, as indicated somewhere within it, numbers of similar elements try to indicate the same or similar elements or characteristics.

The retractor device has inter-clutch formations and no inter-clutch. The inter-clutch formations include those formations that engage a device, an apparatus or a tool with at least one corresponding formation in another device, apparatus or tool. Non-inter-clutch formations include those formations that bring that device, apparatus or tool into close proximity with at least a part of a person's mouth.

The word "training", as used herein in relation to a dental system such as a lighting system, a light guide, an image-forming system, a composition for dental treatment, an image-forming system, an adapted apparatus for suction, a retractor device, a separator, a support system, or dental tools adapted for suction as a suction or suction tubes refers to the part of the dental system, which is adapted to inter-adjust with a corresponding part of an attached dental system, component or the mouth of a person. In this way a formation includes at least a portion of any of the items listed above and can be formed or shaped by means of • molding, or the formation can be formed separately and then subsequently assembled with the respective articles.

Inter-clutch formations include tabs and slits, poles and receptacles, oscillating hooks and receptacles, resilient fasteners and receptacles, fasteners and projections or depressions, tabs or wing-type members and slots, ball and cavity, ball and receptacle, some of the which are more specifically exemplified in detail below. The non-inter-clutch formations include dental trays, image-forming film holders, and other features adapted to place any dental treatment or imaging material in a patient's mouth.

Referring to Fig. 1, a lip retractor device for retracting the upper and lower lips (in the present "lips") to facilitate the examination and / or treatment of the mouth and / or teeth provided in accordance with a practice of the present invention is generally shown and designated with the number 10. The lip retractor device 10 can also be known as a tongue cup and includes four separate channel seals 12, 14, 16, 18, also known as tabs, for retaining four corresponding parts of the lips for examination and / or treatment of the mouth or teeth. When used, the lip retractor device 10 stretches the lips, which retracts the cheeks, to expose the mouth so that a health professional can easily see the teeth and work on the teeth and / or mouth, as exemplified in Figs. 9 and 10.

The four channel seals include two side channel seals 12, 14 to retain the ends of the lips, approximately where they intersect the upper and lower lips, and two lip channel seals 16, 18 to retain the middle part of the lips upper and lower. More particularly, the four channel detents or tabs 12, 14, 16, 18 are adapted to hollow the lips and push them open and expose the teeth for treatment and / or examination, as exemplified in Figs. 9 and 10, as mentioned above.

A plurality of resilient members 20 are incorporated in the lip retractor device 10 to interconnect the four channel detents 12, 14, 16, 18 together and also function as biasing means. In the ready position (before insertion of the lip retractor into the mouth), the resilient members 20 are bent outwardly relative to the central part of the retractor device 10. As described below, when the retractor device 10 is inserted in the mouth and the four channel seals 12, 14, 16, 18 recess the respective parts of the lips, the resilient members 20 provide a retraction force to retract the lips radially outward for examination and / or treatment.

An optional tongue retainer 22 is shown positioned approximately in the center in relation to the four channel detents 12, 14, 16, 18. The tongue retainer can also be positioned asymmetrically around the two channel seals 16 and 18. tongue retainer 22 includes a channel 23 and is attached to two channel detents 12, 14 by means of a pair of resilient secondary members 24. When incorporated, tongue retainer 22 and resilient secondary members 24 cooperate to block the tongue and limit that the tongue returns to the vicinity of the mouth, thus allowing access to the lingual part or the back of the teeth for examination and / or treatment. In short, the language check is configured to minimize the interference of the language during the treatment and / or examination of a health professional.

Any of the resilient members 20 can be formed as a single piece, integrally molded or bonded with an adhesive or heat seal to, for example, the outer side surface 28b and 44b of a pair of channel detents 14, 16 or it can be formed into two halves separated and connected to the middle part, also be molded in an integrated manner or joined with a hot adhesive or seal to the outer lateral surface 28b and 44b of the adjacent channel retainers 14 and 16.

As shown, the side channel seals 12, 14 resemble a curvilinear c-channel in which they include an arcuate-shaped chute 26 and two channel side walls 28a, 28b. The channel side walls 38a, 28b resemble a bell shape and include a wall of maximum dimension approximately in the middle part 34 and two smaller conical tips 26 at the ends thereof. In one embodiment, the inner side wall 28a, which is intraoral as described below, is slightly longer in relation to the outer side wall 28b. However, the relative dimensions can be inverted or they can be the same without deviating from the functionality of the retractor device 10.

The side channel seals 12, 14 further include an inner surface 30 and an outer surface 32. the arched chute 26 includes a curved portion 31 adapted to mimic the curvature of the lip side when the lips are in the open position. Because this curvature can vary depending on the size and age of the user or patient, the retractor device 10 can be implemented by varying the radii of curvatures of the part 31 to adjust the various shapes of the particular user / patient. The arched chute 26 may also include an irregular curvature or two or more different radii of curvatures. For example, the low region 38 of the curved part 31 may have a radius longer than the upper region 40 or vice versa. If implemented, the irregular curvature may vary the amount of retraction of the part of the lip that sits within the arched chute to vary the amount of retraction between these parts of the lip. The two lip channel seals 16, 18 may also have different radii of curvature, similar to the side channel seals 12, 14.

As shown, the lip channel seals 16, 18, like the side channel seals 12, 14, resemble a curvilinear c-channel in which they include an arched chute 42 and two channel side walls 44a, 44b. In one embodiment, the radius of the curvature of the part 46 of the lip channel seals is longer than the radius of curvature of the part 31 of the side channel seals 12, 14. The longest radius of the part 46 it allows the lips channel retainers 16, 18 to conform to the contour of the upper and lower lips near the frenulum, which is flatter relative to the side of the lips. Depending on the size and age of the proposed user / patient, the radius of curvature of the part 46 of the lip channel retainer 16, 18 may also vary.

As shown, a frenulum releaser 48 is incorporated into the inner side walls 44a of the lip channel seals 16, 18 to provide release of the frenulum in the upper and lower lips. In one embodiment, the bridle releaser 18 may include a partially oval cutout that is large enough to provide space for the frenulum. In other words, the frenulum releaser 48 may be such that the lower part 50 of the frenulum releaser only lightly touches the frenum when it is being used, for example, it does not touch the frenulum. Although the oval-shaped cutout for the bridle releaser 48 is shown, a partial circle, a rectangular cut-out, a square cut-out, or a cut-out with another geometric shape can also be incorporated without deviating from the bridle release function.

A lip retractor device, as shown herein with the numeral 10, can be manufactured by injection molding or by pouring a thermoplastic material such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, polyester, polycarbonate or the like. It can also be made of biocomposable or biodegradable polymers including polyesters such as a polylactic acid resin (having L-lactic acid and D-lactic acid), and polyglycolic acid (PGA); polyhydroxyvalerate / hydroxybutyrate resin (PHBV) (copolymer 3-hydroxy butyric acid and 3-hydroxy pentanoic acid (3-hydroxy valeric acid) and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) copolymers, and polyester / urethane resin. More for example, the retractor device The lip can be manufactured by means of injection molding of polypropylene and can have a transparent and smooth finish In another embodiment, the device can be opaque and colored, including the color white.

As shown in Fig. Lb, two formations, for example, two wing-type tabs 100 can be incorporated in the lip retractor device of Fig. 1. These wing-type tabs 100 can be molded or emptied in an integrated manner with, or joined by means of an adhesive or heat seal to the side channel tabs or seals 12, 14, and can be constructed of the same or different material as the channel tabs or seals, or other parts of the retractor device, including materials mentioned above, or a more resistant or composite polymeric material. Additionally, it can also be opaque or have color even if the rest of the lip retractor device is colorless or transparent. The wing-type tabs 100 can be designed to fit within a pair of formations, such as slots 1130, 1132 formed in the output port, an image forming device, a lamp system, or a light guide 1120 of a system of lamp 1120 used in a method for bleaching or slots in any device for examining, as shown in the example lighting system of Fig. 20, a schematic view of a combination of a lip retractor 1138, a guide of light 1120 and a lamp system 1102. Another exemplary lamp or lighting system and its use are described in Patent Series No. 10 / 715,681, filed on November 17, 2003, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. reference, in its entirety.

In another embodiment, instead of a light guide 1120, as shown in FIG. 20, a device for examining as a cone-like structure mentioned above, can be configured to fit over the output of the lamp 104 and the wing flaps 100 in the lip retractor 1138, as shown in Fig. 13. The wing flaps 100 can be configured to interact with formations, such as the cone slots 112, to thereby provide a space controlled and consistent between the lamp 104 and the patient's teeth to be treated or examined.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a lip retractor 10 'is shown to retract the lips to facilitate examination, image formation of the mouth and / or teeth, and / or the bleaching or curing procedure provided in accordance with FIG. a practice of the present invention. The retractor includes two channel seals or tabs spaced 12 ', 14', to retain two corresponding parts of the lips for examination and / or treatment of the mouth and / or teeth. When used, the lip retractor 10 'similarly stretches the lips, which retracts the cheeks, to expose the mouth so that a health professional can easily see the teeth and work on the teeth and / or mouth.

As the retractor device of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the two channel seals 12 ', 14' can be adapted to retain the ends of the lips, approximately where the upper and lower lips intersect. More particularly, the two channel seals or flanges 12 ', 14' are adapted to recess the lips and push them open and expose the teeth for treatment and / or examination.

A resilient member 20 'is incorporated in the lip retractor device 10' to interconnect the two channel seals 12 ', 14' together and operate as pusher means. The resilient member 20 'has, for example, two arcs, as shown, one on each side of the central part 22. The resilient member 20' can be formed as a single piece, molded integrally or attached by means of adhesion or heat sealing to the inner side walls 28a 'of the channel seals 12', 14 ', or it may be formed into two separate halves and joined by means of an adhesive or heat seal to the inner side wall 28a' of the channel seals 12 ', 14' or can be formed in two separate halves and connected to the middle part 22 ', also molded integrally or attached by means of adhesive or heat sealing to the inner side wall 28a' of the channel detents 12 ', 14' In the ready position (prior to the insertion of the lip retractor device into the mouth), the resilient members 20 'may bow outwardly with respect to the central part of the lip retractor device 10 'As also described below When the lip retractor device 10 'is inserted into the mouth and the two channel retainers 12', 14 'recess the respective parts of the lips, the resilient members 20' provide a retraction force to radially retract the lips outwardly. for examination and / or treatment. The lip retractor device is especially useful for the bleaching process.

A tongue retainer 22 'can also be placed approximately centered relative to the two channel detents 12', 14 '. As the tongue retainer 22 of FIG. 1, the tongue retainer 22 'of the present embodiment may also include a channel 23'. In addition, it can be formed integrally in the central part of the resilient member 20 'and in this way can be attached to the channel retainers 12', 14 'by means of the resilient member 20'. When it is incorporated, the tongue retainer also blocks the tongue and limits it to the back of the mouth, in this way it allows access to the lingual or posterior part of the teeth for examination and / or treatment, as mentioned above, for minimize the interference of the language during the treatment and / or examination of a health professional.

In this embodiment, the resilient member 20 'acts not only to connect the channel seals and push them, but also to connect the tongue retainer to the channel seals. If the tongue retainer 22 'is not incorporated, the resilient member 20' will simply extend from one channel retainer 12 'to another channel retainer 14' in a substantially uniform width.

The channel seals 12 ', 14' also resemble a curvilinear c-channel in which an arched chute 26 'and two channel side walls 28a', 28b 'are included.

The channel side walls 28a ', 28b' also resemble a bell shape and include a maximum wall dimension of approximately the midpoint 34 'and two smaller conical points 36' at the ends thereof. In one embodiment, the inner side wall 28a ', which is also intraoral, may be slightly longer in relation to the outer side wall 28b'. However, the relative dimensions can again be reversed or they can be the same without deviating from the functionality of the lip retractor device 10 '.

Similar to Figs. 1 and lb, the side of the channel detents 12 ', 14' further include an inner surface 30 'and an outer surface 32'. The arcuate chute 26 'includes a radius of curvature of the part 31' adapted to mimic the curvature of the side of the lips when the lips are in the open position. Also, because this curvature may vary again depending on the size and age of the user or patient, as mentioned above, the lip retractor device 10 'may be implemented with several radii of curvature of the part 31' to adjust the various forms of the particular user / patient. The arcuate channel 24 'may also include an irregular curvature or two or more different radii of curvatures. For example, the lower region 38 'of the radius of the curvature of the part 31 may have a longer radius than the upper region 40' or vice versa. If implemented, the irregular curvature may vary the amount of retraction of the part of the lip that is seated within the arched chute to vary the amount of retraction between these parts of the lip.

Similarly, the lip retractor 10 'can also be manufactured by means of injection molding or welding a thermoplastic material such as those already mentioned. For example, the lip retractor device 10 'can be manufactured by injection molded polypropylene polypropylene and can be either opaque or colored white having a smooth finish, or can be made of transparent injection molded polypropylene, and finished smooth.

Additionally, Fig. 1 also shows two formations such as the wing type flanges 100, which extend from the outer side wall 28b 'of the channel seals 12', 14 '. The wing-type tabs 100 can also be molded or emptied in an integrated manner with the channel tabs or detents 12 ', 14', or joined, as mentioned above. As also mentioned above and in more detail below, the wing-like tabs can be designed to fit the lip retractor device 10 'to the formations, such as the slots, formed in a cone section of an outlet port or a guide rail. light from a lamp source used in the teeth whitening, cure or imaging procedure, or to slots in any device to examine. As an example, Fig. 2 shows a bottom view of the lip retractor device 10 'with its wing flaps 100 clutching over the slots, for example, a light guide 102, which is attached to a lamp 104 which is shows in the lines of point and line.

Similarly, as mentioned above, the wing-like members or flanges 100 can be made of the same or different material as the rest of the lip retractor device or the tabs or channel seals, including the materials mentioned above, or of a further polymeric material. strong or compound.

Additionally, it may also be opaque or colored even if the remainder of the lip retractor device may be colorless or transparent.

Fig. 3 is a semi-schematic plan view of the bottom of the lip retractor device 10 of Fig. 1. The lip retractor device 10 is shown in a ready-to-use configuration, a configuration in which the four resilient members 20 they push the four channel seals 12, 14, 16, 18 out 52 or in a space relationship between one and the other. Similarly, the two secondary resilient members 24 push the tongue detent 22 out of the plane defining the position of the four channel detents 12, 14, 16, 18 (approximately perpendicular towards the observer). Therefore, as described more fully below, when the lip retractor device 10 is placed in the mouth during service, the four channel retainers 12, 14, 16 18 are adapted to recess the lips and the four resilient members. they are adapted to extend the open lips due to the resilience of the resilient members 20 to expose the labial or front portions of the teeth, as shown in Figs. 9 and 10. Similarly, the tongue retainer 22 is adapted to block the tongue and the two secondary resilient members 24 are adapted to limit the tongue remaining in the posterior region of the mouth, towards the throat, to further expose the lingual portions. or posterior of the upper or lower teeth, as shown in Fig. 9.

When in service within the mouth of a patient, the inner side walls 28a, 44a, the secondary resilient members 24, and the tongue of the lip retractor 22, including the channel 23, are configured to be intraoral while the walls outer laterals 28b, 44b, as shown in Fig. 4, and the four resilient members 20 are configured to be extraoral. As is evident, the four resilient members 20 are integrally molded to the outer side walls 28b, 44b so as not to interfere with the insertion of the lip retractor into the mouth.

Fig. 4 is a semi-schematic side view of the lip retractor device of Fig. 3 taken on line A-A. Fig. 4 shows the tongue retainer 22 including an upper flange 54 and a lower flange 56. The upper flange 54 is placed higher in relation to the lower flange 56 (i.e., protrudes more into the mouth than the lower flange when the lip retractor device is in service) and molded in an integrated manner it is joined to the two secondary resilient members 24. Alternatively, the tongue retainer 22 may have two equal ridges to retain the tongue equally along the lower surfaces and superior.

The two secondary resilient members 24 shown have a horizontal section, in general, 58 extending from the upper flange 58 and inclined section 60 connected to the horizontal section 58 and to the curved portion 31 of the two side channel seals 12, 14. Alternatively, the two secondary resilient members 24 may include a single inclined section connecting with both the upper flange and the curved portion.

Referring specifically to the right side channel retainer 12, there is shown a central channel line, which divides the channel retainer at approximately the midpoint of the channel 26. From the perspective of the center line c, it can be seen that the inner side wall 28a is angularly spaced at a greater distance 62 than angular position 64 of outer side wall 28b. The surface area of the outer side wall 28b is also smaller in relation to the inner side wall 28a. Among other things, it is considered that this compensated or non-symmetrical configuration best conforms to the physical characteristics of the cheeks and lips, which results in a more comfortable fit when the lip retractor device is in service. In other words, the channel seals 12, 14 shown are not semi-circular or symmetrical near a line or a point to accommodate the non-symmetrical characteristics of the lips. However, it is possible to manufacture the lateral channel seals 12, 14 symmetrical and / or oversized and still provide a comfortable fit.

Also shown in Fig. 4 is the manner in which the resilient members 20 are integrally molded or attached to the outer side surface 28b of the sides of the channel detents 12, 14 and the outer side surface 44b of the retainer. of lip channel 16. In a particular embodiment, each of the resilient members 20 has an upper edge 66 that is flush, flattened, or otherwise smoothed with the inner surface 30 of the side channel seals 12, 14 and the inner surface 68 of the lip channel retainer 16. This arrangement allows the lip retractor 10 to wear without sharp edges protruding or projecting against the inner surface of the lips and cheeks. However, a slight deviation in the change between the upper edge 66 and the inner surfaces 30, 68 of the channel detents 12, 14, 16 may also be acceptable as the lips and cheeks are folded and can accommodate any deviation minimal without being excessively irritating to the user / patient.

Referring now to Fig. 5, there is shown an exemplary semi-schematic top plan view of the lip retractor device of Fig. 1. As shown, the end points 72 of the resilient members 20 extend past the edges 74 of the resilient members. side channel seals 12, 14 and the edges 76 of the lip channel seals 16, 18 for integrally joining or molding between the resilient members 20 and the channel seals 12, 14, 16, 18. However, the The amount of overlap between the end points 72 and the edges may vary depending on the particular materials used to mold the lip retractor device 10, which may have sufficient strength without considerable or no overlap. The tongue retainer 22 shown has an oval-shaped contour and a smooth external surface 78. However, a circular, square, rectangular, or other geometric shape tongue retainer 22 can also be used without deviating from the field of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a semi-schematic side view of the lip retractor device of Fig. 5 taken on line B-B. Assuming that the side channel seals 12, 14 and the lip channel seals 16, 18 define a curved plane, as shown; the upper flange 54 of tongue retainer 22 is underlying the curved plane. As mentioned above, the underlying configuration and the depth of the channel 23 (Fig. 3) allows the tongue retainer 22 to limit and retain the tongue at the back of the mouth to further expose the lingual surface of the teeth.

Fig. 7 is a semi-schematic side view of the lip retractor device 10 of Fig. 6 taken on line C-C. Similar to the side channel retainer 12 of Fig. 4, the lip channel retainer 18 includes a center line of lip channel or mid-point, which divides the lip channel retainer approximately in the center line of the arched channel. 42. From the perspective of the centerline, it can be seen that the inner side wall 44a is angularly spaced at a smaller distance 80 than the angular position 82 of the outer side wall 44b in relation to the center line. Among other things, this compensated or non-symmetrical configuration is adapted to conform to the physical nature of the lips, which changes it to a more comfortable fit when the lip retractor device is in service.

Alternatively, the particular relationship may connect in such a manner that the angular positions of the inner and outer walls 44a, 44b in relation to the centerline are the same or reverse, as mentioned above for the side channel seals 12, 14.

Fig. 8 is a semi-schematic perspective view of an alternative lip retractor 10"provided in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, as shown, the lip retractor includes two side channel seals 12 ', 14 ', two lip channel seals 16', 18 ', and four resilient members 20' In one embodiment, the alternative lip retractor device 10 'is identical to the lip retractor device 10 shown in FIGS. lb, 3-7 except that the alternative lip retractor device 10 'does not include a tongue retainer.Therefore, the description set forth above for the lip retractor device 10 applies to the alternative lip retractor device 10' less the retainer language.

Similarly, although not specifically shown, the lip retractor 10 ', as seen in FIG. 1, can also be manufactured without the optional tongue retainer.

Fig. 9 is an exemplary schematic top plan view of the lip retractor device 10 of FIG. 1 used on a patient or user 84. As shown, the lip retractor device 10 engages the mouth of the user 86 to retract the lips of the user. user 88 and cheeks 90. Once in position, the mouth of user 86, and particularly teeth 92, are exposed for examination and / or treatment by a health professional. More specifically, the side channel seals 12, 14 engage the mouth side, the lip channel seals 16, 18 engage the upper and lower lips 88, and the resilient members 20 push the four channel seals, which push the lips 88 and the cheeks 90 so that they open, to expose the teeth and the interior of the mouth 86. When the lip retractor device is used, the external lateral surfaces 28b, 44b and the resilient members 20 are exposed extraorally from the mouth.

The tongue retainer 22 is shown engaging the tongue 94 and relegates the tongue to the posterior region of the mouth 86. When incorporated, the tongue retainer 22 is configured to further expose the lingual surface 96 of the teeth for examination and / or treatment.

The lip retractor device 10 can be installed on the lips 88 by first placing the upper lip on the inner side wall 44a and inside the channel 48 of the upper lip channel retainer 16. The two side channel seals 1214 are then pressed together and placed inside the mouth, either concurrently or one at a time, until the sides of the lips fit over the inner side wall 28a of the side channel seals 12, 14 and within the 26. Finally, the channel retainer of the lower lip 18 is tightened and placed on the lower lip 88 with the lower lip engaging the channel 42 of the lip channel retainer 18. Once installed, the tongue retainer 22, if find, automatically align with the tongue 94 to prevent the tongue from having maneuverability. The lip retractor device 10 can also be installed by reversing the above mentioned steps or by tightening the four channel seals at the same time and adjusting the lips on the channel seals.

Fig. 10 is an exemplary top, semi-schematic plan view of the alternative lip retractor device 10 'of Fig. 8 used in a patient or user 84. Like the lip retractor device 10 in Fig. 9 the retractor device alternative lip 10 'clutch the lips to retract the lips 98 and the cheek 90 to, in this way, expose the teeth 92 for examination and / or treatment. However, unlike the lip retractor device 10 of FIG. 9, the lip retractor 10 'does not incorporate a tongue retainer. In this way, the tongue 94 is shown free to move within the oral cavity of the mouth 86.

In some embodiments, the retractor device may include at least one formation adapted to engage with the corresponding formations in an apparatus or tool adapted to be sucked, such as a suction tube and / or air / gas aspirator, or others, to place the device in proximity to at least a part of or inside the mouth of a person. An example embodiment is shown in Fig. 10a, in which another embodiment of Fig. 10 is shown, where the formation is shown as a projection 20a, such as a post or a protuberance on one of the resilient members, adapted to engage with a fastener 520 placed in a suction tube 500.

The formation can also be a depression, like a dent adapted to accept a bra.

Fig. 11 is a semi-schematic plan view of the bottom of the lip retractor device 10 'of Fig. La. The lip retractor device 10 'is in the ready position, which is a position in which the arcs of the resilient members 20' push the two channel seals 12, 14 towards each other to form a substantially circular shape for an unobstructed view of the inside of the mouth. At the same time, the resilient member 20 'pushes the tongue retainer 22' out of the plane defining the position of the two channel detents 12 ', 14' (approximately perpendicular to the observer). Therefore, as further described below, when the lip retractor 10 'is placed in the mouth during service, the two channel detents 12', 14 'are adapted to recess the lips and arcs formed by the resilient member. 20 'are adapted to keep the lips open due to the resilience of the resilient members 20' to expose the labial or front parts of the teeth. Similarly, the tongue retainer 22 'is adapted to block the tongue and the resilient members 20' are adapted to limit the tongue to the posterior region of the mouth, towards the throat, to further expose the lingual or posterior parts of the upper teeth or lower. The wing-like members 100 are positioned outside the mouth to adjust the lip retractor device 10 'to the slots formed in any output port or light guide of a lamp source, an image forming device or a device to examine as a cone, as shown in general in Figs. 2 and 13, mentioned above. Note that the tongue retainer 22 'is shown in general, as a flat, rectangular plate incorporated at the midpoint of the resilient member 20', which is an alternative to the tongue retainer 22 'shown in FIG. which a channel 23 'is incorporated.

The lip retractor device 10 'is configured to fit inside the mouth in the orientation shown in Fig. 11. In other words, the walls ! inner side 28a ', and tongue retractor 22' i are configured to be intraoral, while external side walls 28b ', resilient member ij 5 20' and wing-like members 100 are configured to be extraoral. Figure 1 shows a lip retractor device i 350 that includes first 355 and second 360 channels 1 1 10 semicircular in the shape of "Ü" to receive the lips of an adjacent dental patient with respect to the internal surfaces 365, 370 of it. This is similar to Fig. 1, but in a ready-to-use configuration. In this ready-to-use configuration, some of the structures take a form other than I that is displayed in a non-ready-to-use mode. A support member 375 can be coupled reciprocally to the channels in the shape of "U2" 355, 360 in a substantially constant space ratio between '20 yes. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1, the support member 375 also supports a tongue cap adapted to retain a patient's tongue and protect it from incidental illumination. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a pair of interface wings 111 are coupled to the "U" shaped channels 355, 360 respectively. According to this embodiment, each of the interface wings 111 includes a respective upper surface 390, 395 and a respective lower surface 401, 402. According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper surface 390 is placed in substantially parallel relation with the bottom surface 401 and the top surface 395 is positioned substantially parallel relative to the bottom surface 403. According to one embodiment of the invention, the interface wings 111 have a first plurality of counter-markings or holes 413 and a second plurality of countermarks or holes 415 respectively. The countermarks or holes are adapted to easily maintain a particular alignment of, for example, a lighting frame (as shown in Fig. 26) 105, or image forming devices with respect to lip retractor device 350.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the interface wings 111 are adapted to be received within the slots 236 ', 248' of a light guide 106, as shown in, for example, FIG. 11b, respectively. By pressing the lip retractor device 350 towards the front edge of the light guide 106, the interface wings 111 are pushed into the slots 236 'and 238', hence the orientation and position of the lip retractor device 350 with with respect to the light guide 106 it is considerably constant. Consequently, to the extent that the lips of a patient effectively serve to couple the head and teeth of the patient in constant relation to the lip retractor 350, a target tooth is held in a substantially constant position with respect to a light source placed therein. of a lamp head as shown, for example in Fig. 20.

As mentioned above, a spacer may be a light guide 1000, as shown in Fig. 11c, which includes a tubular elliptical member 1020 having an axial cavity 1040 positioned between a front opening 1060 and a rear opening 1080.

As shown in the illustrated embodiments, a first edge 1010 of the tubular member defines a substantially elliptical seat-shaped curve having a convex shape relative to a generally horizontal part 1100 and a concave shape relative to a generally vertical part. 1120. In addition, the edge 1010 includes substantially horizontal first and second grooves 1140, 1160. According to one embodiment of the invention, the grooves 1140, 1160 are placed substantially coplanar between them and are substantially coincident with a major axis. ! of the elliptical, saddle-shaped curve that defines I bank 1010.! A flange 1180 extends radially inwardly from the edge 1010a to a second curved edge in the form of a virtually elliptical saddle 1200 (also referred to as the "second edge"). The second shore 1200 is 1 15 placed in considerable space ratio I I I constant with bank 1010, therefore the flange [1180 has a radial dimension considerably I! uniform over the length of the 1010 bank. The shore 1200 defines an outer periphery of the opening I 20 forward 1060. i i I At the rear end of the embodiment of Fig. 11c, i 1 a third edge 1300 defines another approximately elliptical seat-shaped curve. The shore 1300 is It is substantially concave in relation to a generally horizontal part 1320 and is generally convex in relation to a generally vertical part 1340 thereof. i j 5 According to one embodiment of the invention the curve ! 1300 defines the rear opening 1080 of the light guide.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the light guide does not include a flange adjacent to the rear opening 10.

In one aspect of the illustrated embodiment, an outer surface 1390 of the light guide is positioned between the edge 1010 and the edge 1300. An internal surface 1360 of the light is placed in a substantially uniform space ratio with the outer surface 1390 to define the limits in and out of the tubular elliptical member 1020.

In one embodiment of the invention, the outer surface 1390 includes a plurality of retaining features 1380 adapted to improve the retention of an operator on the surface 1390 during the manipulation of the light guide 1000. In the embodiment illustrated, the 25 retention pieces 1380 have a high elongated ellipsoid appearance. In another embodiment of the invention, the retaining pieces include a plurality of substantially hemispherical protuberances. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the retaining pieces include a plurality of zigzag grooves. One skilled in the art will appreciate that a wide variety of features can be placed on the surface 1340, to improve the overall ease of fastening of the light guide 1000.

In Fig. 12, the lip retractor 10 'is shown as being inside a patient's mouth with all the components placed inside the patient's mouth except the wing-like eyelashes 100 and the external side walls 28b', which will be out of the patient's mouth. As is readily apparent, the resilient member 20 'can be integrally molded, emptied or attached to the inner side walls 28a', so as not to interfere with the insertion of the lip retractor 10 'in the mouth.

Fig. 13 shows a partial, semi-schematic perspective view of a lamp 104 and an as 102. The cone is configured to engage the nose opening 110 of the lamp 104. A pair of slots 112 are provided in the cone 102. to receive the ala-type tabs 100. As can be seen, when a patient is fitted with the lip retractor 10 'and the wing-type tabs 100 engage the slots 112, the distance between the patient's mouth and the lamp 104 You can control. In addition, by securing the ala-100 tabs to the cone 102, the movement of the patient during the treatment can be minimized. As is readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, the size of the eyelashes 100, the depth of the grooves 112, and the size of the cone 102 may vary to vary the distance between the patient and the lamp and the relative placement of the patient in relation to the lamp.

Pads can be provided with the resilient member 20 'to provide patient comfort when the patient has the lip retractor 10' fitted. The pads 106 can be placed on the resilient member 20 ', as shown in Fig. 14. The pads (Fig. 15) can be molded of any rubber or foam. The rubber can be natural or synthetic. Synthetic rubbers can be, for example, elastomeric materials and can include, but are not limited to, several block copolymers or copolymers (Kratons®) available from Kraton Polymers such as styrene-butadiene rubber or styrene-isoprene rubber, EPDM rubber (diene monomer) ethylene propylene), nitrile rubber (acrylonitrile butadiene), latex rubber and the like. Foam materials include, but are not limited to, polyolefin foam such as a polyethylene foam, a polypropylene foam, and a polybutylene foam; a polystyrene foam; a polyurethane foam; any elastomeric foam made of any elastomeric or rubber material mentioned above; or any biocomposable or biodegradable polymer that includes polyesters such as a polylactic acid resin (having L-lactic acid and D-lactic acid), and polyglycolic acid (PGA); polyhydroxyvalerate / hydroxybutyrate resin (PHBV) (copolymer 3-hydroxy butyric acid and 3-hydroxy pentanoic acid (3-hydroxy valeric acid) and copolymers of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), and polyester / urethane resin.

The pad can be molded into two halves connected along one edge, such as a jaw, as shown in FIG. 15. Each half can incorporate a slot, channel, or rim 108 to receive at least a portion of the member. resilient 20 '. The two halves can be adjusted around the resilient member and then hot sealed together. Other methods to assemble that can achieve the same or similar results are also contemplated. For example, the ridges 108 may be of such a size that when the pad 106 fits over the resilient member 20 ', the pad is able to slide relative to the resilient member to allow adjustment to the pad location on the resilient member. .

For example, the pads 106 can be made of closed cell polyethylene foam so that they can be sterilized. Open cell foams can also be used if they can be autoclaved.

Also, the pads may have, for example, a smooth outer surface and smooth edges so that the pads fit comfortably when in contact with the interior of a patient's mouth without unwanted irritation. In one embodiment, the pads can be designed to be placed over the second to the last molar when the lip retractor 10 'is within the mouth of a patient. In addition, they can be manufactured with, for example, relatively high resilience material so that they, for example, can be returned to their original shape after being used.

In another embodiment, the pads 106 can be manufactured so that they can be removed after each use. Here, the pads can be attached using removable adhesives or the two halves can simply be attached onto the resilient member using ratchets or the like. Any foam material that can be manufactured to fit comfortably into a patient's mouth can be used as an alternative. The two halves of the pad can also be manufactured, for example, by thermostat, to have a memory so that they can be forced open to be installed in a resilient member and snap closed when the force is removed to open them. The two halves can be molded integrally or joined along at least one side.

In a further embodiment, the pads can be permanently fixed and can not be sterilized, or handled in an autoclave, so that the retractor device can be an articulation of a user or a use, to be discarded after use.

In still another embodiment, the pads can be an integral part of at least a portion of the resilient members 20. In this embodiment, at least one of the resilient members 20 can be formed into two connected parts by at least one pad . The resilient member can be constructed, for example, of polymeric or metallic material in a wire-like configuration to minimize sharp edges.

Referring again to the resilient members 20 of Fig. 4, in one embodiment, each of the resilient members may include a narrower midpoint 70 and two wide endpoints 72 relative to the midpoint. The end points 72 can also vary in width or have the same width compared to the other end points. In this arrangement, the pushing force 52 (Fig. 3) of the resilient members 20 can be regulated by the width of the midpoint 70 relative to the end points 72. As is readily apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art, the wider the midpoint 70 , it is more resistant to bend, which translates into more pushing force. In this way, the retraction force 52 of the retractor device 10 on retracting the cheeks and lips can vary as the width of the midpoint 70 varies. The retraction force can also vary when changing the mechanical properties of the resilient member, such as by introducing a polymers or other thermoplastic in the base material (ie, a composition). In one embodiment, they can be manufactured from materials that have a high modulus of elasticity.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a retractor device may include at least one non-inter-clutch formation. The non-inter-clutch formation may include a dental tray adapted to place a dental composition against a person's teeth. In this embodiment, at least one inter-clutch formation, such as a wing-like member, may also be present to repeatedly place a light source, or source of imaging, in the person undergoing the dental procedure.

Fig. 16 shows one embodiment of a retractor device 200 of the present invention that includes a first u-shaped shaped channel 1020 shaped and configured to accommodate a lower, or alternatively upper, series of teeth of a patient (not shown). The lip retractor 200 further includes a second u-shaped channel 1040 and a third u-shaped channel 1060 mounted substantially perpendicular to the first u-shaped channel 1020. The second and third u-shaped channels 1040, 1060 are adapted to receive the lips of the dental patient. The first u-shaped channel 1020 supports the second and third u-shaped channels 1040, 1060 in substantially constant space ratio between them.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a pair of interface wings 202, 204 can be coupled to the second and third u-shaped channels 1040, 1060 respectively. The interface wings 202, 204 may be shaped and configured to be received in the slots 112 or 1130 and 1132 in a light guide 102 or 1120, fitted to a lamp head or light source 104 or 1102, as shown in Figs. 13 and 20, respectively, for aligning the light source 104 or 1102 with the teeth of a patient. To the extent that the lips of a patient effectively serve to couple a lamp head and teeth of the patient in a constant relationship to the lip retractor 10 or 1138, the lip retractor 10 or 1138 is maintained in a substantially constant position with with respect to a light source placed inside a lamp head as shown, for example in Fig. 20. This is described in more detail below.

The interface wings or wing-like members, 202, 204, like the wing-like members of the lip retractor devices described above, typically have some rigidity so that the interface wings 202, 204 can form an effective interface when coupled. with the slots 112 of the light guide 102 or light source 104, as seen in Fig. 13. Similar to the embodiments described above, the interface wings 202, 204 in a first arrangement can be formed from the same material of the channels 1020, 1040, 1060. In a second arrangement, the interface wings 202, 204 can be made of a material different from that of the channels 1020, 1040, 1060.

Fig. 16a shows the rear view of the embodiment of Fig. 16. The retractor device includes first and second channels for receiving the lips 1358, 1360. A third channel for receiving a tooth 1354 is placed in a considerably normal orientation in the channels for receiving the lips and is adapted to receive, within a concave region thereof, the upper or lower teeth of a patient. The first and second formations such as wing members 1362, 1364 engage the first and second channels to receive lips 1358, 1360, respectively. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, a coupler member 1356 is positioned between, and reciprocally coupled to, the first and second lip receiving channels 1358, 1360 and the tooth receiving channel 1352. One skilled in the art will appreciate that, in In various embodiments, the retractor device includes a pair of tooth receiving channels arranged to receive both the upper and lower teeth simultaneously.

In use, the retractor 1350 is adapted to receive a dentifrice composition such as a dental whitening composition or a dental composition to be emptied into the concave region 1354 of the tooth receiving channel 1352. The whitening composition can be activated with light or You can activate in the dark. The tooth receiving channel can be transparent, translucent, or opaque, according to the desired application.

Fig. 17 shows a lip retractor 1000 that includes a tooth tray or tooth receiving channel according to an embodiment of the invention. The lip retractor 1000 includes a first u-shaped shaped channel 1020 shaped and configured to accommodate the series of lower teeth, or alternatively the upper teeth, of a patient (not shown). The lip retractor 1000 further includes a second u-shaped channel 1040 and a third u-shaped channel 1060 mounted substantially perpendicular to the first u-shaped channel 1020 and adapted to receive the dental patient's lips and act as retractor devices of lip keeping the patient's lips considerably free of the teeth. The first u-shaped channel 1020 supports the second and third u-shaped channels 1040, 1060 in substantially constant space ratio between them.

The first U-shaped channel 1020 can be configured again to receive a whitening composition. The first u-shaped channel 1020 can be fitted over the teeth of a patient so that the bleaching composition is in contact with the patient's teeth. The lips of the patient in the second and third u-shaped channels 1040, 1060 are kept substantially free of the teeth without effort on the part of the patient. In addition, the natural compression of the patient's lips can also keep the lip retractor device in position without effort on the part of the patient, as shown in Fig. 28c.

The lip retractor 1000 can be flexible enough to fit a patient and also rigid enough to support the bleaching composition in place and support the patient's lips. The lip retractor device 1000 can therefore be fabricated from any of the aforementioned polymers.

In one embodiment of the invention, the u-shaped channels 1020, 1040, 1060 are made of the same material. In a second embodiment of the invention, the first u-shaped channel 1020 is made of a material different from that of the second and third-form channels 1040, 1060. In a first example arrangement, the first channel in the form of u 1020 can be made of rubber and the second and third u-shaped channels 1040, 1060 can be made of plastic. In a second exemplary arrangement, the first u-shaped channel 1020 can be manufactured from a permeable UV material while the second and third u-shaped channels 1040, 1060 can be made from a material that is substantially impervious to light UV In this embodiment, a composition activated with light can be used because the first u-shaped channel 1020 allows the penetration of UV light to whiten the teeth while the second and third u-shaped channels 1040, 1060 provide some protection for the soft tissues of the patient.

In another alternative embodiment, the first u-shaped channel 1020 can be manufactured as a suitable fit for the patient's teeth. In this embodiment, an impression of the patient's teeth can be fabricated and the first u-shaped channel 1020 is then manufactured using the impression.

In another alternative embodiment, the first u-shaped channel 1020 can be made of a material that includes a whitening composition. In a first arrangement, the whitening composition that was included can be activated by means of a substance applied to the patient's teeth before the lip retractor device is applied to the patient. In a second arrangement, the whitening composition that was included can be activated by the saliva of the dental patient. In this embodiment, typically the exterior of the first u-shaped channel is covered with one of material that protects the soft tissues of the patient. In a third arrangement, the whitening composition that was included is activated with light. In a fourth arrangement, the whitening composition can be activated in the dark.

Fig. 18 shows a lip retractor device 100 having a first u-shaped channel 1020 reciprocally coupled to a second u-shaped channel 1040 and a third u-shaped channel 1060, which are substantially perpendicular to the first channel U-shaped 1020. A tongue 1080 is coupled to the first U-shaped channel 1020 between the second and third u-shaped channels 1040, 1060. The tongue 1080 is useful for placing the lip retractor 100 in the mouth of the mouth. dental patient. Later, after completing the bleaching procedure, the tongue 1080 is useful for removing the lip retractor 1000 from the mouth of the dental patient.

Fig. 19 is an alternative embodiment of the lip retractor device in accordance with the principles of the invention. The lip retractor device 150 includes a u-shaped channel of the lower jaw 152 and a u-shaped channel of the upper jaw 154. The u-shaped channel of the lower jaw 152 has the shape and configuration to accommodate the bottom series of the patient's teeth (not shown) while the u-shaped channel of the upper jaw 154 has the shape and configuration to accommodate the upper series of the patient's teeth (not shown). Both the u-shaped channel of the lower jaw 152 and the u-shaped channel of the upper jaw 154 are adapted to receive a composition for treatment, such as a bleaching composition. The lip retractor 150 includes a first channel of the u-shaped lip retractor 156 and a second channel of the u-shaped lip retractor 158 and are mounted substantially perpendicular to the u-shaped channel of the lower jaw 152 and the u-shaped channel of the upper jaw 154. The u-shaped channel of the lower jaw 152 and the u-shaped channel of the upper jaw 154 support the first channel in the form of the lip retractor 156 and a second channel of the lip retractor device 158 in a substantially constant space ratio between them. The first and second u-shaped channels of the lip retractor 156, 158 have the shape and configuration for receiving the lips of the dental patient.

During operation, each of the u-shaped channels of the lower jaw 152 and the upper jaw 154 can receive a whitening composition. The u-shaped channel of the lower jaw 152 and the u-shaped channel of the upper jaw 154 can then be adjusted over the teeth of a patient so that the treatment composition as a whitening composition is in contact with the teeth of the patient. The patient's lips are received in the first and second u-shaped channels of the lip retractor 156, 158. By using the lip retractor device of the present embodiment, a dental procedure as a method of whitening can be performed on the teeth lower and upper teeth at the same time effectively, reducing the total duration of the session.

Fig. Shows a mounting relationship between the inter-clutch formations of the lighting system 1102, the light guide 1120 and the lip retractor 1122 according to one embodiment of the invention. One of the formations, for example, a pivot mount 906, couples with another formation, such as a ball joint 902 to a lamp head 1102. The ball joint 902 allows the lamp head 1102 to rotate in space in such a manner that an optical axis of the lamp system can be aligned with a chosen tooth of, for example, a person for dental bleaching.

A light guide 1120 having at least one formation adapted to be coupled to a front end of the lamp head 1102, by means of another formation. In one embodiment, the light guide 1120 includes an internal surface region 1122 that is adapted to maintain in proximity to an outer surface region 1124 of the lamp head 1102. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a formation as a Protruding member, or protuberance, on inner surface 1122 is adapted to be pushed into a formation, such as a recessed region 1126 of outer surface region 1124.

In one embodiment of the invention, the light guide 1120 includes a cushion that can be elastically compressed 1128 on an anterior edge thereof. The elastically compressible cushion 1128 can serve to soften an interface between a person in a tooth whitening procedure (not shown) and the light guide 1120.

In another aspect of the invention, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the light guide 1120 includes formations as a first and second slots 1130 and 1132. These slots are adapted to receive formations, projecting wings 1134, 1136 of a device. lip retractor 1138 for stabilizing a relationship between, for example, the person in the teeth whitening procedure and the lamp head 1102.

The lip retractor device 1138 includes channels 1140, 1142 adapted to support the lips of a person in teeth whitening during bleaching or other dental procedure, and an elastic member 1144. The elastic or elastomeric member 1144 engages channels 1140, 1142 and is adapted to push the channels out towards the lips, to couple the person under the dental procedure with the lip retractor device.

When the person engages the lip retractor 1138, and the lip retractor engages the light guide 1120 by inserting the wing-like members 1134, 1136 into the respective slots 1130, 1132 in the guide light 1120, the person is stabilized in space with respect to the lamp head 1102. In this way the support structure serves to support the lamp head in a considerably stable space ratio for, for example, the person in the blanching procedure .

As mentioned above, this stabilized space ratio between a person and the support structure of the invention is found in other embodiments of the invention and in relation to various apparatuses and methods.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the light guide 1120 may include one or more ventilation holes (not shown) adapted to allow a patient to breathe easier during the use of the light guide apparatus.

In one embodiment, the compressible elastic member 1128 is made, for example, of polymer or rubber foam and is attached to the light guide 1120 by hot sealing or by means of an adhesive. Suitable adhesives may include, but are not limited to, hot melt adhesives, pressure sensitive adhesives, reactive adhesives or the like. Alternatively, suitable adhesives may be based on acrylic, polyurethane base, epoxy resin, polyamide base, cyanoacrylate base, styrene copolymer base, polyolefin base or the like. In addition, the compressible elastic member 1128, which may be present in pieces, for example 1128a, 1128b, can be molded integrally in the light guide.

In the present embodiment, the elastic cushion member 10 1128 can be manufactured in two pieces, an upper part 1128a and lower part 1128b, by extending the slots 1130, 1132 of the light guide to accommodate the wing members of a retractor device. Example lip.

The elastic cushion member 1128 of the light guide, the elastic member 1144 of the lip retractor device, can be made of any foam material, which can be open cell foam or closed cell, including those described above which are 20 tools for the pads for the device i lip retractor.

The ventilation holes can be configured to pass air but also to prevent light leakage out of light guide 1120.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a light guide 1120, as shown in Fig. 20, can be configured as a single-use article, used for a dental bleaching treatment and then discarded. With this in mind, as mentioned above, the light guide 1120 further includes an integrated memory circuit 2120 positioned within a space 2040 molded on the underside of the light guide 1120. The memory integrated circuit 2120 stores a record of a duration of use signal indicating how long the particular light guide has been in use, as seen in Fig. 25. The memory integrated circuit of the light guide 2120 can be part of a system to ensure that the light guide 1120 it is not used inappropriately again. The light guide 1120 can also be configured to be an article for use with a patient by means of a nested memory chip.

Fig. 21 shows an embodiment of, for example, a dental bleaching system suitable for use with embodiments of the present invention. A perspective view of a dental bleaching lamp system 300 includes a lamp head 302 having a lamp head housing 304 and a light guide 306. The lamp head 302 provides the light that activates a bleaching substance or filling applied to the teeth of a patient generating light in the housing of the lamp head 304 and directing the light through the light guide 306. This lamp system 300 can be used in a dental office or a dental laboratory.

The lamp housing may also include at least one heat sink, in the vicinity of the light source to keep the light source and the lamp housing cool. The heat sink can be made of any material that has good thermal conductivity, including metal blocks of copper, aluminum or the like. In another embodiment, the cooling system includes heat pipes. In another embodiment, the chiller system includes phase change materials, some embodiments and materials are exemplified as described in U.S. Application Ser. No. 60 / 585,224, "Dental Light Devices ITU Phase Change Material Filled Heat Sink", filed on 2/7/2004, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The heat sink can be constructed by drilling holes in a heat-conductive material such as metal, and at least partially filling the gap with at least one phase change material before plugging it to secure the phase change material in, so that the at least one phase change material is practically contained or surrounded by a thermally conductive material such as the metal normally used in the construction of a conventional heat sink.

Alternatively, the heat sink can be emptied or machined from a thermally conductive material, such as metal, to create walls that surround a hole or gap. The hole or gap is partially filled with at least one phase change material before covering it to secure it to the inner material.

In one embodiment, the inventive heat sink can be used on its own. In another embodiment, it may further be used for ventilation, in conjunction with a conventional metallic block heat sink or combination thereof.

The appropriate phase change material can include organic materials, inorganic materials and the combination thereof. These materials can undergo considerably reversed phase changes, and can typically go through a large, if not infinite, number of cycles without losing their effectiveness. Organic phase change materials include paraffin waxes, 2,2-dimethyl-n-docosane (C24), trimyristin, ((Ci3H27C00) 3C3H3), and 1,3-methyl pentacosane (C26H54). Inorganic materials such as hydrated salts include sodium acid phosphate dodecahydrate (Na2HP04 -12 H20), sodium sulfate decahydrate (Na2S04 -IOH20), ferric chloride hexahydrate (FeCl3-6 H20), and TH29 (a hydrated salt having a temperature of 29 ° C, available from TEAP Energy of Wangara, Australia) or metal alloys, such as Ostalloy 117 or UM47 (available from Umicore Eletro-Optic Materials). The example materials are solid at room temperature, having melting points of between about 20 ° C and about 50 ° C, more as an example, between about 35 ° C and about 45 ° C. Also, the example materials have a high specific heat, for example, at least about 1.7, more as an example, at least about 1.9, when they are in the state at room temperature. In addition, phase change materials can, for example, have a specific heat of at least about 1.5, more as an example, at least about 1.6, when at elevated temperatures.

The phase change material can also have a latent heat of fusion, high to store significant amounts of heat energy. This latent heat of fusion can be, for example, at least about 30 kJ / kg, more as an example, at least about 200 kJ / kg.

The thermal conductivity of the materials is a factor in determining the heat transfer rate of the thermo-conductive sheath to the phase change material and vice versa. The thermal conductivity of the phase change material can be, for example, at least 0.5 / m ° C in the state at room temperature and at least about 0.45 W / m ° C in the high temperature state.

In general, the phase change material can contain inside a thermal conductive material, such as a metal sheath. The sleeve defines a hole, which can be of any shape, but for example it is, in general, of a cylindrical or rectangular shape. The metal sleeve or wall of the hole acts to contain the phase change material, and also to help conduct the heat into and out of the phase change material. As the wall is thinner, more phase change material may be present in a given size of the heat sink, and to a lesser extent contributes to the weight of, for example, the healing light. However, as the wall is thinner, the heat sink may be less efficient to conduct heat away from the exchange material and it will take more time to return the phase change material to room temperature and its original state, for example. what can work again as a heat sink. For example, the thickness of the wall varies from about 1 mm to about 2.5 mm, more as an example, from about 1 mm to about 1.5 mm.

The cover can also be constructed to have a larger surface area. A structure having fins or other features that serve to increase the surface area for conduction or convection of heat is desirable, thus a spherical structure, while useful, is not the optimal selection. The fins or other surface areas that increase the characteristics can also be incorporated into the hole to increase the contact area between the thermo-conductive sheath and the phase change material. Allowing in this way the fastest and most efficient transfer of heat between the thermo-conductive sheath and the phase change material.

The thermal conductive sleeve can also provide good thermal contact for heat transfer from the light source. This can be carried out with a smooth, thermally conductive surface with a large contact area 5. Also, thermal coupling can be achieved with thermally conductive interface materials such as the thermal epoxy resin. Interface materials that are electrically isolated are also useful for isolating the light source from the heat sink in an electrical sense without losing thermal conductivity.

The lamp head 302 can be attached to a first end of a pump 308. The lamp head 302 can be positioned with respect to the arm 308 and can have a wide variety of movement with respect to the end of the head.

Arm 308. Arm 308 is supported by a mast 310.

In the illustrated embodiment, arm 308 is assembled from Such a way may serve as a pivot to the mast 310 at a point on the arm 308 closest to a second end of the arm 208 that the housing of the lamp head 304.

I t The arm 308 is positioned in an adjustable manner with respect to the mast 310. The arm 308 has both an interval 'Rotational as an inclined interval of movement with I 25 relative to the mast 310. A counterweight 322 at the second end of the arm 308 provides a balance for the lamp head 302. The mast 310 is attached to the base 312. In the embodiment shown, the base 312 is a base of bearing.

The bearing base 312 allows the complete lamp system 300 to be positioned with respect to a patient in a dental chair. In addition, the mast 310 in other embodiments of the invention can be rotated axially with respect to the base 312. According to one embodiment of the invention the mast 310 is curved and therefore the curve defines a concave side 324 and a convex side 326 of the mast 310. In the illustrated embodiment, a power pack 314 is attached to the mast 310 on the convex side 326. The power pack 314 includes controls for the lamp system 300.

When in operation, the lamp system 300 can be placed with respect to the patient in a dental chair (not shown). Once the lamp system 300 is positioned with respect to the patient, the operator can align the light guide 306 with the patient's mouth, as mentioned above. In an alternative embodiment, the light guide 306 may be an integral part of the lamp head 302.

The light guide 306 can be adjusted in a wide variety of positions over the wide range of I movement of both the arm 308 with respect to the mast 310 ! as of the lamp head 302 with respect to the arm ! 5 308. The light guide 306 may have the shape and configuration to be coupled with a lip retractor device with interface wings, such as the device Lip retractor shown in Fig. 16, used , by the patient, thereby providing a ; 10 considerably precise alignment with the patient's mouth.

! Fig. 22 is a perspective view of the lamp head 302 of Fig. 21 and suitable for use with the present invention. The lamp head 302 includes the housing of the lamp head 304 and the light guide 306, as noted above. The accommodation of the ! lamp head 304 produces and directs the light through i i the light guide 306. In the present embodiment, the ! 20 Lamp head housing 304 produces light with a light source, such as a spotlight. Other types of lighting sources are possible within the scope of the invention, including a lamp, an arc lamp as a halogen light source, semiconductor light emitting devices, light emitting chips as an LED, an LED in state solid, an LED array, a fluorescent bulb, and others. In the case of dental imaging, the illumination source may include the aforementioned in addition to a laser, an x ray or even an infra red light source. The light guide 306 can serve as an interface between the lamp system 300 and the patient having, for example, a teeth whitening treatment.

The light guide 306, according to one embodiment of the invention, acts as an interface between the lamp system 300 and the person receiving the teeth whitening treatment. The structure of the light guide 306 includes a material that inhibits UV to protect the patient's skin from exposure to ultra violet light. The light guide 306 in general has the shape of an ellipsoid tube. A first slot 336 and a second slot 338 cut on opposite sides of a front opening 342 of the light guide 306 align with the interface wings 202, 204 of the lip retractor 200, as shown in Fig. 23, for align the lamp head 302 exactly with the patient.

In another embodiment, multiple lighting sources arranged in a geometrical array can be used in a lighting rack in the lighting system. In one embodiment, the sources of illumination can be arranged in an arcuate shape and can, for example, conform to the jaw of a patient, as shown in Fig. 24.

In Fig. 24, the lighting frame 105 has an arcuate shape and is configured to provide illumination to the teeth. The arched shape follows the curvature of the human jaw (and the human head) so that light sources are approximately equidistant from the different teeth to which the light sources are directed. The lighting frame 105 has a front portion 225 and a rear portion 230. The front portion 225 is concave and the rear portion 230 is convex. The tube 115 is attached to the back 230 of the illumination frame 105. The tube 115 provides support for the illumination frame 105 and also acts as a conduit for wiring for the illumination frame 105. A plurality of illumination sources 235 are arranged along the front 225 of the lighting frame 105. The lighting sources can be any of the aforementioned, but they are not limited to them. The light sources 235 generate and direct light towards the patient's teeth (not shown) for a bleaching or curing procedure, for example. In a first embodiment, the lighting sources 235 emit light that has considerably the same light spectrum. In one embodiment of the invention, the illumination sources 235 protrude from the surface of the front of the illumination frame 235. In an alternative embodiment, the illumination sources 235 are positioned substantially flush with the surface of the front of the frame. of lighting 225.

In the lighting system with multiple lighting sources, the lighting sources can be fed collectively or individually. If they are fed individually, each of the individual lighting sources can be turned on or off separately, as desired. This is especially useful for a healing or imaging procedure, wherein only one or two teeth may be under treatment or being examined.

In one aspect, the lighting frame 225 can be positioned within the housing of a light guide, as shown in Fig. 25. Just as described and shown in Fig. 20 above, an elastic member 1128 is placed between the patient and the light guide 1120. The elastic member 1128 serves to damp the interface between the patient and the light guide, absorbing the impacts that might otherwise be painful or uncomfortable.

The light guide 1120 can be coupled with the lip retractor 1138, in a manner similar to that described above in relation to FIG. 20.

In another aspect, the lighting frame may be in place of the housing of the lamp head as an independent structure, as shown in Figs. 15 24, 25, and 26. In Fig. 26, the illumination beater 105 has in general an arcuate shape having a first end 500 and a second end 505. The rear 230 of the illumination frame 105 is also convex j and the front 225 of the frame of 20 illumination 105 is concave. Each end 500, 505, has a slot 510, 515 open from the front 225 i of the lighting frame 105 towards the rear j 230 of the lighting frame 105. Each slot 510, 515, extends inwardly from its respective 25 end 500, 505 of the illumination frame 105. The slots 510, 515 are positioned and configured to engage with the wings of a lip retractor as described above.

Fig. 25a shows a top view of a lighting frame 105 that includes a heat sink according to an embodiment of the invention. The illumination frame 105 has a plurality of illumination sources 235, which have a heat sink 650 coupled with their ballasts (or, base). The heat sink 650 may be manufactured from any material as described above, including a phase change material. The heat sink can also be in any form.

Fig. 28 shows a top view of a lip retractor device 350 coupled to a lighting frame 105 according to an embodiment of the invention. The lip retractor device 350 acts as a fixing device for maintaining the illumination frame 105 in a substantially constant relationship with respect to a selected tooth. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the lip retractor device 350 includes first 355 and second 360 U-shaped channels adapted to receive the lips of a dental patient adjacent to the respective internal surfaces 365, 370 thereof.

A resilient or support member 375 is reciprocally coupled to the U-shaped channels 355, 360 and adapted to support the U-shaped channels 355, 360 in substantially constant space relationship therebetween. According to another embodiment of the invention (not shown) the support member 375 also supports a tongue cap adapted to retain a patient's tongue and protect it from accidental lighting.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a pair of interface wings 380, 385 can be coupled to the U-shaped channels 355, 360 respectively. According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the wings of the interface 380, 385 includes a respective upper part 390, 395 and a respective lower surface (not shown). According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper surfaces 390 and 395 are arranged in substantially parallel relationship with the lower surfaces. According to one embodiment of the invention, the interface wings 380, 385 have a first plurality of counter-markings or holes 410, 415 respectively. The countermarks or holes are adapted to facilitate maintenance of a particular alignment of the lighting frame (as shown in Fig. 26) 105 with respect to the lip retractor 350, as mentioned above.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the interface wings 380, 385 are adapted to be received within the slots 310, 315 (as shown in FIG. 28) respectively. By pressing the lip retractor device 350 towards the first end 500 and the second end 505 of the illumination frame 105, the interface wings 380, 380 are pushed towards the slots 510, 515, whereby the orientation and position of the retractor device of lip 350 with respect to illumination frame 105 is considerably constant. Consequently, in the mean in which the lips of a patient effectively serve to couple the head and teeth of the patient in constant relation to the lip retractor device 350, a selected tooth is held in a substantially constant position with respect to the illumination sources 235 placed at the front 225 of the lighting frame 105.

When in operation, the support member 375 is placed inside the patient's mouth. The patient's lips are held apart by the U-shaped channels 355, 360. The interface wings 380, 385 are pressed into the slots (not shown here, but shown in Fig. 36 as 510 and 515). ) of the illumination frame 105 effectively holding the illumination frame 105 in place in the vicinity of the patient's teeth. In addition, the holes 410, 415 allow the illumination frame 105 to be coupled with the lip retractor 350 to be adjusted according to the patient. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the lighting frame 105 and the lip retractor 350 are fixedly joined together. The lighting frame in this embodiment is permanently aligned substantially with the lip retractor as an integral part.

In a further aspect, the illumination frame may be additional to the housing of the lamp head, as shown in Fig. 27. The dental illumination system 100 'includes a lighting frame 105 connected to a lamp head 110'. by means of a tube 115. The illumination frame 105 provides illumination to activate a bleaching substance or a curing composition applied to the teeth of a patient 120. The patient typically uses a lip retractor device 350. The illumination frame 105 and the lamp head 110 ', together, generate and direct light towards the teeth of the patient 120 for a bleaching or curing process, for example. In an alternative embodiment, the lighting frame 150 and the tube 115 are adjustable with respect to the lamp head 110 '. In another alternative embodiment, the tube 115 is flexible and can be adjusted in various positions. In another embodiment, the lighting frame 110 'is flexible.

In the lighting system with multiple lighting sources, the lighting sources can be fed collectively or individually. If they are fed individually, each of the individual lighting sources can be turned on or off separately, as desired. This is especially useful for a healing procedure, where only one or two teeth may be under treatment.

Fig. 28a shows a dental illumination frame according to another embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the source of dental illumination may be a source of tooth whitening illumination, a source of dental compound cure or an imaging head. In the illustrated embodiment, the ball joint 902 is coupled to an illumination housing 1150. The illumination housing 1150 includes a first elongated portion 1152 having at its rear end the ball of the ball-and-socket joint 902. A front end of the housing 1150 includes, in the illustrated embodiment, an arcuate surface 1154.

The arcuate surface 1154 supports one or more illumination sources 1156. In one embodiment of the invention, the one or more illumination sources 1156 include one or more optical fibers coupled to a source of remote illumination and / or one or more length transformers. Optical waveforms such as those described in U.S. Patent Application No. 60 / 658,517, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety for reference.

In the illustrated embodiment, a signal cable 1170 is coupled to one end of the lighting housing 1150. The signal cable may include a power cable adapted to provide power for the one or more lighting sources 1156. The single cable may also be include an optical light guide as an optical fiber adapted to transmit light to the one or more sources of illumination from a source of distant illumination. In at least one embodiment of the invention, the signal cable 1170 includes a voltage release feature 1172.

Illustrating another aspect of the invention, the embodiment of Figure 28a shows first and second slots 1162, 1164. Slots 1162, 1164 are adapted to receive corresponding wings 1134, 1136 of a lip retractor 1138, as illustrated in FIG. Figure 28b.

Fig. 28b shows a view of a lighting frame 105 fitted with a retractor device used by a person in a dental procedure. The insertion of the wings 1134, 1136 in the slots 1162, 1164 serves to stabilize the space ratio between the person and the one or more lighting sources 1156.

Fig. 28c shows a front view of a lip retractor device 350 of Fig. Ia that is used by a person. The interface wings 111 are located on either side of the lip retractor device 350 and are available for coupling with the image forming head, such as a light source 102 shown in FIG. 20.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a retractor device may include at least one non-inter-clutch formation. The non-clutching formation may include a film holder. The device may also include at least one inter-clutch formation such as a wing-like member for repeatedly placing a light source or source of imaging to a person under dental procedure.

Fig. 29 shows a lip retractor device 550 15 according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. The lip retractor device 550 has a first u-shaped channel 552 and a second u-shaped channel.

I 554 to hold the lips of the patient whose teeth i are in the image forming procedure. A support member 556 is reciprocally coupled to the u-shaped channels 552, 554 and adapted to support the u-shaped channels 552, 554 in a substantially constant space relationship therebetween. A first end 558 of the first interface flange 562 is coupled to the first channel in the form of u 552.

A first end 560 of the second interface wing 564 is coupled to the second u-shaped channel 554.

Each of the interface wings 562, 564 includes a first portion 566, 568 located on the front of the lip retractor device 550 outside the patient. A second portion 570, 572 of each interface wing 562, 564 extends outwardly and toward the rear of the lip retractor device 550. During operation, the first portions 566, 568 are located on the front of the face of the retractor. patient while each of the second parts 570, 572 is located on one side of the patient's face. The interface wings 562, 564 are adapted to be received within the slots 236, 238 of the beam guide 106. The first portions 566, 568 allow the beam guide 106 to align with the front of the patient. The second portions 570, 572 of the interface wings 562, 564 allow the beam guide 106 and the imaging head 102 to be aligned on either side of the patient's head.

Fig. 29a shows a lip retractor 600 according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. The lip retractor device 600 includes a first u-shaped channel 602 and a second u-shaped channel 604 for holding the lips of the patient whose teeth are subjected to an image forming procedure. A supporting or resilient member 606 is reciprocally coupled to the u-shaped channels 602, 604 and are adapted to support u-shaped channels 602, 604 in a substantially constant space ratio between them. A first end 608 of the first interface wing 612 is coupled to the first u-shaped channel 602. A first end 610 of the second interface wing 614 is coupled to the second u-shaped channel 604. The interface wings 612, 614 are adapted to be received within the slots 236, 238 respectively of the beam guide 106. An objective 616, 618 is coupled to a second end 620, 622 of the first interface wing 612 and second interface wing 614 respectively. Each of the lenses 616, 618 has markings for alignment 624. During the operation, the lenses 616, 618 act as visual alignment mechanisms for the image forming head 102 for lateral images of the patient's teeth.

Fig. 29b shows a lip retractor device 6500 according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. The lip retractor 6500 has a first u-shaped channel 6520 and a second u-shaped channel 6540 to hold the patient's lips whose teeth are subjected to an image forming procedure. A resilient or support member 6560 is reciprocally coupled to the u-shaped channels 6520, 6540 and adapted to support u-shaped channels 6520, 6540 in substantially fixed space relationship therebetween.

A first end 658 of the first interface wing 6620 is coupled to the first u-shaped channel 6520. A first end 6600 of the second interface wing 664 is coupled to the second u-shaped channel 6540. Each interface wing 6620, 6640 includes a first portion 6660, 6680 located in the front portion of the lip retractor 6500 outside the patient. A second portion 5700, 5720 of each interface wing 6620, 6640 extends outward and toward the rear of the lip retractor 6500. During operation, the first portions 6660, 6680 are located on the front of the face of the head. patient while every second part 6700, 6720 is located on one side of the patient's face. The interface wings 6620, 6640 are adapted to be received within the slots 236, 238 of the beam guide 106. The first portions 6660, 6680 allow the beam guide 106 to align with the front of the patient. The second portions 6700, 6720 of the interface wings 6620, 6640 allow the guide 106 and the imaging head 102 to be aligned on either side of the patient's head.

A target 6740, 6760 is coupled to the second parts 6700, 6720 of the first interface wing 6620 and the second interface wing 6640 respectively. Each objective 6740, 6760 has marks for visual alignment 6780. During the operation, the objectives 6740, 6760 act as visual alignment mechanisms for the patient's imaging head.

Fig. 29c shows a lip retractor 7000 according to another embodiment of the invention. The lip retractor 7000 is also a fixation device for maintaining the image forming head 1102 (as seen in FIG. 20) in a substantially fixed relationship with respect to a selected tooth. In addition, the lip retractor 7000 maintains the film within the patient's teeth in a manner in which the patient does not actively participate in holding it. In bite / wing images, for example, the patient bites into a part of the film holder to keep the image forming film in a suitable position. For people with poor muscle control, it can be difficult to bite even for a short period of time. A film holder 7020 attached to the lip retractor 7000 as described below does not require the active participation of the patient to hold the film in place.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the lip retractor 7000 includes first semicircular U-shaped 7040 and second 7060 channels adapted to receive the lips of a dental patient as described above with respect to Fig. 11a. A support member 7080 is reciprocally coupled to the "U" shaped channels 7040, 7060 and adapted to support the "U" shaped channels 7040, 7061 in substantially fixed space relationship therebetween. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a pair of interface wings 7100, 7120 are coupled to the "U" shaped channels 7040, 7060 respectively. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the interface wings 7100, 7120 are adapted to be received within the slots 1130 and 1132 respectively (as shown in FIG. 20).

The support member 7080 has the shape and configuration to support a 7020 film support. In a modality, the film holder in an integral part of the lip retractor 7000. In an alternative embodiment, the film holder 7020 is coupled separately to the lip retractor 7000. With the lip retractor 7000 held in place by the patient's lips in the U-shaped channels 7040, 7060, the film in the film holder 7020 is also held in place. The lip retractor 7000 is symmetrical and therefore the film holder can be placed on either side of the central portion 740 of the support member 7080. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the support member 7080 can be configured to support two film holders 7020, one on each side of the central part 7140 of the support member 7080. In this embodiment, the front part 7160 of the film holder 7020 can be penetrated by x-rays while the rear part 7180 of the film holder 7020 blocks x-rays In a first arrangement, the front part 7160 of the film holder 7020 can be made of material that can be penetrated by x-rays while the rear part 7180 of the film holder 7020 can be made of a material that blocks the x-rays. In a second arrangement, a liner is inserted that blocks the x-rays behind the film in the 7020 film holder.

Fig. 29d shows a lip retractor device 7500 according to one embodiment of the invention. The lip retractor 7500 is also a fixation device for maintaining the image forming head 102 in a substantially fixed relationship with respect to a selected tooth. In addition, the lip retractor 7500 improves access to the patient's mouth so the film can be easily inserted and removed to make a series of images.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the lip retractor 7500 includes first 7520 and second 7540 semicircular "U" shaped channels adapted to receive the lips of a dental patient. A first support member 7560 is reciprocally coupled to the first ends 7580, 7600 of the u-shaped channels 7520, 7540. A second support member 7620 is reciprocally coupled to the second ends 7640, 7660 of the u-shaped channels 7520 , 7540. The support members 7560, 7620 are adapted to support the u-shaped channels 7520, 7540 in a considerably fixed space relationship between them. The support members 7560, 7620 leave a space between them to allow the film to be inserted into the patient's mouth for imaging purposes while the u-shaped channels 7520, 7540 hold the patient's lips free.

In the present embodiment of the invention, a pair of interface wings 7680, 7700 are coupled to the "U" shaped channels 7520, 7540. The interface wings 7680, 7700 are adapted to be received within the slots 1140, 1160 respectively of the beam guide 1000 (shown in Fig. Lie) where the image forming head 102 is located at the front of the patient. In an alternative mode, the 7680 interface wings, 7700 are extended as in the modality illustrated in the Fig. 29. The extended interface wings allow the image forming head 102 to be placed on either side of the patient's head.

Fig. 29e shows an alternative embodiment of Fig. 29c where only non-inter-clutch formations are included to place an image-forming film or sensor adapted for image formation.

Fig. 30 shows a fixed platform for image formation 800 suitable for use with certain types of imaging apparatus, such as panoramic x-ray devices. A patient who is going to undergo an imaging procedure maintains a position relative to the fixed platform 800 while an imaging device (not shown) travels around the patient's head. The fixed platform 800 includes a coupling device 802 that allows the patient to maintain the position.

The coupling device 802 is attached to the fixed platform 800 by means of a support member 804. The support member 804 is coupled to the coupling device 802 and to the fixed platform 800. The support member 808 is, in one embodiment, adjustably coupled to the fixed platform 800 by means of a ball-and-socket connection which allows the coupling device to be positioned in the desired position.

The coupling device 802 is similar to the guide of the slotted beam 106, which is shown for example in Fig. Lie. The coupling device 802 has the shape and configuration for coupling with a lip retractor device with interface wings as the lip retractor device 350 with interface wings 11 shown in FIG. The coupling device 802 has a first slot 804 and a second slot 806 adapted to mate with the interface wings 111. By pressing the lip retractor device 350 towards the front edge of the lip retractor 802, the interface wings 111 are pushed into the slots 804, 806 where the orientation and position of the lip retractor 350 is substantially fixed. Accordingly, the orientation and position of the patient's head is also fixed.

Fig. 30a shows another embodiment of the invention including a dental support structure 100 that is adapted to support a dental imaging fixation system 1230. In the illustrated embodiment, the ball joint 902 is attached to a support member 1232 The support member 1232 includes a first elongate part 1234 having at its rear end the ball of the ball joint and receptacle 902.

An anterior end of the support member 1232 includes, in the illustrated embodiment, first and second wing coupling members 1236, 1238. Each wing coupling member 1236, 1238 includes a respective slot 1240, 1242. The slots 1240, 1242 are adapted to receive the corresponding wings 1244, 1246 of a lip retractor 1248.

When the lip retractor 1248 is used in a person with a dental procedure, the insertion of the wings 1244, 1246 into the slots 1240, 1242 serves to stabilize a space ratio between the person and one or more x-ray sources.

According to one embodiment of the invention, as illustrated, the lip retractor 1248 includes first and second bite members 1250, 1252. Each bite member 1250, 1252 has one or more film support retainers 1253 respectively adapted to support a x-ray film package respectively.

During the operation, at least one package of x-ray film is coupled to one or more film support fasteners 1253. The x-ray film package, as is known in the art, includes a chemical film for contained x-rays. in a light-tight package. The lip retractor 1248 is attached to a person for x-ray procedure by placing the patient's lips in the lip receiving channels of the lip retractor 1248. The person then bites the members to bite to further secure the retractor device. lip in a stable space relationship with the person's teeth. By inserting the wings 1244, 1246 into the slots 1240, 1242, the lip retractor 1248 is stabilized with respect to the dental support structure 100. This serves to stabilize the person's teeth and the package of the x-ray film 1256 with respect to the floor, and in this way with respect to a source of x-rays. Consequently, the well-known tendency of people subjected to x-rays to move during exposure of the x-ray film with a non-uniform result of exposure of the film is reduced.

Fig. 30b shows a further embodiment of the invention including a dental support structure 100 that is adapted to support a dental imaging fixation system 1230.

Unlike the embodiment of Fig. 30a, the embodiment of Fig. 30b includes electronic x-ray sensors 1280, 1282 coupled with the biting members 1250, 1252 respectively. Detecting and forming the x-ray image with an electronic image sensor can be used in place of the chemical film because electronic image sensors tend to be more sensitive than the chemical film, it is not required to develop a chemical process, and the images Digital images produced by most electronic image sensors are immediately ready for digital manipulation.

In one embodiment of the invention, each electronic image sensor includes a respective signal cable with a removable plug.

As mentioned above, this stabilized space ratio between a person and the support structure of the invention is found in other embodiments of the invention and in relation to various apparatuses and processes.

The use of light guides of the present invention can also promote less air circulation between the patient's mouth and the surrounding environment. As there is less air circulation within the mouth, there may be less evaporation of any treatment composition or bleaching composition, which can cause less dehydration of the mouth. Without wishing to be limited by one theory, it is presumed that because dehydration can cause increased sensitivity, less dehydration of the mouth can cause dehydration of the teeth to decrease and thus decrease the sensitivity of the teeth during and after the treatment. In this way, the use of the light guide 5 during, for example, a bleaching process can be potentially advantageous.

Although the exemplary embodiments of the invention have been described with some specificity, it is not proposed that The description and drawings set forth herein are limiting, and persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand that various modifications may be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope of the invention, and it is proposed that 15 all changes and modifications are covered by the appended claims. Several changes can be made to the lip retractor device, | including making different dimensions, using different materials, making the device ! 20 opaque lip retractor, semi opaque, transparent, with i! color, which has a textured finish, et. For example, I I instead of manufacturing the lip retractor device I | by means of a single step of injection molding, the I lip retractor device welding together I I 1 25 different components, and using multiple molding steps. Also, the four channel seals can be arranged in such a way that two of the seals hollow two ends of the upper lip and two of the other seals hollow two ends of the lower lip. This alternative lip retractor device can also be incorporated with or without a tongue retainer. Accordingly, many alterations or modifications can be made by those of ordinary skill in the art, without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention.

MODALITIES OF THE INVENTION The first embodiment refers to a retractor device for retracting at least a part of a user's mouth consisting of formations that are adapted to repeatedly place at least a part of a person's mouth with respect to a dental system.

The aforementioned retractor device is characterized in that the dental system comprises a lighting system, a light guide, an image forming system, a composition for dental treatment, an apparatus adapted for aspiration or a combination thereof.

The aforementioned retractor device is characterized in that the dental system consists of a lighting system, a light guide, an image forming system, a dental treatment composition, an image forming system apparatus adapted for aspiration, or the combination of them.

The aforementioned retractor device is characterized in that the formations consist of inter-clutch, not inter-clutch or combinations thereof.

The aforementioned retractor device is characterized in that the device comprises at least two channel seals or tabs, each comprising a trough, an internal side wall, an external side wall and at least one resilient member attached to the internal side wall of the device. two adjacent channel seals.

The aforementioned retractor device is characterized in that the formations consist of wing-like members.

The aforementioned retractor device is characterized in that at least one of the resilient members is integrally molded to the internal side wall of the adjacent channel seals.

The aforementioned retractor device is characterized in that at least one of the wing-like members is integrally molded to a channel retainer.

The aforementioned retractor device is characterized in that the device consists of at least four channel seals or tabs, each consisting of a channel, an internal side wall, and an external side wall and four resilient members, each molded in an integrated manner or attached to two outer side walls of two adjacent channel seals.

The aforementioned retractor device is characterized in that the formations consist of a u-shaped channel configured to accommodate at least a series of teeth of a person.

The aforementioned retractor device is characterized in that at least one u-shaped channel supports at least one channel retainer in a substantially constant space ratio between them.

The aforementioned retractor device is characterized in that the formations are adapted to accommodate an image forming film or sensor during image formation.

The aforementioned retractor device is characterized in that it consists of at least two channel seals or tabs, each consisting of a trough, an internal side wall, an external side wall and at least one formation consisting of at least one channel U-shaped attached to the inner side wall of the two adjacent channel seals for repeatedly placing a person's teeth with respect to a composition for treatment.

The aforementioned retractor device is further characterized in that it consists of formations for positioning the retractor device in a dental system consisting of a lighting system, a light guide, an image forming system or a combination of them.

The aforementioned retractor device is characterized in that the u-shaped channel consists of a dental tray.

The third embodiment refers to a retractor device consisting of at least two channel seals or tabs, each consisting of a channel, an internal side wall, an external side wall, at least one resilient member attached to the side wall internal of two adjacent channel seals and at least one formation adapted to accommodate an image forming or sensor film during image formation.

The aforementioned retractor device is characterized in that the formation engages a passively held portion adapted to provide alignment to at least one tooth.

The aforementioned retractor device is characterized in that at least one of the formations consists of a passively held part for holding the part to a person during dental imaging.

The aforementioned retractor device is characterized in that it consists of a first alignment formation coupled to a passively held portion wherein the first alignment formation provides alignment for at least one tooth.

The aforementioned retractor device is characterized in that it further consists of a second alignment formation coupled to a formation of an image forming device at a substantially constant position with respect to at least one tooth.

The aforementioned retractor device is characterized in that one of the formations is a film support adapted to place an image forming film, or an image forming sensor, to form the image of at least one tooth.

The aforementioned retractor device is characterized in that the image forming film or image forming sensor is formed integrally with the support.

The aforementioned retractor device is characterized in that at least one of the formations consists of a wing-like member having extending portions.

The aforementioned retractor device is characterized in that the wing-like members are adapted to allow the imaging system to be aligned on either side of a person's head.

The aforementioned retractor device is further characterized in that it consists of an alignment formation coupled to an image forming device in a substantially constant position with respect to at least one tooth.

The aforementioned retractor device is characterized in that at least one of the formations is adapted to be coupled to a target that acts as a visual alignment mechanism for a lighting system, an image forming system or a light guide.

The aforementioned retractor device is characterized in that the retractor device comprises at least two pads joined or molded to the resilient member.

The aforementioned retractor device is characterized in that at least one of the formations comprises a tongue to facilitate the insertion and removal of the device.

The aforementioned retractor device is characterized in that it also consists of a tongue retainer, wherein the tongue retainer is molded or joined with at least one of the channel seals.

The aforementioned retractor device is characterized in that at least one of the resilient members comprises at least one formation adapted to engage with at least one corresponding formation in an apparatus adapted to aspirate a person.

The aforementioned retractor device is characterized in that the apparatus consists of an air / gas aspirator or a suction tube.

The aforementioned retractor device is characterized in that at least one formation of the apparatus consists of a fastener.

The aforementioned retractor device is characterized in that at least one formation of the resilient member consists of a projection or a depression.

The aforementioned retractor device is characterized in that at least one resilient member consists of at least two wire-like parts joined by means of a pad.

The aforementioned retractor device is characterized in that the lighting system consists of at least one heat sink consisting of a phase change material.

Claims

1. A retractor device for retracting at least part of a user's mouth consists of 5 formations that are adapted to repeatedly place at least a part of a person's mouth with respect to a dental system.

2. The retractor device of claim 1 wherein the dental system consists of a lighting system, a light guide, an image forming system, a composition for dental treatment, an apparatus adapted for aspiration or the combination thereof.

3. The retractor device of claims 1 or 2 wherein the formation consists of formations of! inter-clutch, non-clutch formations or combinations of them.

4. The retractor device of claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the device consists of at least two channel seals or tabs, each consisting of a chute, an internal side wall, 25 an outer side wall and at least one resilient member attached to the inner side wall of two adjacent channel seals.

5. The retractor device of claims 1-4, wherein at least one of the formations is adapted to accommodate an image forming film or sensor during an image forming process.

6. The retractor device of any of the preceding claims wherein the formations consist of wing-like members.

7. The retractor device of claims 4 or 5 wherein at least one of the resilient members is integrally molded to the inner side wall of the two adjacent channel seals.

8. The retractor device of claim 6 wherein at least one of the wing-like members is integrally molded to a channel retainer.

9. The retractor device of any of the preceding claims wherein the device consists of at least four channel seals or tabs, each consisting of a channel, an internal side wall, and an external side wall and four resilient members, each molded in an integrated manner or joined to two external side walls of two adjacent channel seals.

10. The retractor device of any of claims 1-4, wherein the formations consist of a u-shaped channel configured to accommodate at least a series of teeth of a person.

11. The retractor device of claim 10 wherein at least one u-shaped channel supports at least one channel detent in substantially constant space relationship therebetween.

12. The retractor device of claim 4 wherein at least one formation consists of at least one u-shaped channel attached to the inner side wall of two adjacent channel seals for repeatedly placing a person's teeth with respect to a composition for treatment.

13. The retractor device of any of claims 10, 11 or 12 wherein the u-shaped channel consists of a dental tray.

14. The retractor device of claims 1-9 wherein the formation engages a passively held portion adapted to provide alignment to at least one tooth or consists of a portion passively held to hold the part to a person during image formation dental

15. The retractor device of any of claims 1-9 wherein the formation consists of a first alignment formation coupled to a passively held portion wherein the first alignment formation provides alignment for at least one tooth.

16. The retractor device of claim 15 further consists of a second alignment formation coupled to a formation of an image forming device at a substantially constant position with respect to at least one tooth.

17. The retractor device of any of claims 14-16, wherein one of the formations is a film support, adapted to place an image forming film, or an image forming sensor, to form the image of at least one dental piece.

18. The retractor device of any of claims 3-8 and 14-17 wherein at least one of the formations consists of a wing-like member adapted to allow the imaging system to be aligned on either side of the head of a person.

19. The retractor device of any of claims 4-9, wherein the retractor device consists of at least two pads attached or molded to the resilient member.

20. The retractor device of any of the preceding claims wherein at least one of the formations comprises a tongue to facilitate the insertion and removal of the device.

21. The retractor device of any of claims 4-9, and 19, further consists of a tongue retainer, wherein the tongue retainer is molded or joined with at least one of the channel seals.

22. The retractor device of claim 4 wherein at least one of the resilient members consists of at least one formation adapted to engage with at least one corresponding formation in an apparatus adapted to aspirate a person.

23. The retractor device of any of claims 4-9, 19, and 22, wherein at least one resilient member consists of at least two wire-like parts joined by means of a pad.

24. The retractor device of claim 2 wherein the lighting system consists of at least one heat sink consisting of a phase change material.