Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Methods of Designing and Fabricating Customized
Dental Care for Particular Users
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. Patent
Application No. 17/865,363,
filed on July 14, 2022, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application
No. 63/222,921,
filed on July 16, 2021 entitled "Methods of Designing and Fabricating
Customized Dental
Care for Particular Users."
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This disclosure relates generally to dental care,
including but not limited to, 3-
D printing devices and systems for customized dental care that are unique to
each of multiple
users.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Toothbrushes are typically used for conventional teeth
cleaning. Such
toothbrushes generally have clustered bristles on a brush head that are
brought into contact
with a user's teeth and gums and moved about the user's mouth by the user for
sequential
cleaning of different areas of the user's teeth. The effectiveness of using a
toothbrush to
clean teeth is highly dependent on the technique and duration of the brushing,
which many
users find difficult to master or apply consistently.
[0004] Moreover, most toothbrushes have bristles arranged on a
toothbrush head that
are arranged to engage with the user's teeth at an optimal angle. The Bass
Technique, for
example, describes an optimal brushing technique in which the toothbrush head
is vibrated
while in contact with the tooth at an angle of about 45 . In this approach,
however, manual to
and fro movement from the user may lead to gum and enamel attrition, and is
therefore
discouraged. It is difficult for many users, particularly for children and the
elderly, to brush
all teeth surfaces using the optimal technique.
[0005] As mentioned above, conventional toothbrushes are
designed to clean one side
of one or more adjacent teeth at any given time. For example, the brush head
of a manual
toothbrush or a powered toothbrush has a width on the order of the width of a
single adult
tooth. Therefore, it often takes a person using such a device many minutes to
clean all of
his/her teeth adequately. For example, the American Dental Association
recommends
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brushing one's teeth for two to three minutes (e.g., thirty seconds per
quadrant) using a
manual toothbrush. Some toothbrushes even include a timer that generates an
alert (e.g., a
vibration pattern) to inform a user that it is time for him/her to move from
brushing one
quadrant of his/her mouth to brushing another quadrant.
100061 Unfortunately, many people brush their teeth for
significantly less than the
recommended length of time. For example, without a timer, a user often
overestimates the
length of time that the user has been brushing his/her teeth. Or a user may be
in a rush. And
even if the user uses a timer (e.g., a toothbrush with a quadrant timer), the
user still may not
brush each tooth surface within a quadrant with uniformity relative to the
other tooth surfaces
within the quadrant.
100071 Furthermore, people may underbrush or overbrush, and
thus abrade their
gums. For example, people may underbrush by not following the recommended
brushing
process or time spent per tooth, and people may overbrush by vigorously
applying pressure or
abrasive action to their gums.
100081 Furthermore, it can be difficult for a user to clean
certain regions of his/her
teeth using a conventional toothbrush. For example, it can be difficult for a
user to properly
engage the brush head of a conventional manual or electric toothbrush with the
backs of the
molars on the same side as the hand in which the user is holding the
toothbrush. Moreover, a
user with a sensitive mouth/throat may avoid brushing the backs of his/her
molars to avoid
activating his/her gag reflex. Consequently, even people who brush their teeth
regularly may
not clean their teeth properly.
100091 In addition, many users who clean their teeth use a
manual or electric
toothbrush with an oral care agent, such as toothpaste, applied to a brush
head of the
toothbrush. However, a need has arisen for an oral care agent (e.g.,
toothpaste) dispenser that
is convenient to operate and that dispenses an oral care agent that is
customized to each
individual user.
100101 Toothpaste is typically packaged within a flexible
capped tube, and a user
typically applies the toothpaste to a brush head of a toothbrush by uncapping
the tube,
squeezing the tube to dispense the toothpaste, and then recapping the tube.
Unfortunately,
dispensing toothpaste from a tube can be inconvenient, or otherwise
problematic. For
example, if a user does not tightly recap the tube, then the toothpaste can be
exposed to
agents such as pollutants and bacteria that can degrade one or more
ingredients of the
toothpaste. Furthermore, because it can be difficult to impossible for a user
to squeeze all of
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the toothpaste from a tube, at least a portion of the toothpaste in the tube
is often wasted;
considering that millions of tubes of toothpaste are sold worldwide each year,
the aggregate
amount of toothpaste wasted in this manner can be significant.
100111 Moreover, it can be difficult for a user to precisely
control the amount of
toothpaste the user squeezes onto a brush head of a toothbrush, e.g., if the
user dispenses too
little toothpaste, then the user may be unable to clean all of his/her teeth
adequately no matter
how "hard" or how long the user brushes; and if the user dispenses too much
toothpaste, then
the user may cause an excessive level of abrasion to his/her tooth enamel. In
addition, it can
become more difficult to squeeze toothpaste from the tube as the tube empties.
Furthermore,
because recapping a toothpaste tube typically requires two hands, a toothbrush
(with
toothpaste on the brush head) that a user places on a counter while the user
recaps the tube
can fall over and create a mess.
100121 Another problem with using an off-the-shelf toothpaste,
regardless of its
packaging, is that the toothpaste typically is not customized or personalized
to the preferences
and clinical needs of a particular user (e.g., fluoride toothpaste with a
prescribed amount of
fluoride). For example, if a user prefers a flavor of one toothpaste brand,
and the whitening
ability of another toothpaste brand, his/her choices are limited to choosing
one of the brands,
or attempting to combine the toothpastes onto the brush head of his/her
toothbrush, which
may not result in the preferred flavor or characteristics.
100131 Therefore, a need has arisen for an oral care agent
dispenser that is configured
to address the above-described drawbacks. For example, a need has arisen for
an oral care
agent dispenser that is configured to dispense a precise amount of customized
oral care agent
in a "hands-free" manner.
100141 In addition, information about the user's brushing
history and their dentition is
not analyzed to predict oral care possibilities, such as problems with, and
solutions for, the
user's gum health and smile design.
SUMMARY
100151 In light of these drawbacks, there is a need for a
dental care system that
accurately and precisely cleans and maintains a user's teeth and gums (i.e.,
dental health),
without causing discomfort to the user, and without requiring complex or
intricate dental
cleaning regimes. Such systems optionally complement or replace conventional
systems,
devices, and methods for maintaining a user's dental health.
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100161 Accordingly, some embodiments described herein include a
dental cleaning
device with a customized shape with customized cleaning tips. For example, the
length,
shape, stiffness, and material of the cleaning tips (also sometimes called
cleaning
protuberances herein) is customized to the particular user's dentition (e.g.,
jaw, mouth, and
teeth geometry). In accordance with some embodiments, the vibration cleaning
pattern (also
sometimes called a drive profile herein) is also customized for each user to
produce superior
cleaning of each tooth and tooth surface, hence superior whole-mouth cleaning.
In some
embodiments, the dental care device is customized for each user's jaw and
teeth geometry.
In some embodiments, the cleaning tips have customized shape and/or stiffness
based in part
on a vibration pattern for each user.
100171 In some embodiments, the dental care device is
configured to operate at a
customizable range of vibration frequencies to ensure proper cleaning using
multiple motors
to create different kinds of motion, which, when put together in a sequence,
ensures proper
whole-mouth cleaning. In some embodiments, the vibration frequencies include
one or more
frequencies in the sonic range and/or one or more frequencies in the
ultrasonic range.
100181 In some embodiments, the dental care device is
configured to gather
personalized data to guide a personalized treatment plan. In some embodiments,
the
personalized treatment plan includes a plurality of different frequencies
selected based on the
user's dental information. In some embodiments, the dental care device is
configured to
utilize a personalized toothpaste selected in accordance with the user's
dental information. In
some embodiments, the dental care device is configured to send feedback to the
user's dental
health provider (e.g., to confirm that the user is complying with a prescribed
treatment
regime, or for use in future diagnoses, prescriptions, and/or procedures). In
some
embodiments, the information about the user's dentition along with usage and
feedback
information from the dental care device is automatically mined via AT
(Artificial Intelligence)
and ML (Machine Learning) to identify and/or predict dental issues and propose
corresponding dental procedures. For example, identifying issues such as gum
recession and
propose procedures so as to improve in smile and/or overall smile and facial
features.
100191 Some embodiments include a dental cleaning device
customized for a
particular user. In some embodiments, the dental care device includes: (1) a
support plate
having: (a) a first portion configured to be inserted into a mouth; and (b) an
attachment
mechanism configured to attach the dental care device to a drive assembly; and
(2) an
elastomer (elastic polymer) portion enclosing the first portion of the plate,
the elastomer
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portion including a plurality of cleaning tips and shaped in accordance with
dental details of
the particular user. For example, the elastomer portion is configured to match
the teeth and
jaw geometry of the particular user. In some embodiments, the elastomer
portion is
customized to the particular user based on the dental information of the
particular user. In
some embodiments, the elastomer is composed of biocompatible silicone. In some
embodiments the elastomer portion is integrally formed In some embodiments,
there are
sensors attached to the dental care device to detect various dental
physiological parameters,
such as breath analysis, bacteria detection, and the like.
100201 Accordingly, some embodiments include a customized oral
care agent
dispenser in accordance with a user's dental information. In some embodiments,
the
customized oral care agent is based on one or more of: the user's age,
periodontal condition,
enamel health, sensitivity, health condition, and the like. In some
embodiments, the user
receives the paste via a subscription model. In some embodiments, the oral
care agent is
prescribed by a dentist. In some embodiments, the customized oral care agent
is dispensed
via an oral care agent dispenser device. In some embodiments, ingredients for
the
customized oral care agent are individually inserted within the dispenser
device. In some
embodiments, ingredients are contained within replaceable capsules. In some
embodiments,
the dispenser device is hands-free (e.g., uses a sensor to automatically
dispense the oral care
agent with a toothbrush is in position).
100211 In some embodiments, the dispenser is configured to
dispense the right
quantity of oral care agent formulated according to the user's dental
information, preventing
an over- or under-supply of oral care agent (e.g., dentifrice) required to
clean the user's teeth
and gums.
100221 In some embodiments, one or more characteristics of the
customized oral care
agent is customized to a particular user, such as flavor, color, fluoride
content, tartar control
ingredients, whitening agents, sensitivity reduction ingredients, stain
removal ingredients,
and mouthwash ingredients.
100231 Some embodiments include an oral care agent dispenser
device having: (1)
multiple chambers each configured to receive a cartridge containing a
different oral care
ingredient of a plurality of oral care ingredients; (2) memory configured to
store an oral care
formulation that includes one or more of the plurality of oral care
ingredients; and (3) a
dispenser positioned above a dispensing region, the dispenser configured to
dispense one or
more of the plurality of oral care ingredients in accordance with the oral
care formulation
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information. In some embodiments, the dispenser device dispenses prescription
material by
communicating with a HIPPA-compliant software module which authorizes the
dispensing
based on identification of the user (e.g., via a unique ID from the dental
care device).
100241 Some embodiments includes method of making a
personalized toothbrush
device. The method includes obtaining a model of a particular user's teeth and
determining,
based on the model of the particular user's teeth, a configuration for a set
of cleaning
elements for the toothbrush device. The method also includes integrally
forming a cleaner
body with a set of cleaning elements, whereby (i) the cleaner body includes
upper and lower
mouthpieces shaped for receiving the particular user's teeth, and (ii) the set
of cleaning
elements has the configuration determined based on the model of the particular
user's teeth.
100251 Some embodiments include methods of making a
personalized toothbrush
device that is customized for a particular user and no other user. The method
includes, for
each of a plurality of users, obtaining an electronic 3-D dental model of a
respective user's
mouth and determining a configuration for a mouthpiece of a personalized
toothbrush device.
The method includes 3-D printing the mouthpiece of the personalized toothbrush
device, with
a top cleaning tray, a bottom cleaning tray, and a set of cleaning elements,
each customized
based at least in part on the electronic 3-D dental model of the respective
user's mouth. Each
personalized toothbrush device that is 3-D printed for each respective user of
the plurality of
users is different from every other user's personalized toothbrush device.
100261 Thus, devices and systems are provided with methods for
customizing and
improving dental health, thereby increasing the effectiveness, efficiency, and
user satisfaction
of such devices and systems.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
100271 For a better understanding of the various described
embodiments, reference
should be made to the Detailed Description below, in conjunction with the
following
drawings in which like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts
throughout the
figures.
100281 Figure lA is a schematic view illustrating a
representative dental care device
in accordance with some embodiments.
100291 Figure 1B is a schematic three-dimensional view
illustrating a representative
dental care device in accordance with some embodiments.
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[0030] Figure 2 is a schematic three-dimensional view
illustrating a representative
dental cleaning kit in accordance with some embodiments.
[0031] Figure 3 is a schematic view illustrating part of the
dental cleaning kit of
Figure 2 in accordance with some embodiments.
[0032] Figure 4 is a partial three-dimensional view
illustrating a representative
customized dental care device in accordance with some embodiments.
100331 Figure 5 is a schematic three-dimensional view
illustrating use of a dental care
device by a user for dental cleaning in accordance with some embodiments.
[0034] Figure 6 is a schematic three-dimensional view
illustrating a monolithically
formed bristled sheet blank for use in forming a cleaner tray in accordance
with some
embodiments.
[0035] Figures 7A-7B are schematic three-dimensional views
illustrating a
representative dental care device according to some embodiments. Figure 7A
shows the
dental care device in an operational mode, while Figure 7B shows the dental
care device in a
stowed mode.
100361 Figures 8A-8B are schematic elevational views of a
representative dental care
kit that includes a dental care device according to some embodiments. Figure
8A shows the
kit in a docked, charging mode; Figure 8B shows, in isolation, a mouthpiece
attachment
forming part of the dental care kit; Figure 8C shows the dental care device in
front view; and
Figure 8D shows the dental care device in side view.
[0037] Figure 9 is a schematic view illustrating a
representative dental care system in
accordance with some embodiments.
[0038] Figure 10A is a block diagram illustrating a
representative dental care device
in accordance with some embodiments
100391 Figure 10B is a graphical view illustrating
representative drive profiles for use
with the dental care device of Figure 10A in accordance with some embodiments.
[0040] Figure 11 is a block diagram illustrating a
representative dispenser device in
accordance with some embodiments.
[0041] Figures 12A-12B are block diagrams illustrating a
representative server
system in accordance with some embodiments.
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100421 Figure 13A is table illustrating example frequencies for
various representative
modes of operation of the dental care device of Figure 10A in accordance with
some
embodiments.
100431 Figures 13B-13G are schematic views illustrating
representative vibrational
modes of a representative dental care device in accordance with some
embodiments.
100441 Figures 14A-14B are exploded schematic views of a
representative dental care
device in accordance with some embodiments.
100451 Figures 15A-15D are schematic views of a representative
dental care device in
accordance with some embodiments.
100461 Figure 16A is a schematic view of representative
cleaning tips for a
representative dental care device in accordance with some embodiments.
100471 Figure 16B is a schematic view of the cleaning tips of
Figure 16A engaging a
user's teeth during operation of the dental care device in accordance with
some embodiments.
100481 Figure 17 is an exploded schematic view illustrating a
representative dental
mold system in accordance with some embodiments.
100491 Figures 18A-18B are schematic views illustrating
representative dental insert
molds in accordance with some embodiments.
100501 Figures 19A-19C are schematic views illustrating a
representative mouthpiece
assembly in accordance with some embodiments.
100511 Figure 20A is a perspective view of a representative
dispenser device in
accordance with some embodiments.
100521 Figure 20B is a perspective view of the dispenser device
of Figure 20A with
its cover open in accordance with some embodiments.
100531 Figures 21A-21B are perspective views of the dispenser
device of Figure 20A
with dental care devices disposed under a dispensing port of the dispenser
device in
accordance with some embodiments.
100541 Figure 22 is a flowchart illustrating a method for
fabricating a representative
teeth cleaning device in accordance with some embodiments.
100551 Figure 23 is a flowchart illustrating a method for
operating a representative
dental care device in accordance with some embodiments.
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[0056] Figure 24 is a flowchart illustrating a method for
operating a representative
dispenser device in accordance with some embodiments.
[0057] Figure 25A shows a high-level overview of a
manufacturing process for
designing and fabricating a teeth cleaning device in accordance with some
embodiments.
[0058] Figure 25B shows a representative teeth cleaning device
created using the
manufacturing process of Figure 25B.
100591 Figure 26 shows a process for designing inserts used in
the manufacture of a
representative teeth cleaning device in accordance with some embodiments.
[0060] Figure 27A shows a scan of a user's teeth before
processing, while Figure 27B
shows the scan of the user's teeth after processing
[0061] Figure 28A shows one example of a scan of a user's teeth
oriented with a
mouthpiece assembly.
[0062] Figure 28B shows a digital representation of a
mouthpiece assembly in
accordance with some embodiments.
[0063] Figures 29A-29C show different sets of cleaning tips in
digital representations
of a mouthpiece assembly in accordance with some embodiments.
100641 Figure 30 shows how lengths of the cleaning tips are
modeled and modified in
a digital representation of a mouthpiece assembly in accordance with some
embodiments.
[0065] Figure 31 shows how lengths of the cleaning tips are
honed in a digital
representation of a mouthpiece assembly in accordance with some embodiments.
[0066] Figure 32 shows digital representations of mold inserts
in accordance with
some embodiments
100671 Figure 33 shows 3-D printed models of the mold inserts
in Figure 32 in
accordance with some embodiments
[0068] Figures 34, 35A-35B and 36A-36C are close-up views of
different cleaning
elements in accordance with some embodiments.
100691 Figures 37A-37J show exemplary customizations for
cleaning trays of a
personalized toothbrush device.
[0070] Figures 37K and 37L show exemplary customizations for
therapeutic and/or
diagnostic purposes.
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[0071] Figures 38A-38H show exemplary customizations for
cleaning elements of a
personalized toothbrush device.
[0072] Figures 39A-39B show exemplary vibrational modes for a
personalized
toothbrush device.
[0073] Figure 39C shows exemplary customizations to a
mouthpiece of a
personalized toothbrush device to facilitate a desired vibrational mode.
100741 Figure 40 is a flowchart for a method of selecting a
configuration for a set of
cleaning elements that result in a desired vibrational motion pattern.
[0075] Figure 41 shows exemplary hardware for customizing and
fabricating a
personalized toothbrush device
[0076] Like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts
throughout the several
views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0077] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments,
examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed
description, numerous
specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of
the various
described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill
in the art that
the various described embodiments may be practiced without these specific
details. In other
instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, circuits, and networks
have not
been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the
embodiments
[0078] Many modifications and variations of this disclosure can
be made without
departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in
the art. The specific
embodiments described herein are offered by way of example only, and the
disclosure is to be
limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along with the full scope of
equivalents to
which such claims are entitled.
[0079] In the following description, "approximately," "about,"
and "substantially"
mean that a quantity (e.g., a length) can vary from a given value (e.g., ten
feet) by up to
20% (e.g., two feet), and that a difference between two quantities or other
items can vary by
up to + 20% of the larger of the quantities.
100801 The disclosed embodiments include a dental care device
for use in personal
dental care, the device including: (1) a cleaner body that defines a cleaning
chamber shaped
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to the user's dentition and jaw geometry for receiving a group of teeth of a
user; and (b) a
powered driving mechanism that is mechanically coupled to the cleaner body and
that is
configured for imparting drive movement to the cleaner body during reception
of the group of
teeth in the cleaning chamber, to cause cleaning of the teeth.
[0081] Another aspect of the disclosure provides for a method
of personal dental care
that includes: (1) placing a group of teeth of a user in a cleaning chamber
provided for the
group of teeth by a cleaner body; and (2) while the group of teeth is received
in the cleaning
chamber, imparting movement to the cleaner body manually or by operation of a
motorized
mechanism, thereby to cause cleaning of the group of teeth housed in the
cleaner body.
[0082] In some embodiments, the cleaner body is customized for
the user. In some
embodiments, the cleaning chamber is complementary in shape to teeth and jaw
of a
particular user only. Thus, the shape of the cleaning chamber is optionally
unique.
[0083] In some embodiments, the cleaning chamber is shaped for
receiving a set of
teeth on a particular dental arch of the user. In some embodiments, the
cleaning chamber is
shaped for receiving all of the teeth on the user's upper jaw, or all of the
teeth on the user's
lower jaw. For ease of description, the complete set of teeth on any
particular arch is referred
to herein as a dental arch set.
[0084] In some embodiments, the cleaner body is an arch-shaped
tray that is
optionally formed based on a dental imprint or scan of the corresponding
dental arch of the
associated user. In some embodiments, the cleaner tray is a molded component
of a
polymeric plastics material. In some embodiments, a method of fabrication
includes
obtaining a tray mold having an imprint of the corresponding dental arch of
the particular
user, and forming the cleaner tray based on the tray mold
[0085] In some embodiments, the device includes a complementary
pair of cleaner
trays (also sometimes called mouthpieces herein), each of which is configured
for receiving a
respective one of the dental arch sets of the user. Each cleaner tray may in
such a case be an
attachment configured for removable and replaceable connection to the driving
mechanism,
to allow for separate use of the cleaner trays on the respective dental arch
sets. In other
embodiments, the cleaner body may define oppositely outwardly facing cleaning
chambers
for both arches, so that both dental arches can simultaneously be cleaned by
reception in the
unified cleaner body.
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100861 The cleaning chamber is optionally shaped such that
substantially each tooth
received in the cleaning chamber is bilaterally enveloped by opposite
sidewalls of the
cleaning chamber, such that both an outer major face and an inner major face
of each tooth is
received in the cleaning chamber, and the sidewall of the cleaning chamber
provided by the
cleaner tray extends towards a base of the teeth for at least a majority of
the tooth's height. In
some embodiments, the sidewalls extend up to, or over a gumline of the user.
In some
embodiments, the cleaning chamber is shaped to match the user's jaw size both
for maxilla
and the mandible circumference and curvature angle.
100871 In some embodiments, the device includes cleaning
elements (e.g., cleaning
tips) on the cleaner body and protruding into the cleaning chamber for contact
engagement
with the teeth, when the device is in use. In some embodiments, the cleaning
elements
comprise a plurality of filamentary elements, such as bristles or sponge-like
filaments,
projecting into the cleaning chamber from a chamber wall provided by the
cleaner tray and
defining the cleaning chamber. In some embodiments, the cleaning elements
comprise
protrusions or other irregularities on the chamber wall. Such protrusions are
optionally
integrally formed with the cleaner tray, so that the cleaner tray and the
protrusions are
provided by a single component of monolithic construction. In the description
that follows,
described variations of the arrangement of cleaning elements on the cleaner
body will be
understood as applying (instead, or in addition) analogously to the
arrangement of protrusions
on the chamber wall.
100881 In some embodiments, the cleaning elements have a
substantially regular
arrangement in the cleaning chamber, so that the number of cleaning elements
per unit of
surface area on the chamber wall is substantially equal throughout. In some
embodiments,
however, the cleaning elements are arranged on the cleaner body to have a
greater
concentration (e.g., a greater number of cleaning elements per unit of surface
area) in some
areas of the chamber wall than in others. In some embodiments, greater
concentrations of
cleaning elements are provided in areas where more vigorous cleaning is
desired. For
example, the cleaning elements may be more densely concentrated towards the
ends of the
dental arch set, corresponding to areas of the mouth most prone to dental
decay. In some
embodiments, the cleaning elements are arranged to be more densely
concentrated at
embrasures between adjacent teeth and/or at the bottom of the teeth.
100891 Instead, or in addition, the cleaning element
arrangement is such that physical
properties of the cleaning elements vary for different areas of the cleaning
chamber. For
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example, softer or more flexible cleaning elements are optionally provided at
positions on the
chamber wall corresponding or adjacent to the gumline of the user, thereby
lessening the
likelihood of irritating the gums. Stiffer or less flexible bristles are
optionally provided at
positions corresponding to potential problem areas, such as towards the
backmost teeth
and/or corresponding to teeth embrasures.
100901 In some embodiments, the arrangement of cleaning
elements on the cleaner
tray are customized. For example, the arrangement of cleaning elements (in
positioning
and/or in physical properties) are optionally specific and unique to the
particular associated
user. Some embodiments include: (1) performing or obtaining a dental scan of
the respective
dental arch sets of a particular user, (2) identifying potential problem areas
based on the
dental scan, and (3) arranging the bristles in the cleaning chamber based on
the identified
problem areas. In some embodiments, potential problem areas are provided with
a greater
concentration of cleaning elements, and/or with cleaning elements whose
physical properties
are selected to cause more effective dental cleaning due to powered contact
engagement with
the teeth.
100911 In some embodiments, the driving mechanism includes a
vibration mechanism
for causing driven vibration and/or reciprocation of the cleaner tray. In some
embodiments,
the driving mechanism is configured for causing subsonic oscillation of the
cleaner body,
e.g., at a frequency lower than 20 Hertz (Hz).
100921 The vibration speed of toothbrushes is often measured in
movements per
minute, where conventional electric toothbrushes vibrate at a speed of between
a few
thousand times a minute to approximately 10,000 to 12,000 times per minute.
Sonic
toothbrushes are so called because the speed or frequency of their vibration
(as opposed to
the sound of the motor) falls within the average range that is used by people
in spoken
communication. Voiced speech of a typical adult male will have a fundamental
frequency
from 85 to 180 Hz (10,200 to 21,000 movements per minute), and that of a
typical adult
female from 165 to 255 Hz (19,800 to 30,600 movements per minute).
100931 In contrast, ultrasonic toothbrushes work by generating
an ultrasonic wave, the
frequency of which may begin at 20,000 Hz (2,400,000 movements per minute).
The most
common frequency for existing ultrasonic toothbrushes, however, is in the
region of
approximately 1.6 MHz, which translates to 96,000,000 waves or 192,000,000
movements
per minute. As described below, the devices of this disclosure in some
embodiments are
configured primarily for sonic cleaning, in other embodiments are configured
primarily for
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ultrasonic cleaning, and in yet further embodiments are configured for
cleaning both by sonic
and ultrasonic action.
100941 In some embodiments, the vibration mechanism is
configured for causing
sonic vibration of the cleaner tray (or mouthpiece assembly 12). In some
embodiments,
cleaning by sonic vibration relies on sweeping cleaning element movement at a
relatively
high amplitude (relative to ultrasonic movement, which will be discussed
below). In some
embodiments, such sonic vibration is in a frequency range between 20 Hz and 20
kHz,
corresponding to 12,000-24,000 oscillations or cycles per minute. In some
embodiments,
sonic cleaning relies on the sweeping motion of the cleaning elements to clean
the teeth by
scrubbing engagement. In some embodiments, the induced vibration of the
cleaner body is
similar or analogous to vibrations generated in conventional brush heads.
10095] In some embodiments, instead, or in addition, the
vibration mechanism is
configured for causing ultrasonic vibration of the cleaner tray (or mouthpiece
assembly 12).
Ultrasonic motion is typically at a lower amplitude than is the case for sonic
motion. In some
embodiments, such ultrasonic vibration is in the frequency above 20 kHz
(approximately 2.4
million movements per minute), for example being at about 1.6 MHz
(approximately 192
million movements permit). In some embodiments, ultrasonic cleaning operates
by the
generation of ultrasonic waves that break bacterial chains making up dental
plaque and
moving or weakening their attachment to tooth enamel.
100961 In some instances and embodiments, such induced
vibration of the mouthpiece
(e.g., cleaner tray 125, Figure 1B) also agitates natural cleaning fluids
(such as saliva) around
the teeth. Because of the fast-moving vibration of the cleaner tray, minuscule
bubbles are
created that push out dental plaque that may be lying just underneath the gum
line. These
fluids not only push away the plaque, they also dilute and move bacteria-
produced acids. In
some instances and embodiments, this fluid movement and plaque removal occurs
without
the cleaning elements of the cleaner tray touching the enamel surface.
100971 In some embodiments, the induced vibration of the
cleaner body of the present
disclosure is similar or analogous to ultrasonic vibrations generated by brush
heads of
existing toothbrushes available.
100981 In some embodiments, induced vibration of the cleaner
body is a combination
of ultrasonic and sonic motion. In embodiments where the device is configured
to induce a
combination of ultrasonic and sonic oscillation or vibration in the cleaner
body, sonic
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vibration is optionally provided to produce a sweeping action to remove
particles and
bacterial remnants previously broken up or weakened by ultrasonic wave action.
[0099] In some embodiments, the dental care device is
configured for dental cleaning
at least in part by operation of fluid dynamic interaction between the user's
teeth and/or gums
and liquids contained in the cleaning chamber. As discussed above, such high-
speed
brushing action in some instances creates pressure waves and shear forces in
the liquids
around the teeth, thereby causing or facilitating teeth cleaning (e.g.,
without physically
contacting of the teeth with the cleaning elements of the device). In some
instances and
embodiments, such a fluid dynamic cleaning mechanism further operates through
the
generation of minute bubbles that forcefully impinge on the tooth surfaces,
thereby to cause
dislodgment of plaque and/or other undesired substances from tooth enamel.
1001001 In some embodiments, the device is configured for manual
manipulation or
agitation, thus operating without a motorized driving mechanism. In such
embodiments, the
device optionally comprises a handle connected to the cleaner tray and
configured for manual
control by the user, to insert the cleaner tray into the mouth and perform
manual brushing.
1001011 Figure 1A is a perspective view of a dental care device
10 in accordance with
some embodiments. The device 10 includes a stand 18 (e.g., a computer-
interface-and-
battery-charging stand) and a teeth-cleaning device 14, which is configured to
clean a user's
teeth in a reduced amount of time as compared to conventional teeth-cleaning
devices,
without causing discomfort to the user.
[00102] In accordance with some embodiments, the stand 18 is
configured for
communicatively coupling to a computer (not shown), and/or for electrically
coupling to an
energy source, such as an electrical outlet (not shown), via connector 22 (e g
, a Universal
Serial Bus (USB) port). In some embodiments, the stand 18 provides an
interface through
which one can use the computer to charge a battery of the cleaning device 14
and/or to
configure the cleaning device. For example, one can upload software, firmware,
or a
combination of software and firmware, from the computer to the cleaning device
14, e.g., to
select and to configure operational features of the cleaning device. As
another example, one
can couple the stand 18 to an AC adapter to charge the battery of the cleaning
device 14 (e.g.,
without connecting to a computer). In some embodiments, the stand 18 includes
a user
interface 20 enabling a user to adjust one or more settings or preferences
and/or enabling
presentation of device data to the user.
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1001031 In accordance with some embodiments, the cleaning device
14 includes an
electronics enclosure 16, an optional coupling 15, and a mouthpiece assembly
12. In some
embodiments, as described below in more detail, the electronics enclosure 16
houses
electronic circuitry, one or more rechargeable batteries, and one or more
actuators (e.g.,
motors) configured to drive the mouthpiece assembly 12. In some embodiments,
the
electronic circuitry is configured to charge the one or more batteries and
when the cleaning
device 14 is disposed in the stand 18. In some embodiments, the electronic
circuitry is
configured to manage power on the electronics enclosure 16, to control the
operation of the
one or more actuators, and/or to communicate with the stand 18. In some
embodiments, the
electronic circuitry is configured to communicate with a computer, a wireless
router, or other
device so that the electronic circuitry can send and receive information via
the internet
to/from one or more remote devices, such as cloud or other servers. In some
embodiments,
the electronic circuitry is configurable via software, firmware, or both
software and firmware,
and can communicate over a wired connection or a wireless link via any
suitable
communication protocol such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fig, and via any suitable
circuitry or
hardware such as an RFID tag or circuitry. In some embodiments, the cleaning
device 14
includes a user interface (e.g., on the electronics enclosure 16). In some
embodiments, the
user interface includes a screen (e.g., a touch screen), one or more buttons
or affordances, one
or more microphones, and/or one or more speakers.
1001041 In some embodiments, the coupling 15 is configured to
couple the mouthpiece
assembly 12 to the electronics enclosure 16 such that one or more motors in
the electronics
enclosure drive motion of the mouthpiece assembly (e.g., excite the mouthpiece
assembly).
In some embodiments, the coupling is integral with either or both of the
electronics enclosure
16 and the mouthpiece assembly 12. In some embodiments, the coupling 15 is
formed from
any suitable material, and can have any suitable shape and dimensions. In some
embodiments, the coupling 15 is configured to allow removal and replacement of
the
mouthpiece assembly 12, e.g., such that multiple mouthpiece assemblies may be
selectively
used with the electronics enclosure 16.
1001051 In some embodiments, as described below in more detail,
the mouthpiece
assembly 12, which is optionally custom designed for a user, is configured to
be inserted into
the user's mouth to clean all of the user's teeth quickly and concurrently.
1001061 In operation, the one or more actuators within the
electronics enclosure 16
drive the mouthpiece assembly 12 such that the mouthpiece assembly cleans all
of the user's
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teeth equally well or better, and in significantly less time, than a
conventional manual or
electric toothbrush. For example, the actuators and mouthpiece assembly 12 are
configured
to clean a user's teeth fully, completely (e.g., to remove at least 99% of
plaque buildup on the
user's teeth), and uniformly within a time that ranges from approximately five
seconds to
approximately thirty seconds (e.g., within twenty seconds or less). Therefore,
even at the
high end (thirty seconds) of this time range, the teeth-cleaning device 14 not
only cleans a
user's teeth on par with, or significantly better than, conventional manual
and electric
toothbrushes, it also reduces the time for cleaning the user's teeth by
approximately 75% as
compared to the two-minute (or more) cleaning time recommended for
conventional
toothbrushes.
1001071 Figure 1B is a schematic three-dimensional view of a
dental care device in the
example form of a whole-arch dental care device 100 in accordance with some
embodiments.
The dental care device 100 comprises a cleaner body in the example form of a
cleaner tray
125 for receiving an upper arch set of teeth of a user (e.g., the whole set of
teeth on the user's
upper jaw), and a housing 110 to which the cleaner tray 125 is connected for
driven
movement of the cleaner tray 125 during use. As will be described in greater
detail below,
the housing 110 holds an electric motor and an onboard power source (in the
example form of
a rechargeable battery, such as a lithium-ion battery) for causing driven
oscillation of the
cleaner tray 125 when activated by a user-operable press button 115.
1001081 The cleaner tray 125 is a generally arch-shaped element
defining a cleaning
chamber 127 complementary to an upper dental arch set of a particular user.
Within the
cleaning chamber 127 is located an arrangement of cleaning elements for
physical contact
engagement with the user's teeth and/or gums when the set of teeth is inserted
into the
cleaning chamber 127 In the example of Figure 1B, the cleaning elements
comprise a
plurality of cleaning tips 140.
1001091 The cleaning chamber 127 in Figure 1B is generally U-
shaped in plan view
(corresponding to the U- shape of the corresponding dental arch), and is
generally U-shaped
in cross-section (corresponding more or less to a lateral width of
corresponding teeth). The
cleaning chamber 127 thus has an inner sidewall 145 for face-to-face location
adjacent and
substantially parallel to inwardly facing major faces of the corresponding
teeth, and a
substantially parallel, opposed outer sidewall 150 for face-to-face location
adjacent and
substantially parallel to outwardly facing major surfaces of the corresponding
teeth. The
height of the sidewalls 145, 150 from a base of the cleaning chamber 127 is in
this example
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embodiment is somewhat greater than the height of the teeth, so that the
sidewalls 145, 150
extend past the gum line of the user when in use.
1001101 In accordance with some embodiments, the cleaning
chamber 127 is
personalized, being customized for use by a specific associated user only, in
that the cleaning
chamber 127 has been formed based on a dental imprint of the particular user
and is thus
substantially complementary in shape to the corresponding arch of the
particular user. Such
customization of the shape of the cleaning chamber 127 promotes proper
alignment of the
cleaning tips 140 with the respective teeth of the corresponding set, while
also ensuring a
comfortable fit of the cleaner tray 125 in the user's mouth.
1001111 The cleaning tips 140 are arranged on the cleaner tray
125 to project
cantilever-fashion into the cleaning chamber. In some embodiments, as will be
discussed at
greater length later, physical properties and/or distribution density of the
cleaning tips 140
vary from one part of the cleaning chamber 127 to another. In some
embodiments, the
cleaning tips 140 (or corresponding cleaning elements) have a substantially
regular
distribution throughout the cleaning chamber 127.
1001121 In accordance with some embodiments, the cleaner tray
125 is rigidly
connected to the housing 110 by an attachment stem 130; enabling transmission
of vibratory
or oscillating movement from the motor in the housing 110 to the cleaner tray
125. The
housing 110 can thus function as a handle by which the dental care device 100
is held to
insert the cleaner tray 125 into the mouth, and to hold the cleaner tray 125
in position during
brushing.
1001131 The vibration mechanism incorporated in the housing 110
is configured, in
some embodiments, to drive movement of the cleaner tray 125 so as to cause
cleaning of the
teeth at least in part by ultrasonic action. For example, the dental care
device 100 is
configured to generate ultrasound in order remove plaque and/or render plaque
bacteria
harmless. In this example, ultrasonic cleaning action comprises reciprocating
or oscillating
movement of the cleaner tray 125 at a frequency of about 1.6 MHz. In some
embodiments, a
movement cycle comprises a linear to and fro movement and/or a circular or
elliptical
movement.
1001141 In some embodiments, the dental care device 100 is,
instead or in addition,
configured for sonic cleaning, e.g., with the vibration mechanism being
configured for
producing at least some vibration of the cleaner tray in the audible range. In
some
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embodiments, the frequency range of such driven movement is in the range of
200 to 400 Hz,
translating to 12,000-24,000 movement cycles per minute.
1001151 In some embodiments, the dental care device 100 provides
for user-controlled
switching between sonic and ultrasonic cleaning, for example by operation of
the press button
115. In some embodiments, control circuitry of the dental care device 100 is
configured to
allow cycling through different modes (e.g., based on repeated pressing of the
button 115).
In some embodiments, the different modes include an ultrasonic mode, a sonic
mode, and a
switched off mode. In some embodiments, the dental care device 100 is
preprogrammed to
automatically perform a cleaning cycle (e.g., a cleaning cycle that comprises
both ultrasonic
and sonic vibrations) with vibrations produced in a predefined sequence. In
such a case, for
example, a few seconds of ultrasonic vibration may serve to generate
ultrasonic waves to
break up bacterial chains that make up the dental plaque and remove or weaken
their methods
of attachment to the tooth surface.
1001161 Fluid dynamic action caused by impelled movement of the
cleaner tray 125
disrupts plaque at traditionally hard-to-reach areas, such as between teeth
and below the gum
line. Cleaning by use of the dental care device 100 thus serves not only to
clean the major
outer faces of the teeth, but additionally effectively performs a flossing
operation by causing
removal of foreign material from spaces between adjacent teeth. In some
embodiments, the
fluid dynamic cleaning effects operate at a distance of up to 4 mm from the
contact points
between the cleaning tips 140 and the teeth. Thereafter, sonic vibration is
optionally
produced for physically cleaning and removing the weakened or loosened
materials. The
vibration mechanism is in some embodiments configured such that the amplitudes
of the
sonic movement will typically be larger than that of movements produced during
ultrasonic
cleaning
1001171 In operation, the user may use the assembled dental care
device 100 as
illustrated in Figure 1B to clean the teeth of the upper arch, and may
thereafter (or before) use
an analogous attachment 120B (Figure 3) for cleaning the teeth of the lower
arch. In some
embodiments, each one of these operations comprises gripping the dental care
device 100 by
the housing 110; inserting the cleaner tray 125 into the mouth; biting down
lightly on the
cleaner tray 125, so that the teeth are snugly inserted in the cleaning
chamber 127; and then
activating the driven sonic and/or ultrasonic vibration of the cleaning
chamber 127 by
operation of the push button 115. It has been found that effective dental
cleaning is achieved
within a brushing period of as little as about 5 seconds for each arch.
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1001181 In some embodiments, the user is directed to hold the
cleaner tray 125
substantially stationary in the mouth during driven vibration thereof. In
other embodiments,
however, the cleaner tray 125 may be moved around in the mouth during
vibration. In one
example, the cleaning process for each arch comprises a five second sequence
in which the
user moves the cleaner tray 125: forward for one second, backward for one
second, down for
one second, up for one second, and side-to-side for one second. It has been
found that such a
scrubbing motion is highly effective, due partly to the high number of brush
strokes per
minute generated simultaneously across the entire dental arch.
1001191 In some embodiments, the dental care device 100 is
configured for use without
any toothpaste or specific oral care agent. In some embodiments, conventional
toothpaste is
applied to the teeth or to the cleaning chamber 127 prior to use. In some
embodiments, the
dental care device 100 is configured for use with a dental paste or oral care
agent constituted
specifically for use with the cleaner tray 125. In some embodiments, such an
oral care agent
is configured for promoting fluid dynamic cleaning actions, as described
herein, when
applied to the teeth or to the cleaning chamber 127 prior to reception of the
teeth in the
cleaner tray 125.
1001201 It will be appreciated that, due to the generally U-
shaped cross-sectional
profile of the cleaning chamber 127, the oral care agent will be retained
within the cleaning
chamber 127 during cleaning. The oral care agent is in some embodiments
substantially free
of abrasives to preserve tooth enamel. In some embodiments, the oral care
agent has a
viscosity a higher than that of conventional toothpastes. In some embodiments,
the oral care
agent is a very high viscosity fluid, the viscosity being selected to promote
transmission and
therefore effectiveness of sonic and/or ultrasonic waves induced by tray
vibration. The oral
care agent is in some embodiments an all-natural product.
1001211 In Figure 2, numeral 200 generally indicates a
toothbrush kit 200 that includes
the handle housing 110, a charging base or stand 212, and three attachments
which are
configured for removable and replaceable connection to the housing 110. The
attachments in
this example embodiment includes the upper arch attachment 120 described
previously, a
similar lower arch attachment 120B which is connected to its attachment stem
130 in an
inverted orientation relative to the upper arch attachment 120, and a
conventional toothbrush
attachment 207, which is shown as being connected to the housing 110. Note
that the
attachments 120, 120 B, each comprises a respective cleaner tray 125 to which
the
corresponding attachment stem 130 is rigidly connected. Removability and
replaceability of
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the attachments 120 are thus achieved by this engageable coupling between the
stem 130 and
the housing 110. In some embodiments, the stem 130 is rigidly connected to a
rigid
framework of the cleaner tray 120, the cleaner tray 120 being a molded
component supported
by its internal framework and through which vibratory movement is transferred
from the stem
130.
1001221 In accordance with some embodiments, the stand provides
a charging socket
224 for receiving and supporting the housing 110 in an upright orientation
while electrically
connecting the battery inside the housing 110 to a mains power supply for
recharging the
battery. The stand 212 further provides two separate seats 236 for holding the
unused
attachments 120 in an upright orientation in which the respective cleaner
trays 125 are clear
of a support surface.
1001231 Figure 3 shows another view of the stand 212 holding the
upper arch
attachment 120 and the lower arch attachment 120B in stored positions for
selective use.
Some embodiments of the kit 200 further include an accessory for cleaning the
cleaner tray(s)
125 by removal of foreign material from the cleaning chamber 127. In some
embodiments,
the cleaning accessory is configured for ultrasonic cleaning of the trays.
1001241 In some embodiments, a dental cleaning device in
accordance with the
disclosure is provided and used for dental cleaning without driven agitation
of the cleaner
tray 125. A partial view of such a manual toothbrush 400 is shown in Figure 4
and comprises
a cleaner tray 125 such as that described above attached to a rigid elongated
handle 404,
which functions analogously to conventional manual toothbrush handles. As can
be noted in
the foregoing drawings, as well as in Figure 5 (which shows dental cleaning
use of another
embodiment of a dental care device 100 according to the disclosure by a user
500) the handle
404 of the manual toothbrush 400 is attached to the cleaner tray 125 at or
adjacent the apex of
the arch defined by the cleaner tray 125. The same applies to attachment of
the respective
attachment stems 130 to the cleaner trays 125 in some embodiments.
1001251 Such placement of the handle 404 (or, in other
embodiments, the attachment
stem 130) causes the toothbrush 400 to be aligned more or less with a midline
of the user's
face, when the cleaner tray 125 receives the corresponding set of teeth. In
other
embodiments, the handle 404 or attachment stem 130 is somewhat offset from the
axis of
symmetry of the cleaner tray 125.
1001261 For manual dental cleaning by use of the toothbrush 400,
the cleaner tray 125
is inserted into the mouth, being manipulated via the handle 404, and the user
bites down
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lightly on the cleaner tray 125 to ensure a complementary mating fit between
the
corresponding set of teeth and the cleaning chamber 127. Thereafter, the
cleaner tray is
moved backwards and forwards via the handle 404, to cause sweeping movements
of the
cleaning tips 140 over teeth and gums. Thereafter, the opposite set of teeth
may be similarly
cleaned using a separate device (or attachment 120) for that arch. Note that
the pair of
attachments shown in Figures 2 and 3 may be configured for either manual or
automated use,
so that the user can grip the respective attachments 120 by their respective
attachment stem
130 to clean the respective arches.
1001271 In embodiments described above, each cleaner tray forms
a distinct unit for
cleaning a separate one of the user's opposite dental arches. In other
embodiments, however,
a unified cleaner body is provided that defines respective cleaning chambers
127 for both the
upper and the lower arch (e.g., as shown in figures 15A-15D). The user will in
such
embodiments simultaneously insert both the lower arch and the upper arch into
the respective
cleaning chambers provided by the single cleaner body, so that subsequent
vibration,
oscillation, or manual agitation of the cleaner body causes simultaneous
cleaning action of
both the upper arch and the lower arch.
1001281 This disclosure also extends to methods of facilitating
personal dental health
for a user by providing the user with a customized dental care device 100 as
described above.
In some embodiments, the customized cleaner tray 125 is formed based at least
in part on a
dental scan performed at a facility such as a dentist's office. In some
embodiments, the
dentist performs a 3-D scan, taking a digital impression of the teeth,
embrasures (e.g., the
space between teeth for flossing), and/or gums. These impressions are
translated to
customized and personalized brushing trays for both upper and lower arches
(e.g., via a
molding process and/or a 3-D printing process)
1001291 The 3-D scanning operation calculates each tooth's
shape, curvature, and
anatomy. In some embodiments, the 3-D scan also records the interdental spaces
(e.g., the
flossing areas or embrasure areas of the respective teeth). In some
embodiments, the cleaning
chamber 127 is then formed based on a somewhat enlarged model, or with an
offset spacing
relative to the original imprint, to provide space for cleaning elements
between the chamber
wall and the teeth. In some embodiments, the scanned imprint is enlarged by an
offset of 1-3
mm, depending in part on the individual patient's preference.
1001301 In some embodiments, the offset spaces are then covered
with cleaning tips,
which may be angled to precisely clean each surface of the tooth. While, in
some
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embodiments, the cleaning tips are arranged to universally project more or
less
perpendicularly from the chamber wall, the cleaning tips in other embodiments
have varied
angles of incidence relative to the chamber wall, with their angles being
determined at least in
part for optimal cleaning efficiency. In some embodiments, cleaning tip
arrangement at
respective embrasures is configured to promote cleaning tip access to the
respective
embrasures, for example, by providing cleaning tips angled for optimal or
improved brushing
action in the embrasures. As described elsewhere, the interdental areas may in
some cases be
cleaned via a wave action.
1001311 A customer service thus provided to facilitate
customized dental care
optionally includes providing the user with the option of choosing a
particular cleaner tray
125 and cleaning tip arrangement from a plurality of different available
options, based on
user preference. For example, a user with a strong gag reflex may choose a
smaller offset, so
that the body of the cleaner tray can be smaller and fit more tightly on their
teeth. Someone
who, on the other hand, prefers greater leeway to move the brush within the
mouth (e.g., to
add mechanical brushing along with sonic and/or ultrasonic brushing) may
select a larger
offset. Fabrication of the cleaner trays in some embodiments comprises
injection of
prefabricated sheets of a polymeric plastics material into a mold shaped in
accordance with
the dental patient's jaw and teeth geometry.
1001321 In some embodiments, the prefabricated sheets have
bristle-like filaments
injected into the sheet or integrally formed therewith, to provide the fibers
or cleaning
elements in the cleaning chamber 127. An example of the prefabricated bristled
sheet 600 is
illustrated in Figure 6. In some embodiments, manufacture of the cleaner tray
125 comprises
a 3-D printing operation to the prefabricated bristled sheets based on the
above-described 3-D
scan
1001331 In some instances and embodiments, the cleaner tray 125
is formed based on a
user-provided imprint. Users who, for example, do not have access to a dental
scanning
facility, or who wish to limit costs, may opt to form the dental imprint at
home. Some
embodiments include delivering, upon request, to the user a blank mold for use
in forming of
the cleaner tray 125, e.g., by mail or courier service. The user can then form
a dental imprint
in the mold by biting into it, whereafter the mold bearing the dental imprint
is returned. The
mold is then used at a central manufacturing facility to produce the
customized cleaning
tray(s) 125 in a manner similar or analogous to that described above with
reference to the 3-D
scan. The customized cleaner tray 125 is then returned to the user (e.g., by
mail, courier
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service, or personal pick up) for personal use. In some embodiments,
manufacture of the
cleaner tray 125 includes a 3-D printing process.
1001341 Some embodiments include continually sending to the
user, on a regular or
periodic basis, replacement cleaner trays 125, based on the original mold or 3-
D scan. A
regular period for such cleaner tray replacement may be based on the rate of
deterioration, in
use, of the cleaner tray 125. In some embodiments, replacement cleaner trays
125 are, for
example, automatically (e.g., without a specific user request) sent to the
user at three-month
intervals. Some embodiments include, on an ongoing basis, obtaining new dental
imprints or
3-D scans for the user at spaced intervals, and producing subsequent cleaner
trays 125 based
on the most recent 3-D scan or dental imprint.
1001351 As mentioned previously with respect to Figures 1-3, the
arrangement and/or
configuration of cleaning elements 140 in the cleaner trays 125 can in some
embodiments be
varied for different positions in the cleaning chamber 127, e.g., by varied
positioning and/or
distribution density of the cleaning elements 140. In some embodiments, this
variation is
generic, applying to multiple (e.g., all) users. In some embodiments, the
variation is
customized based on individual user needs.
1001361 Generic variations optionally include providing higher
cleaning tip densities or
stiffness in areas that are universally or typically of concern. Thus, in some
embodiments,
the cleaning elements 140 are arranged in the cleaning chamber 127 such that
the cleaning
elements are arranged more densely and/or are individually stiffer towards the
ends of the
arch (corresponding to the back teeth), while softer and/or less dense
arrangements are
provided adjacent the gum line.
1001371 In some embodiments, individualized variations in
cleaning element
positioning and/or properties are based on identified areas of concern or
weaknesses in the
corresponding dental arch of the user. In some embodiments, areas of the
particular user's
teeth that are identified as actual or potential problem areas (e.g.,
suffering decay or early
indicators of decay, or identified as particularly difficult to clean areas)
have an increased
cleaning element stiffness or concentration on the corresponding areas of the
cleaning
chamber 127.
1001381 In some embodiments, methods of facilitating personal
dental cleaning include
performing a dental scan of the user, identifying actual or potential problem
areas based on
the dental scan, and customizing the spatial arrangement and/or distribution
of different types
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of cleaning elements (or cleaning elements with different physical properties)
in the cleaning
chamber 127 based on the identified problem areas.
1001391 In some embodiments, the cleaning elements are
integrally formed with the
material that provides a body of the cleaner tray 125. In some embodiments,
the cleaner tray
125 is of monolithic construction, with the cleaning elements being provided
by protrusions
or other cleaning formations formed on the interior surface of the cleaning
chamber 127. In
some embodiments, manufacture of the cleaner tray 125 includes forming the
cleaner tray in
a molding operation from a single mold, without prior positioning of the
cleaning elements in
a mold chamber or afterwards attaching the cleaning elements to the molded
body of the
cleaner tray 125.
1001401 In some embodiments, the mold is formed with connection
formations for
connection of individual cleaning elements. In some embodiments, the body of
the cleaner
tray 125 is formed with an arrangement of connection sockets to which
individual cleaning
elements of polymeric plastics material are connectable by snap-fit
engagement. In some
embodiments, a set of relatively soft, sponge-like polymeric plastics cleaning
elements are
connected socket-spigot fashion to a molded base or body of a cleaner tray. In
some
embodiments, the cleaning elements are tightly packed together in a grid, so
that closely
spaced, slightly concave end faces of the cleaning elements together form an
engagement
surface for contact engagement with the teeth and for promoting fluid dynamic
teeth cleaning
action.
1001411 In some embodiments, the cleaning elements are arranged
on the cleaner tray
125 such that they do not touch the tooth enamel during cleaning. It will be
appreciated that
such an arrangement may be provided for instances where the dental care device
100 is
configured for ultrasonic cleaning, with the cleaning elements being
configured for
promoting ultrasonic fluid dynamic cleaning, without physical scrubbing of the
teeth and/or
gums.
1001421 Turning now to Figures 7A-7B, therein is shown a dental
care device 700 in
accordance with some embodiments. Functioning of a cleaner tray 725 forming
part of the
device 700 is substantially similar to that described previously with
reference to Figures 1-3.
In Figures 7A-7B, the vibration mechanism is enclosed in a knob-like handle
740 attached to
the cleaner tray 725 at its apex, or in proximity to the apex (e.g., within 1
cm, 2 cm, or 5 cm)
in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, a power source for
the
vibration mechanism is carried in a base unit 750, the vibration mechanism
being connected
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to the power source via an electrical power cord 760 connecting the handle 740
to the base
unit 750.
1001431 In accordance with some embodiments, the base unit 750
further defines a
complementary docking chamber 770 for the cleaner tray 725. In accordance with
some
embodiments, when the cleaner tray 725 is received in the docking chamber 770
(see Figure
7B) the cleaning chamber 127 of the cleaner tray 725 is located wholly within
the docking
chamber 770, being hidden from view and from exposure to the atmosphere. The
device 700
in such a stowed mode forms a compact portable unit in which the cleaning tray
725 is
sealingly located within the base unit 750, with the handle 740 projecting
upwards from the
base unit 750 for easy access by the user.
1001441 In accordance with some embodiments, the base unit 750
is configured not
merely for holding the cleaner tray 725 such that it is protected from
exposure between
brushings, but is additionally configured to actively sanitize the cleaner
tray 725 during
docking. In some embodiments, the base unit 750 is provided with an ultra-
violet (UV)
cleaning arrangement that irradiates the cleaner tray 725 in general, and the
cleaning chamber
127 in particular, with sanitizing UV light when the cleaner tray 725 is
inserted in the
docking chamber 770. In some embodiments, the base unit 750 is configured to
effect
cleaning of the cleaner tray 725 during docking by causing exposure of the
cleaning chamber
127 to a sanitizing liquid. In some embodiments, the cleaner tray 127 forms a
liquid-tight
seal with the base unit 750, to contain the sanitizing liquid safely and to
permit use of the
device 700 as a travel accessory.
1001451 Figures 8A-8D show a dental care kit 800 in accordance
with some
embodiments. In some embodiments, a dental care device 810 forming part of the
kit 800
functions in a manner similar or analogous to that described with reference to
Figures 1-3.
1001461 In accordance with some embodiments, the dental care
device 810 has a
housing 815 that houses a vibration mechanism in the form of an electric
motor, together with
a coupled rechargeable electric battery. As shown in Figure 8A, the housing
815 has a base
that is receivable in a complementary mating charging socket defined by a
docking station
820. In some embodiments, when the dental care device 810 is docked on the
docking
station 820, an electrical connection is automatically formed between the
rechargeable battery
and mains power to which the docking station 820 is connected, thereby
recharging the
battery.
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1001471 In accordance with some embodiments, the dental care
device 810 includes a
reversible mouthpiece attachment 835 (see Figure 8B) that is connectable to an
upper end of
the housing 810 in either a storage mode (Figure 8A) or in an operational mode
(Figures 8C-
8D). In the storage mode shown in Figure 8A, a cleaner body 825 forming part
of the
attachment 835 is located within the interior of the housing 810, so that the
cleaner body 825
is hidden from view and is not exposed to the atmosphere.
1001481 In accordance with some embodiments, a handle 840 of the
attachment 810 in
this configuration serves as a lid for the housing 810. As was described with
reference to
Figure 7, the housing 810 provides a sanitizing mechanism (e.g., a UV cleaning
system) that
serves to sanitize the cleaner body 825 when the device 810 is in the storage
mode. In the
storage mode, the dental care device 810 forms a self-contained, sealed unit
suitable for use
as a travel accessory.
1001491 In some embodiments, the cleaner body 825 is configured
for simultaneously
cleaning both dental arches of a user. As shown in broken lines in Figure 8D,
the cleaner
body 825 thus defines a pair of oppositely outwardly facing cleaning chambers
127, each
being complementary in shape to a respective dental arch of the specific user
for which the
device 800 is customized. In use, the user can therefore insert the cleaner
body 825 between
their dental arches, bite down onto the cleaner body 825 to receive each
dental arch in its
corresponding chamber 127, and can then clean both arches at the same time by
activating the
vibration mechanism. In accordance with some embodiments, the cleaning
chambers 127 in
Figures 8A-8D include no filamentary cleaning elements for contact engagement
with the
teeth, but are instead configured to effect dental cleaning primarily through
operation of fluid
dynamics. In some embodiments, the cleaner body 825 includes cleaning tips
such as those
shown in Figures 15A-15D
1001501 In the operational mode (Figure 8C), however, the
orientation of the
attachment 835 is reversed, so that the handle 840 is firmly connected to an
upper end of the
housing 810, the cleaner body 825 projecting away from the housing 810 in
accordance with
some embodiments. Note that the selectively detachable coupling of the
attachment 835 to
the housing 810 is such as to transfer operational or oscillatory forces from
the motor in the
housing 810 to the cleaner body 825.
1001511 It is a benefit of the described embodiments that it
provides for personal dental
cleaning that is both quicker and more effective than is the case with
conventional
toothbrushes. In some circumstances, the whole mouth can be cleaned in as
little as 5-10
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seconds, while achieving more consistent and thorough cleaning results than
with
conventional toothbrushes. This is in part because all surfaces of the teeth
of the
corresponding dental arch are brushed simultaneously, based on the vibratory
or reciprocating
movement that is imparted to the cleaner tray 125 and that all of the cleaning
elements
therefore have in common.
1001521 It is also beneficial that all parts of the dental arch
can consistently be accessed
with equal ease and effectiveness by the cleaner tray 125, independent of user
skill or
dexterity. Many users are not able, for example, to reach rearward facing
surfaces behind the
molars and areas where the tongue covers the teeth, or fail to do so
consistently. These and
other problems associated with user-controlled brushing patterns are
exacerbated for children
and the elderly, who often do not have sufficient manual dexterity for
implementing correct
brushing techniques using conventional toothbrushes. These problems are
greatly reduced by
the described methods and devices.
1001531 Yet a further benefit of some of the described
embodiments is that flossing is
effected simultaneously for all the embrasures in the relevant arch, and
simultaneously with
cleaning of other tooth and gum surfaces (e.g., by operation of fluid action
induced by tray
vibration within particular frequency ranges, as described), and without
needing to pass a
filament or other cleaning element sequentially through the embrasures of
different teeth, as
is the case with conventional flossing. Again, simultaneous whole-arch dental
flossing
without forceful insertion of dental floss or toothpicks into the embrasures
promotes enamel
and gum health by preventing abrasive contact with these surfaces.
1001541 A further benefit is that the arrangement of cleaning
elements in the cleaning
chamber 127 can be configured such as to avoid or prevent deleterious effect
from bad
brushing habits. Conventional tooth brushing can, for example, be detrimental
to the health
of enamel and gums, particularly by abrasion that can be caused by overly
brushing. Most
users are also not able to maintain the correct angle of conventional
toothbrushes heads.
1001551 As mentioned, the cleaner tray 125 in some embodiments
is formed such that
there is no bristle contact with the gums during brushing. In some
embodiments, as described
previously, dental cleaning by use of the device is effected without abrasive
contact with
tooth enamel, thereby protecting enamel from wear caused by brushing and
scraping.
1001561 Moreover, customization of the cleaner tray 125 provides
for user-specific
cleaning mechanics, providing the ability to accommodate dental conditions
unique to any
particular user.
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1001571 One aspect the above-describe example embodiments
includes a toothbrush
(dental care) device which includes a cleaner body that defines a cleaning
chamber shaped for
receiving a group of teeth of a user. The device optionally includes a powered
driving
mechanism that is mechanically coupled to the cleaner body and that is
configured for
imparting driven movement to the cleaner body during reception of the group of
teeth in the
cleaning chamber, to cause cleaning of the group of teeth.
1001581 In some embodiments, the cleaner body is personalized
for a specific user, the
cleaning chamber corresponding substantially to a dental imprint of the
corresponding group
of teeth. In some embodiments, the cleaner body is configured for receiving a
particular
dental arch set of the user, being a set of teeth on a corresponding dental
arch of the user. In
some embodiments, the cleaner body defines a pair of oppositely outwardly
facing cleaning
chambers. In such cases, each of the cleaning chambers is optionally shaped
and configured
for receiving a respective dental arch set of the user, to allow simultaneous
reception of all of
the user's teeth by the cleaner body. In some embodiments, the cleaner body is
removably
and replaceably coupled to the powered driving mechanism.
1001591 In some embodiments, the cleaning chamber is shaped so
as to substantially
envelop, between opposing side walls of the cleaning chamber, each tooth
received in the
cleaning chamber. In some embodiments, the opposing side walls that define the
cleaning
chamber are shaped and configured such as to extend over respective gum lines
of the group
of teeth, when the group of teeth are fully received in the cleaning chamber.
1001601 In some embodiments, such a dental care device further
includes cleaning
elements carried by the cleaner body and protruding into the cleaning chamber
for contact
engagement with teeth received in the same chamber. In some embodiments, the
cleaning
elements include elongate filamentary elements protruding into the cleaning
chamber. In
some embodiments, the cleaning elements include protrusions on a chamber wall
defining the
cleaning chamber. In some embodiments, the protrusions are of monolithic
construction with
the cleaner body.
1001611 In some embodiments, arrangement and configuration of
the cleaning
elements are non-uniform for different areas of a chamber wall that defines
the cleaning
chamber. In some embodiments, the cleaning elements are arranged and
configured for
relatively more vigorous cleaning action in one or more focus areas. In some
embodiments,
the one or more focus areas include areas corresponding to embrasures between
adjacent
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teeth. Instead, or in addition, the one or more focus areas optionally include
areas
corresponding to ends of a dental arch.
[00162] In some embodiments, variation in arrangement and
configuration of the
cleaning elements includes higher density concentration of the cleaning
elements in the one
or more focus areas. Instead, or in addition, variation in arrangement and
configuration of the
cleaning elements optionally includes differences between, on the one hand,
one or more
physical properties of individual cleaning elements in the one or more focus
areas, and, on
the other hand, corresponding physical properties of individual cleaning
elements in other
areas.
[00163] In some embodiments, the arrangement and configuration
of the cleaning
elements are customized for a specific user, such that at least one of the one
or more focus
areas corresponds in location to an identified dental problem area of the
corresponding
specific user.
[00164] In some embodiments, the powered driving mechanism
includes a vibration
mechanism for causing driven vibration of the cleaner body. In some
embodiments, the
vibration mechanism is configured for causing sonic and/or subsonic
oscillation of the
cleaner body. Instead, or in addition, the vibration mechanism is configured
for causing
ultrasonic vibration of the cleaner body. In some embodiments, the vibration
mechanism is
configured to enable dental cleaning via the cleaner body using both sonic and
ultrasonic
cleaning.
[00165] Figure 9 is a schematic view illustrating a dental care
system 900 in
accordance with some embodiments. The dental care system 900 includes a dental
care
device 10, an oral care agent dispenser device 904, a user device 906 (e g , a
smart phone,
tablet, personal computer, or the like), a server system 910, a third-party
dental supplier 916,
and a third-party dental health provider 918, communicatively coupled to one
another via one
or more networks 908 (e.g., one or more LANs, WANs, and/or the Internet). In
some
embodiments, the dental care device 10 is directly coupled to the dispenser
device 904 and/or
the user device 906 (e.g., via Bluetooth protocol). As will be discussed in
greater detail
below with respect to Figures 12A-12B, the server system 910 includes a device
database 912
and an account database 914 in accordance with some embodiments.
[00166] Figure 10A is a block diagram illustrating a dental care
device 10 in
accordance with some embodiments. In some implementations, the dental care
device 10
includes one or more processors (e.g., CPUs, ASICs, FPGAs, microprocessors,
and the like)
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1002, one or more communication interfaces 1026, memory 1030, mouthpiece
assembly 12,
energy assembly 1020, drive assembly 1016, user interface(s) 1006, sensor(s)
1004, and one
or more communication buses 1001 for interconnecting these components
(sometimes called
a chipset). In some implementations, the user interface(s) 1006 includes one
or more output
devices that enable presentation of media content, including one or more
LED(s) 1010, one or
more speakers 1014, and/or one or more visual displays. In some
implementations, the user
interface(s) 1006 also includes one or more input devices, including user
interface
components that facilitate user input such as a voice-command input unit or
microphone
1012, a touch screen display, a touch-sensitive input pad, a gesture capturing
camera, or other
input buttons or controls 1008. Optionally, the dental care device 10 includes
a location
detection component, such as a GPS (global positioning satellite) or other geo-
location
receiver, for determining the location of the dental care device 10.
1001671 The sensors 1004 include, for example, one or more
breath sensors, thermal
radiation sensors, bacteria detection sensors, ambient temperature sensors,
humidity sensors,
1R sensors, presence sensors (e.g., using RFID sensors), ambient light
sensors, motion
detectors, accelerometers, and/or gyroscopes.
1001681 The communication interface(s) 1026 enable the dental
care device 10 to
communicate with other devices. In some implementations, the communication
interface(s)
1026 are capable of data communications using any of a variety of custom or
standard
wireless protocols (e.g., IEEE 802.15.4, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, 6LoWPAN, Thread, Z-
Wave,
Bluetooth Smart, ISA100.11a, WirelessHART, MiWi, etc.) custom or standard
wired
protocols (e.g., Ethernet, HomePlug, etc.), and/or any other suitable
communication protocol,
including communication protocols not yet developed as of the filing date of
this document.
In some embodiments, the communication interface(s) 1026 includes one or more
antennas
1028 configured for data communications using any of a variety of custom or
standard
protocols (e.g., the protocols listed above). In some embodiments, the
communication
interface(s) 1026 includes an identity component 1029 configured to transmit
(e.g.,
broadcast) an identifier for the dental care device 10 and/or an identifier
for a user of the
dental care device 10. In some embodiments, the identity component 1029
comprises
circuitry, memory, and/or software configured for wireless communications
(e.g., using
Bluetooth or Internet of Things (IoT) protocols). In some embodiments, the
identity
component 1029 stores a unique identifier for the dental care device 10.
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1001691 In accordance with some embodiments, the energy assembly
1020 includes
one or more batteries 1022, and optionally, one or more charging components
1024. In some
embodiments, the charging component(s) 1024 include one or more components to
enable
inductive charging.
1001701 In accordance with some embodiments, the drive assembly
1016 includes one
or more actuators 1018. In some embodiments, the one or more actuators 1018
comprise one
or more piezoelectric actuators and/or one or more electric motors (e.g.,
magnetic motors,
offset weight motors). In some embodiments, the drive assembly 1016 is
configured to
generate vibrations in the mouthpiece component 12.
1001711 The memory 1030 includes high-speed random access
memory, such as
DRAM, SRAM, DDR RAM, or other random access solid state memory devices; and,
optionally, includes non-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic disk
storage devices,
one or more optical disk storage devices, one or more flash memory devices, or
one or more
other non-volatile solid state storage devices. The memory 1030, or
alternatively the non-
volatile memory within memory 1030, includes a non-transitory computer-
readable storage
medium. In some implementations, memory 1030, or the non-transitory computer-
readable
storage medium of the memory 1030, stores the following programs, modules, and
data
structures, or a subset or superset thereof:
= Operating logic 1032 including procedures for handling various basic
system services
and for performing hardware dependent tasks;
= Communication module 1034 for connecting to and communicating with other
network devices (e.g., a router that provides Internet connectivity, networked
storage
devices, network routing devices, server system 910, dispenser device 904,
etc.)
connected to one or more networks 908 via one or more communication interfaces
1026 (wired or wireless);
= Interface module 1036 for detecting one or more user inputs or
interactions and
interpreting the detected inputs or interactions, and for providing and
displaying a
user interface in which settings, captured data, and/or other data can be
configured
and/or viewed;
= Drive module 1038 for operating the drive assembly 1016, e.g., in
accordance with
one or more drive profiles 1048;
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= User module 1039 for managing user information, such as user preferences,
user
settings, user dental information, user identifiers, user drive profiles, user
dispensing
profiles, and the like (e.g., a HIPPA-compliant module); and
Database 1040 storing data associated with the dental care device, including,
but not
=
limited to:
o User database 1042 storing information related to user accounts for the
dental
care device, such as user settings 1044 (e.g., user interface settings and
display
preferences), user dental information, cached login credentials, device
identifiers (e.g., MAC addresses and UUIDs), authentication tokens and tags,
password keys, etc.; and
o Device information 1046 storing information related to the dental care
device
and, optionally, associated devices such as dispenser device 904 and user
device 906, including one or more drive profiles 1048 associated with user(s)
of the dental care device.
1001721 Each of the above identified elements may be stored in
one or more of the
previously mentioned memory devices, and corresponds to a set of instructions
for
performing a function described above. The above identified modules or
programs (i.e., sets
of instructions) need not be implemented as separate software programs,
procedures, or
modules, and thus various subsets of these modules may be combined or
otherwise re-
arranged in various implementations. In some implementations, the memory 1030,
optionally, stores a subset of the modules and data structures identified
above. Furthermore,
the memory 1030, optionally, stores additional modules and data structures not
described
above, such as a charging module configured to operate the energy assembly
1020.
1001731 In some embodiments, one or more of the components shown
in Figure 10A
are located within a stand (or mount) of the dental care device 10. For
example, one or more
of the components are arranged within the stand 18 (Figure 1A). In some
embodiments, one
or more elements of the user interface(s) 1006 are positioned on the stand
(e.g., user interface
20, Figure 1A). In some embodiments, one or more of the components shown in
Figure
10A are located within a housing of the dental care device 10 (e.g., within
the base unit 750
or the housing 815).
1001741 Figure 10B is a graphical view illustrating example
drive profiles 1048 for use
with the dental care device of Figure 10A in accordance with some embodiments.
The drive
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profiles 1048-1 and 1048-2 illustrate two example profiles (e.g., constructed
for two different
people based each user's dental details). In some embodiments, the frequencies
and timing
for the drive profile 1048 are adjusted for each user based on the user's
dental health, teeth
geometry, age, and the like. In some embodiments, the frequencies include one
or more
sonic frequencies and/or one or more ultrasonic frequencies.
1001751 Figure 11 is a block diagram illustrating an oral care
agent dispenser device
904 in accordance with some embodiments. In some implementations, the
dispenser device
904 includes one or more processors (e.g., CPUs, ASICs, FPGAs,
microprocessors, and the
like) 1102, one or more communication interfaces 1126, memory 1130, energy
assembly
1120, drive assembly 1116, user interface(s) 1106, sensor(s) 1104, and one or
more
communication buses 1101 for interconnecting these components (sometimes
called a
chipset). In some implementations, the user interface(s) 1106 includes one or
more output
devices that enable presentation of media content, including one or more
LED(s) 1110, one or
more speakers 1114, and/or one or more visual displays. In some
implementations, the user
interface(s) 1106 also includes one or more input devices, including user
interface
components that facilitate user input such as a voice-command input unit or
microphone
1112, a touch screen display, a touch-sensitive input pad, a gesture capturing
camera, or other
input buttons or controls 1108. Optionally, the dispenser device 904 includes
a location
detection component, such as a GPS (global positioning satellite) or other geo-
location
receiver, for determining the location of the dispenser device 904 (e.g., for
use with ordering
oral care agent ingredients).
1001761 The sensors 1104 include, for example, thermal radiation
sensors, ambient
temperature sensors, humidity sensors, IR sensors, presence sensors (e.g.,
using RFID
sensors, barcode readers, passive infrared (PIR) sensors), ambient light
sensors, motion
detectors, accelerometers, and/or gyroscopes.
1001771 The communication interface(s) 1126 enable the dispenser
device 904 to
communicate with other devices (e.g., dental care devices 10). In some
implementations, the
communication interface(s) 1126 are capable of data communications using any
of a variety
of custom or standard wireless protocols (e.g., IEEE 802.15.4, Wi-Fi, ZigBee,
6LoWPAN,
Thread, Z-Wave, Bluetooth Smart, ISA100.11a, WirelessHART, MiWi, etc.) custom
or
standard wired protocols (e.g., Ethernet, HomePlug, etc.), and/or any other
suitable
communication protocol, including communication protocols not yet developed as
of the
filing date of this document. In some embodiments, the communication
interface(s) 1126
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includes one or more antennas 1128 configured for data communications using
any of a
variety of custom or standard protocols (e.g., the protocols listed above). In
some
embodiments, the communication interface(s) 1126 includes an identity
component 1129
configured to transmit (e.g., broadcast) an identifier for the dispenser
device 904 and/or an
identifier for a user of the dispenser device. In some embodiments, the
identity component
1129 comprises circuitry, memory, and/or software configured for wireless
communications
(e.g., using Bluetooth or Internet of Things (IoT) protocols). In some
embodiments, the
identity component 1129 stores a unique identifier for the dispenser device
904.
1001781 In accordance with some embodiments, the energy assembly
1120 optionally
includes one or more batteries 1022, and one or more charging components 1024
(e.g., for
coupling to an AC adapter). In some embodiments, the charging component(s)
1024 include
one or more components to enable inductive charging for a dental care device.
1001791 In accordance with some embodiments, the drive assembly
1116 includes one
or more actuators 1118. In some embodiments, the one or more actuators 1118
comprise one
or more piezoelectric actuators and/or one or more electric motors. In some
embodiments,
the drive assembly 1116 is configured to combine and dispense toothpaste or
oral care agent
ingredients (e.g., in accordance with a dispensing profile 1148).
1001801 The memory 1130 includes high-speed random access
memory, such as
DRAM, SRAM, DDR RAM, or other random access solid state memory devices; and,
optionally, includes non-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic disk
storage devices,
one or more optical disk storage devices, one or more flash memory devices, or
one or more
other non-volatile solid state storage devices. The memory 1130, or
alternatively the non-
volatile memory within memory 1130, includes a non-transitory computer-
readable storage
medium. In some implementations, memory 1130, or the non-transitory computer-
readable
storage medium of the memory 1130, stores the following programs, modules, and
data
structures, or a subset or superset thereof:
= Operating logic 11132 including procedures for handling various basic
system services
and for performing hardware dependent tasks;
= Communication module 1134 for connecting to and communicating with other
network devices (e.g., a router that provides Internet connectivity, networked
storage
devices, network routing devices, server system 910, dental care device 10,
dental
care device 100, etc.) connected to one or more networks 908 via communication
interface(s) 1126 (wired or wireless);
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Interface module 1136 for detecting one or more user inputs or interactions
and
=
interpreting the detected inputs or interactions, and for providing and
displaying a
user interface in which settings, captured data, and/or other data can be
configured
and/or viewed;
= Dispensing module 1138 for operating the drive assembly 1116, e.g., in
accordance
with one or more dispensing profiles 1148;
= User module 1139 for managing user information, such as user preferences,
user
settings, user dental information, user identifiers, user drive profiles, user
dispensing
profiles, and the like (e.g., a HIPPA-compliant module); and
= Database 1140 storing data associated with the dental care device,
including, but not
limited to:
o User database 1142 storing information related to user accounts for the
dental
care device, such as user settings 1144 (e.g., user interface settings and
display
preferences), user dental information, cached login credentials, device
identifiers (e.g., MAC addresses and UUIDs), authentication tokens and tags,
password keys, etc.; and
o Device information 1146 storing information related to the dispenser
device
904 and, optionally, associated devices such as dental care device 10, dental
care device 100, and user device 906, including one or more dispensing
profiles 1148 associated with user(s) of the dispenser device.
1001811 Each of the above identified elements may be stored in
one or more of the
previously mentioned memory devices, and corresponds to a set of instructions
for
performing a function described above. The above identified modules or
programs (i.e., sets
of instructions) need not be implemented as separate software programs,
procedures, or
modules, and thus various subsets of these modules may be combined or
otherwise re-
arranged in various implementations. In some implementations, the memory 1130,
optionally, stores a subset of the modules and data structures identified
above. Furthermore,
the memory 1130, optionally, stores additional modules and data structures not
described
above, such as a charging module configured to operate the energy assembly
1120.
[00182] Figures 12A-12B are block diagrams illustrating a server
system 910 in
accordance with some embodiments. In some implementations, the server system
910
includes one or more processors (e.g., CPUs, ASICs, FPGAs, microprocessors,
and the like)
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1102, one or more network interfaces 1204, memory 1208, and one or more
communication
buses 1206 for interconnecting these components (sometimes called a chipset).
In some
implementations, the server system 910 includes one or more the user
interface(s) includes
one or more output devices and/or one or more input devices.
1001831 The network interface(s) 1204 enable the server system
910 to communicate
with other devices (e.g., dental care devices 10 and/or dispenser device 904).
In some
implementations, the network interface(s) 1204 are capable of data
communications using
any of a variety of custom or standard wireless protocols (e.g., IEEE
802.15.4, Wi-Fi,
ZigBee, 6LoWPAN, Thread, Z-Wave, Bluetooth Smart, ISA100.11a, WirelessHART,
MiWi,
etc.) custom or standard wired protocols (e.g., Ethernet, HomePlug, etc.),
and/or any other
suitable communication protocol, including communication protocols not yet
developed as of
the filing date of this document.
1001841 The memory 1208 includes high-speed random access
memory, such as
DRAM, SRAM, DDR RAM, or other random access solid state memory devices; and,
optionally, includes non-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic disk
storage devices,
one or more optical disk storage devices, one or more flash memory devices, or
one or more
other non-volatile solid state storage devices. The memory 1208, or
alternatively the non-
volatile memory within memory 1208, includes a non-transitory computer-
readable storage
medium. In some implementations, memory 1208, or the non-transitory computer-
readable
storage medium of the memory 1208, stores the following programs, modules, and
data
structures, or a subset or superset thereof:
= Operating system 1210 including procedures for handling various basic
system
services and for performing hardware dependent tasks;
= Network communication module 1212 for connecting the server system 910 to
other
systems and devices (e.g., client devices, dental care devices, dispenser
devices,
electronic devices, and systems connected to one or more networks 908) via one
or
more network interfaces 1204 (wired or wireless);
= Device management module 1214 for managing a plurality of dental care
devices
(e.g., dental care device 10 and/or dental care device 100), dispenser devices
904,
and/or other user devices (e.g., associated mobile devices), including
sending,
receiving, and processing data from the devices;
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= Third-party management module 1214 for managing associated third-parties,
such as
third-party dental health providers 918 and third-party dental suppliers 916,
including
sending, receiving, and processing data from the third-party devices;
= User module 1213 for managing user information, such as user preferences,
user
settings, user dental information, user identifiers, user drive profiles, user
dispensing
profiles, and the like (e.g., a HIPPA-compliant module); and
= Server database 1216, including but not limited to:
o Accounts information 1218 for storing account information for user
accounts,
including user profiles 1220, user account information, information and
settings for linked devices and electronic devices (e.g., device
identifications),
device specific secrets, relevant user and hardware characteristics (e.g.,
service
tier, device model, storage capacity, processing capabilities, etc.), user
interface settings, dental health information, dental provider information,
and
the like;
o Device information 1222 for storing data associated with each electronic
device (e.g., each dental care device 10) of each user account, as well as
data
processing models, processed data results, and other relevant metadata (e.g.,
names of data results, location of electronic device, duration, settings of
the
electronic device, etc.) associated with the data, where (optionally) all or a
portion of the data and/or processing associated with the dental care device
are
stored securely, and/or storing device information related to one or more
dental care devices, e.g., device identifiers and device specific secrets,
independently of whether the corresponding devices have been associated with
any user account; and
o Inventory information 1224 for storing inventory information for
associated
dental care devices, dispenser devices, oral care agent ingredients,
fabrication
information and/or molds.
1001851 Each of the above identified elements may be stored in
one or more of the
previously mentioned memory devices, and corresponds to a set of instructions
for
performing a function described above. The above identified modules or
programs (i.e., sets
of instructions) need not be implemented as separate software programs,
procedures, or
modules, and thus various subsets of these modules may be combined or
otherwise re-
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arranged in various implementations. In some implementations, the memory 1208,
optionally, stores a subset of the modules and data structures identified
above. Furthermore,
the memory 1208, optionally, stores additional modules and data structures not
described
above.
1001861 Figure 12B illustrates various data structures used by
the server system 910 in
some embodiments, including a user profile 1220-j and a device profile 1222-k.
The user
profile 1220-j corresponds to a user T associated with the dental system 900,
such as a user
of a dental care device 10, a user of a dental care device 100, a user of a
dispenser device
904, and the like. In some embodiments, the user profile 1220-j includes user
preferences
1226, user settings 1228, user dental information 1230, drive profile
information 1232,
associated devices information 1234, and associated oral care agents
information 1236, and
associated dental professionals information 1238. In some embodiments, the
user profile
1220-j includes only a subset of the above data. In some embodiments, the user
profile 1220-
j includes additional user information not shown, such as information
regarding other users
associated with the user 'j
[00187] The user preferences 1226 include explicit user
preferences input by the user
as well as implicit and/or inferred user preferences determined by the dental
system 900 (e.g.,
server system 910 and/or dental care device 10). In some embodiments, the
inferred user
preferences are based on historical user activity and/or historical activity
of other users. The
user settings 1228 include information regarding settings set by the user 'j'
such as
notification settings, device settings, and the like. In some embodiments, the
user settings
1228 include device settings for devices associated with the user 'j'. In some
embodiments,
the user dental information 1230 includes one or more dental images (e.g., x-
rays or visual
images), dental records, geometry information for the teeth and/or jaw of the
user T. In
some embodiments, the drive profile information 1232 includes frequency and
timing
information for operation of dental care devices of the user 'j' (e.g.,
vectors and/or tables
describing the drive profiles 1048 illustrated in Figure 10B).
[00188] Associated devices information 1234 includes information
regarding devices
associated with the user T such as dental care devices, dispenser devices,
and/or mobile
devices (e.g., mobile devices with an associated dental application installed
thereon). In
some embodiments, associated devices information 1234 includes a link,
pointer, or reference
to a corresponding device profile 1222. Associated oral care agents
information 1236
includes information regarding oral care agents associated with user `j', such
as oral care
agent formulations for user 'j'. Associated dental professionals information
1238 includes
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information regarding dental professionals (e.g., dentists and dental
hygienists) associated
with user `j'.
1001891 The device profile 1222-k corresponds to a device 'le
associated with the
dental system 900, such as a dental care device, a dispenser device, a mobile
device, and the
like. In some embodiments, the device profile 1222-k includes device settings
1240,
associated devices information 1242, associated user information 1244, and
associated drive
profile(s) 1246. In some embodiments, the device profile 1222-k includes only
a subset of
the above data. In some embodiments, the device profile 1222-k includes
additional device
information not shown such as information regarding whether the device is
currently active.
1001901 Device settings 1240 include information regarding the
current settings of
device 'lc' such as mode of operation information and the like. In some
embodiments, the
device settings 1240 are user-specific and are set by respective users of the
device 'le.
Associated devices information 1242 includes information regarding other
devices associated
with device 'lc' such as other devices assigned to a same user as the device
'lc'. In some
embodiments, associated devices information 1242 includes a link, pointer, or
reference to a
respective device profile 1222 corresponding to the associated device.
1001911 Associated user information 1244 includes information
regarding users
associated with the device such as users operating the device, receiving
notifications from the
device, users registered with the device, and the like. In some embodiments,
associated user
information 1244 includes a link, pointer, or reference to a user profile 1220
corresponding to
the associated user. Associated drive profile(s) 1246 includes information
regarding drive
profiles associated with the device 'lc' and/or users of the device.
1001921 Figure 13A is table illustrating example frequencies for
various representative
modes of operation of the dental care device of Figure 10A in accordance with
some
embodiments. In the example of Figure 13A, 300 Hz corresponds to a flap in-
phase mode,
400 Hz corresponds to a flap out-of-phase mode, 500 Hz corresponds to a sweep
mode, and
1100 Hz corresponds to a twist mode. The various modes are described in more
detail in
reference to Figures 13B-13G.
1001931 Figures 13B-13G are schematic views illustrating
representative vibrational
modes of a representative dental care device (e.g., a dental care device 10)
in accordance with
some embodiments. In some embodiments, a structure, such as the mouthpiece
assembly 12
(Figure 1A) and the structure plate (also sometimes called a chassis) 44, is
configured to have
one or more characteristic vibration modes, sometimes called resonant modes,
which occur at
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respective natural frequencies of the structure. For example, a structure can
be configured to
have characteristic modes that respectively occur at the natural frequencies
fl, 12, f3, , fn,
where fl is the fundamental frequency of the fundamental (e.g., lowest-
frequency)
characteristic mode, and f2 - fn are the frequencies of respective higher-
order characteristic
modes; although 12 - fn can be harmonics of fl, they need not be.
1001941 When excited at such a natural frequency by a vibration
source such as a drive
assembly 1016 (e.g., a motor with an unbalanced weight attached to its
spindle), the structure
vibrates in a predictable pattern. In some embodiments, the structure is
configured to vibrate
in a respective desired pattern at each of one or more selected natural
frequencies. Each
pattern depends on physical characteristics of the structure. Examples of such
physical
characteristics include the dimensions of the structure, the shape of the
structure, the material
from which the structure is formed, the distribution of the structure's mass,
and the stiffness
of the structure. In some embodiments, different profiles operate at different
frequencies
and/or amplitudes. In some circumstances and embodiments, the different
frequencies
change the location and amount of the motion as it gets near resonance points.
In some
embodiments, the drive frequency changes during a cleaning cycle in accordance
with a
preset drive profile.
1001951 In some embodiments, the one or more of such physical
characteristics of the
chassis 44 are selected so as to configure the chassis, and thus the
mouthpiece assembly 12,
to vibrate in a respective desired pattern at each of one or more selected
frequencies, where
each characteristic vibration mode corresponds to a respective cleaning mode
of the teeth-
cleaning device 14, e.g., as illustrated in Figure 13A.
1001961 Referring to Figure 13B, while the chassis 44 is
operating in a first
characteristic mode 50 corresponding to a frequency fl, the chassis arms 46
and 48 oscillate,
e.g., flap up and down in-phase, and thus impart an in-phase up-and-down
flapping motion to
the upper and lower mouthpieces 40 and 42, in response to a first excitation
frequency (e.g.,
from the one or more actuators in the electronics enclosure 16). As used
herein, "in-phase"
means that the front edges 51 and 53 of the chassis arms 46 and 48,
respectively, have
approximately the same z-axis coordinate at any given time. In some
embodiments, the
frequency fl is in an approximate range of 90 - 400 Hz, and the excitation
frequency
generated by the one or more motors is approximately equal to fl. When the
excitation
frequency does not equal fl, then the arms 46 and 48 of the chassis 44, and
thus the
mouthpiece assembly 12, may flap up and down at the excitation frequency.
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1001971 Referring to Figure 13C, while the chassis 44 is
operating in a second
characteristic mode 52 corresponding to a frequency f2, the arms 46 and 48
oscillate, e.g.,
flap up and down out-of-phase, and thus impart an out-of-phase up-and-down
flapping
motion to the upper and lower mouthpieces 40 and 42, in response to a second
excitation
frequency from the one or more motors in the electronics enclosure 16. As used
herein, -out-
of-phase" means that the front edges 51 and 53 of the arms 46 and 48 at any
given time have
approximately the same value but a different sign. For example, at a time 't'
the front edge
51 of the arm 46 can have a z-coordinate of approximately +1 and the front
edge 53 of the
arm 48 can have a z-coordinate of approximately -1. In some embodiments, the
frequency 2
is in an approximate range of 180 - 500 Hz and can be a harmonic of fl
(although this is not
required), and the excitation frequency generated by the one or more motors is
approximately
equal to 12. When the excitation frequency does not equal 12, then the arms 46
and 48 of the
chassis 44, and thus the mouthpiece assembly 12, may flap up and down at the
excitation
frequency.
1001981 Referring to Figure 13D, while the chassis 44 is
operating in a third
characteristic mode 54 that occurs at a frequency 13, the arms 46 and 48 sweep
toward and
away from each other in the x-dimension out of phase, and thus impart an out-
of-phase
sweeping motion to the upper and lower mouthpieces 40 and 42, in response to a
third
excitation frequency from the one or more motors in the electronics enclosure
16. In this
example, out-of-phase means that corresponding points on the inner edges 56
and 58 of the
arms 46 and 48 at any given time have approximately the same displacement in
the x-
dimension but with a different sign. For example, at a time T the point of the
edge 56 has a
displacement in the x-dimension of approximately +1 and the corresponding
point of the edge
58 has a displacement in the x-dimension of approximately -1. Corresponding
points of the
outer edges 60 and 62 of the chassis arms 44 and 46 are likewise out-of-phase.
In some
embodiments, the frequency 13 is in an approximate range of 270 - 600 Hz and
can be a
harmonic of fl (although this is not required), and the excitation frequency
generated by the
one or more motors is approximately equal to B. When the excitation frequency
does not
equal 13, then the arms 46 and 48 of the chassis 44, and thus the mouthpiece
assembly 12,
may sweep back and forth at the excitation frequency.
1001991 Referring to Figure 13E, while the chassis 44 is
operating in a fourth
characteristic mode 64 that corresponds to a frequency f4, the chassis arms 46
and 48 sweep
in the x-dimension in phase with one another, and thus impart an in-phase
sweeping motion
to the upper and lower mouthpieces 40 and 42, in response to a fourth
excitation frequency
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from the one or more motors in the electronics enclosure 16. In this example,
in-phase means
that corresponding points of the inner edges 56 and 58 of the arms 44 and 46
at any given
time have approximately the same displacement in the x-dimension with a same
sign. For
example, at a time 't' point of the edge 56 has a displacement in the x-
dimension of
approximately +1 and a corresponding point of the edge 58 also has a
displacement in the x-
dimension of approximately +1. Corresponding points of the outer edges 60 and
62 of the
chassis arms 46 and 48 are likewise in-phase. In some embodiments, the
frequency f4 is in
an approximate range of 360 - 700 Hz and can be a harmonic of fl (although
this is not
required), and the excitation frequency generated by the one or more motors is
approximately
equal to f4. When the excitation frequency does not equal f4, then the arms 46
and 48 of the
chassis 44, and thus the mouthpiece assembly 12, may sweep back and forth at
the excitation
frequency.
1002001 Referring to Figure 13F, while the chassis 44 is
operating in a fifth
characteristic mode 66 that corresponds to a frequency f5, the arms 46 and 48
twist about
respective axes 68 and 70 in-phase, and thus impart an in-phase twisting
motion to the upper
and lower mouthpieces 40 and 42, in response to a fifth excitation frequency
from the one or
more motors in the electronics enclosure 16. In this example, in-phase means
that the z-
coordinates of corresponding points of the inner edges 56 and 58 of the arms
46 and 48 at any
given time have approximately the same value and same sign. For example, at a
time T a
point of the edge 56 has a z-coordinate of approximately +1 and a
corresponding point of the
edge 58 also has a z-coordinate of approximately +1. Corresponding points of
the outer
edges 60 and 62 of the chassis arms 46 and 48 are likewise in-phase. In some
embodiments,
the frequency f5 is in an approximate range of 810 - 1200 Hz and can be a
harmonic of fl
(although this is not required), and the excitation frequency generated by the
one or more
motors is approximately equal to fs. If the excitation frequency does not
equal fs, then the
arms 46 and 48 of the chassis 44, and thus the mouthpiece assembly 12, may
twist at the
excitation frequency.
1002011 Referring to Figure 13G, while the chassis 44 is
operating in a sixth
characteristic mode 72 that corresponds to a frequency f6, the chassis arms 46
and 48 twist
about the respective axes 68 and 70 out-of-phase, and thus impart an out-of-
phase twisting
motion to the upper and lower mouthpieces 40 and 42, in response to a sixth
excitation
frequency from the one or more motors in the electronics enclosure 16. In this
example, out-
of-phase means that the z-coordinates of corresponding points of the inner
edges 56 and 58 of
the chassis arms 46 and 48 at any given time have approximately the same value
and different
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sign. For example, at a time 't' point of the edge 56 has a z-coordinate of
approximately +1
and a corresponding point of the edge 58 has a z-coordinate of approximately -
1.
Corresponding points of the outer edges 60 and 62 of the chassis arms 46 and
48 are likewise
out-of-phase. In some embodiments, the frequency f6 is in an approximate range
of 900 -
1300 Hz and can be a harmonic of fl (although this is not required), and the
excitation
frequency generated by the one or more motors is approximately equal to f6.
When the
excitation frequency does not equal f6, then the arms 46 and 48 of the chassis
44, and thus the
mouthpiece assembly 12, may twist at the excitation frequency.
1002021 Referring to Figures 13A-13G, in some embodiments, the
teeth cleaning
device 14 is configured such that the electronic circuitry sweeps the chassis
44, and thus the
mouthpiece assembly 12 through multiple cleaning modes by changing, at
respective
configurable times relative to a start time, the excitation frequency
generated by the one or
more motors in the electronics enclosure 16, e.g., in accordance with a drive
profile 1048. In
some embodiments, the electronics enclosure 16 includes a button or other
input device that
enables a user to manually select the cleaning mode, or to manually step
through a sequence
for which the teeth cleaning device 14 is configured.
1002031 In some embodiments, the device 14 is capable of
operating in one or more
cleaning modes not described in conjunction with Figures 13A-13G (e.g.,
vibration of the
center of the mouthpiece assembly 12 rather than the ends). In some
circumstances, the
natural-frequency range for one or more of the modes can be different than
described. In
some embodiments, the above-described modes are ordered differently relative
to natural
frequency (e.g., the twist modes have lower natural frequencies than the sweep
or flap
modes)
1002041 In some embodiments, the mouthpiece assembly 12 is
configured to take into
account physical characteristics (e.g., mass) of the elastic polymer such that
the cleaning
modes have desired characteristics. In some embodiments, the chassis 44 is
configured to
have modes that are custom tailored for a particular person. In some
embodiments, the
chassis 44 is formed via an automated process, for example, using computer-
aided design
tools. In some embodiments, electronic circuitry in the electronics enclosure
16 (e.g., drive
assembly 1016) is configured to drive the one or more motors to induce
multiple
characteristic modes simultaneously.
1002051 Although the natural frequency ranges of the
characteristic modes are
described as being in the sonic frequency range (e.g., <20 KHz) in reference
to Figures 13A-
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13G, in some embodiments, one or more of the characteristic modes have a
respective
fundamental frequency in the ultrasonic frequency range (e.g., > 20 KHz), or
have one or
more frequency components (e.g., fundamental and harmonics) in the sonic
frequency range
and one or more other frequency components in the ultrasonic frequency range.
Having at
least one characteristic mode with at least one frequency component in the
ultrasonic
frequency range can facilitate removal of plaque from the teeth, and from
other parts of the
mouth, as described above.
[00206] In some embodiments, the characteristic modes,
excitation frequencies of the
characteristic modes, and the sequence of characteristic modes through which
the teeth
cleaning device 14 proceeds are customized for a user (e.g., in accordance
with a customized
drive profile).
[00207] For example, a user can use the teeth cleaning device 14
with initial mode and
sequence settings for a period of time (e.g., three months) and go to the
dentist for a checkup,
and the dentist can modify the settings if the dentist thinks that the
cleaning efficacy of the
teeth cleaning device can be improved for the person. The user and dentist can
repeat the
checkup-and-setting- modification procedure as many times as the dentist or
user believes is
necessary to maximize the cleaning efficacy of the teeth cleaning device 14
for the person.
Alternatively, the checkup-and-setting-modification procedure can occur via
the
internet/cloud. For example, instead of visiting the dentist, the user can
take photographs of
his/her mouth and teeth with the teeth cleaning device 14 or with another
device (e.g., a smart
phone) and upload the photographs to the dentist, who can modify the settings
of the teeth
cleaning device via the internet/cloud. Or the user or teeth cleaning device
14 can capture
information other than, or in addition to, photographic information, where
this other
information is indicative of the cleaning efficacy of the teeth cleaning
device, and the user or
teeth cleaning device can provide this information to the user's dentist via
the internet/cloud.
Where the teeth cleaning device 14 provides such information to the dentist
automatically
(e.g., via a wireless router in the user's home), then this checkup-and-
setting-modification
procedure can be transparent to the person. And another parameter than the
dentist can
modify is the formula of a custom toothpaste, or other oral care agent, that
the user uses while
cleaning his/her teeth with the teeth cleaning device 14.
[00208] In some embodiments, characteristics (e.g., density,
thickness, shape) of the
arms 46 and 48 of the chassis 44 are configured to induce local complex modal
structures that
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in turn generate local changes in vibration amplitude and speed during one or
more
characteristic modes.
1002091 Figures 14A-14B are, respectively, rear and front
partially exploded views of a
dental care device, such as dental care device 10, in accordance with some
embodiments.
Referring to Figure 14A, in accordance with some embodiments, the electronics
enclosure 16
includes a cylindrical chamber 30, for receiving and housing a drive assembly
(e.g., drive
assembly 1016). In some embodiments, the drive assembly is mounted directly to
a printed
circuit board on which the electronic circuitry is mounted.
1002101 In some embodiments, the drive assembly includes one or
more vibratory
motors configured to cause the mouthpiece assembly 12 to move according to one
or more
vibratory (characteristic) cleaning modes. For example, the spindle of each
motor can be
fitted with a respective unbalanced (e.g., unevenly distributed radially,
circumferentially, or
both radially and circumferentially, relative to spindle) weight that causes
the motor to
vibrate sinusoidally at a frequency that is related to the angular velocity wt
at which the
spindle rotates according to the following equation:
(1) R(t) = Asin(wt)
Equation 1 ¨ Angular Velocity
1002111 where R(t) is the radial displacement of the spindle as
a function of time at a
fixed angular location about the spindle. By setting the angular velocities of
the motors,
electronic circuitry within the electronics enclosure 16 can set the frequency
of R(t), and,
therefore, can select the characteristic mode, or characteristic modes, in
which the
mouthpiece assembly 20 operates. Therefore, the tooth-cleaning device 14 is
configured to
have unique characteristics utilizing vibratory-machine dynamics.
1002121 Still referring to Figure 14A, alternate embodiments of
the electronics
enclosure 16 are contemplated For example, the electronics enclosure 16 can be
configured
to house fewer or more than two motors. Furthermore, where the electronics
enclosure 16
houses two or more motors, each of these motor can have any suitable
respective orientation
relative to any of the other motors, even if such suitable respective
orientation is other than a
parallel orientation. For example, the spindle of one motor may make an angle
with the
spindle of another motor, where the angle is less than 1800
.
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1002131 Moreover, at least one of the motors can have a
different size than one or more
of the other motors. In addition, in at least one cleaning mode, at least one
of the motors can
operate at a different speed than one or more of the other motors.
1002141 Referring to Figures 14A-14B, the mouthpiece assembly 12
includes an upper
mouthpiece 40, a lower mouthpiece 42, and a chassis 44 to which the upper and
lower
mouthpieces are attached or otherwise secured. The upper mouthpiece 40 is
designed to
clean the upper set, or upper row, of a user's teeth. In some embodiments, the
mouthpiece 40
is made from any suitable material, such as a flexible material like
medical/dental-grade
silicone or elastic polymer. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece 40 is
designed for a
custom fit with the upper teeth and maxilla of the person. In accordance with
some
embodiments, the upper mouthpiece 40 has a shaped back surface that is
configured for
attachment to an upper side of the chassis 44 in any suitable manner, such as
with an adhesive
or fasteners. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece assembly 12 is configured to
perform
gum massage of both upper and lower gums (e.g., on inner and outer gum lines ¨
mesial and
distal). In some circumstances, gum massage results in increase of circulation
in the gums
and thus improves gum health for the user.
1002151 In some embodiments, the lower mouthpiece 42 is designed
to clean the lower
set, or lower row, of a user's teeth. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece 42
is made from
any suitable material, such as a flexible material like silicone or elastic
polymer. In some
embodiments, the mouthpiece 42 is designed for a custom fit with the lower
teeth and
mandible of the person. In accordance with some embodiments, the lower
mouthpiece 42 has
a shaped back surface that is configured for attachment to a lower side of the
chassis 44 in
any suitable manner, such as with an adhesive or fasteners.
1002161 In accordance with some embodiments, the chassis 44
includes two arms 46
and 48, and is coupled to the one or more motors housed in the electronics
enclosure 16 in a
manner that allows the one or more motors, when active, to induce one or more
characteristic
modes in the chassis, and therefore, to induce one or more cleaning modes in
the mouthpiece
assembly 12. In some embodiments, the chassis 44 is made from any suitable
material such
as a polymer, plastic, or a metal, and can have any suitable shape and
dimensions.
1002171 In some embodiments, the teeth-cleaning device 14 is
configured as a single
integral unit such that components (e.g., the mouthpiece assembly 12) of the
teeth-cleaning
device are not independently replaceable. Therefore, when the device 14 wears
out, a user
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replaces the entire device. For example, a single-integral-unit teeth-cleaning
device 14 can
be designed to be replaced once every approximately 3 - 6 months.
1002181 In some embodiments, the teeth-cleaning device 14 is
configured such that one
or more of its components are independently replaceable. For example, the
device 14 can be
configured such that the mouthpiece assembly 12 is replaceable. Or, the device
14 can be
configured such that the upper mouthpiece 40 and the lower mouthpiece 42 are
independently
replaceable. For example, the mouthpiece assembly 12, or the upper and lower
mouthpieces,
can each be designed to be replaced once every approximately 3-6 months.
1002191 In some embodiments, the teeth-cleaning device 14 is
configured to indicate to
a user when it is time to replace the device, or one or more components of the
device (e.g.,
the upper and lower mouthpieces 40 and 42). In some embodiments, electronic
circuitry in
the electronics enclosure 16 counts the number of times that the teeth-
cleaning device 14 is
activated for use by a particular person, compares a count value to a count
threshold, and
generates a time-for-replacement indicator (e.g., a sound, a light, a special
vibration pattern,
an indicator uploaded to user's smartphone via the cloud) in response to the
count value
equaling or exceeding the threshold. In some embodiments, the electronic
circuitry is
configured to generate a time-for-replacement warning (e.g., a sound, a light,
a special
vibration pattern, an indicator uploaded to user's smartphone via the cloud)
in response to the
difference between the count value and the count threshold being less than or
equal to a
difference threshold. In some embodiments, the electronic circuitry is
configured to generate
a cloud order (e.g., via a smart phone or mobile device communicatively linked
to the device
14) for a replacement mouth piece 40 or 42, or a replacement mouthpiece
assembly 12, so
that the user will have received the replacement by the time that the
mouthpiece 40 or 42, or
the mouthpiece assembly 12, is ready to be replaced In some embodiments, at
least one of
the upper and lower mouthpieces 40 and 42 is configured to exhibit a
particular wear pattern
(e.g., changing colors) to notify a user when it is time to replace the device
14 or one or more
components thereof In some embodiments, the device 14 is configured to use any
other
suitable technique for determining when it is time to replace the device or a
component
thereof, and for indicating the same to a person.
1002201 In some embodiments, the chassis 44 has a wider or
narrower width than the
mouthpieces 40 and 42. In some embodiments, the upper and lower mouthpieces 40
and 42
are formed as an integral mouthpiece unit having a pocket configured to
receive the chassis
such that the mouthpiece unit can be slipped onto the chassis.
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1002211 Figures 15A-15D are schematic views of a representative
dental care device in
accordance with some embodiments. In accordance with some embodiments, the
upper
mouthpiece 40 includes cleaning tips 80, which are configured to contact a
user's teeth and to
scrub away substances (e.g., plaque, tartar, food particles, food residue,
stains, bacteria,
viruses) from the surfaces of the user's teeth during operation of the teeth-
cleaning device 14
(e.g., while the one or more motors in the electronics enclosure 16 are
driving the mouthpiece
assembly 12 in a cleaning mode).
1002221 In accordance with some embodiments, the lower
mouthpiece 42 also includes
cleaning tips 80. In accordance with some embodiments, the cleaning tips 80
protrude from
the inner walls of the mouthpieces 40 and 42, and are integral with the
respective
mouthpieces. In some embodiments, the cleaning tips 80 are formed from any
suitable
material, such as silicone or elastic polymer. In some embodiments, one or
more of the
cleaning tips are attached to, or otherwise secured to, the respective
mouthpiece. For
example, a hole can be formed in a wall of a mouthpiece, and a cleaning tip 80
can be
installed in the hole. The cleaning tips 80 can be similar to the conventional
bristles of a
conventional toothbrush, but, as described below, the cleaning tips can be
significantly
different from conventional bristles.
1002231 Each cleaning tip 80 may have any dimensions, shape, and
other
characteristics suitable for cleaning teeth. In some embodiments, the cleaning
tips 80 are
custom configured for a particular user's dentition (e.g., teeth and jaw
geometry). In some
embodiments, the cleaning tips 80 in one location have different sizes or
different shapes
from the cleaning tips in another location, and/or the cleaning tips in one
location are
configured to vibrate, or otherwise to move, differently during a cleaning
mode than the
cleaning tips in another location In some embodiments, one or more of the
cleaning tips 80
have a shape that includes a paddle, circular, tubular, fin-like, conical,
trapezoidal, and
pyramid. The cleaning tips 80 are optionally solid or partially hollow. For
example, a
cleaning tip 80 can be a solid protrusion or a hollow protrusion of the
surface of a respective
one of the mouthpieces 40 and 42.
1002241 In some embodiments, the surface of a cleaning tip 80 is
an extension of the
surface of a respective one of the mouthpieces 40 and 42. In some embodiments,
cleaning
tips 80 configured for extending between two of a user's teeth are elongated,
and different
cleaning tips are configured for vibrating at different speeds and amplitudes
as a function of
tooth type and tooth surface. In some embodiments, the cleaning tips 80 and
other
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characteristics (e.g., the local stiffness) of the mouthpieces 40 and 42, and
the characteristic
modes of the teeth-cleaning device 14, are configured to provide vibration
patterns that
produce superior cleaning of each one of a user's teeth.
1002251 The operation of the teeth-cleaning device 14 is
described below, according to
some embodiments. First, a user grasps the electronics enclosure 16 with
his/her hand or
fingertips, and inserts the mouthpiece assembly 12 into his/her mouth with the
upper
mouthpiece 40 facing upward and the lower mouthpiece 42 facing downward.
Before
inserting the mouthpiece assembly 12 into his/her mouth, the user optionally
dispenses
toothpaste, or another oral care agent, inside of the troughs formed by the
upper and lower
mouthpieces 40 and 42. Next, the user gently bites down on the mouthpiece
assembly 12 to
seat the upper mouthpiece 40 and the lower mouthpiece 42 with his/her upper
and lower sets
of teeth, respectively. Then, the user activates the teeth-cleaning device 14,
for example, by
pressing a button on the electronics enclosure 16. After activating the device
14, the user can
continue to hold the electronics enclosure 16, or can let go of the
electronics enclosure such
that the user holds the device in position solely with his/her mouth.
1002261 In this example, in response to the user activating the
teeth-cleaning device 14,
electronic circuitry in the electronics enclosure 16 activates the one or more
motors in the
electronics enclosure and causes the motors to excite the mouthpiece assembly
12 at a
frequency fl, which causes the mouthpiece assembly to move according to a
first cleaning
mode. Next, after a set time that is optionally configurable (e.g., by
programming the time
into the teeth-cleaning device's electronic circuitry), the electronic
circuitry in the electronics
enclosure 16 causes the one or more motors in the electronics enclosure 16 to
excite the
mouthpiece assembly 12 at a frequency f2, which causes the mouthpiece assembly
to move
according to a second cleaning mode
1002271 In this example, the electronic circuitry in the
electronics enclosure 16
continues stepping through the cleaning modes (if there are more than two
cleaning modes)
until it has cycled through all of the cleaning modes in the cycle, which can
be programmed
into the teeth-cleaning device's electronic circuitry. Then, the electronic
circuitry in the
electronics enclosure 16 automatically deactivates the teeth-cleaning device
14 such that the
device ceases movement. Next, the user recognizes the cessation of movement of
the teeth-
cleaning device 14 as the end of the cleaning cycle, and removes the device
from his/her
mouth. The device is effectively automatically cleaning the dentition without
any need of
direct user intervention.
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1002281 In some embodiments, the electronics enclosure 16 is
made long enough for a
user to grasp with his/her hand like the user would a conventional toothbrush
handle. In
some embodiments, the electronic circuitry in the electronics enclosure 16
activates a
particular cleaning mode more than once during a cleaning cycle. In some
embodiments, the
electronic circuitry in the electronics enclosure 16 activates the cleaning
modes in an order
other than from lowest mode frequency to highest mode frequency.
1002291 In some embodiments, a healthcare professional
prescribes a customize
cleaning cycle (e.g., the number, type, order, and duration of the cleaning
modes, the time
delays between consecutive cleaning modes, and the total cycle time) for a
user based on, for
example, dental characteristics and/or preferences of the person. Examples of
such
characteristics include the contours of the user's teeth, the user's diet, the
chemistry of the
user's mouth, the user's dental history, and the user's health history.
Furthermore, although
described as being protruding only from the inner walls of the upper and lower
mouthpieces
40 and 42, the cleaning tips 80 can protrude from one or more outer walls of
one or both of
the mouthpieces.
1002301 In some embodiments, at least some of the cleaning tips
80 are configured to
clean, or to stimulate (e.g., massage), other parts of the user's mouth such
as the gums,
tongue, and cheeks. In some embodiments, the teeth-cleaning device 14 is
configured to
provide water, or another liquid (such as mouthwash), out of one or more of
the cleaning tips
80.
1002311 Figure 16A is a close-up view of the cleaning tips 80 of
the upper mouthpiece
40 in accordance with some embodiments. Figure 16B is a close-up view of the
cleaning tips
80 engaging a user's teeth 90 in accordance with some embodiments. In some
embodiments,
the cleaning tips 80 are configured to have different lengths such that as a
group, the cleaning
tips follow the contours of a user's teeth 90. Such custom-length cleaning
tips 80 can provide
faster, and overall better, cleaning compared to cleaning tips having a
uniform size. In some
embodiments, cleaning tips 80 that are near spaces between a user's teeth are
configured to
have lengths long enough to extend, and to clean, between teeth. In some
embodiments,
cleaning tips 80 that are near a user's gum line (e.g., where the gum ends and
the teeth are
exposed) are configured to have lengths long enough to extend, and to clean,
below the gum
line.
1002321 In some embodiments, characteristics of the cleaning
tips 80 other than length
are customized for a particular person. Examples of such characteristics
include width,
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height, shape, stiffness, material from which the cleaning tips are made, and
pitch between
adjacent cleaning tips.
1002331 In accordance with some embodiments, fabrication of the
cleaning device 14
is now described. First, one generates an electronic three-dimensional (3-D)
representation of
a user's teeth (and optionally other parts of the user's mouth such as gums,
cheek, and
tongue). In some embodiments, the user, a dentist, or other dental
professional, scans the
user's teeth with a 3-D scanner. In some embodiments, the user, a dentist, or
other dental
professional, takes an impression of the user's teeth, and sends the
impression to a facility
that scans the impression to generate a corresponding electronic 3-D
representation of the
user's teeth. In some embodiments, the user takes the impression using a do-it-
yourself
impression kit, and sends the impression to a facility that scans the
impression to generate a
corresponding electronic 3-D representation of the user's teeth.
1002341 Next, the 3-D representation of the user's teeth is
provided to a computer
having circuitry configured to analyze the representation, and to generate, in
response to the
analysis, a 3-D representation of the mouthpieces 40 and 42 (or optionally of
the entire
mouthpiece assembly 12). For example, the computer can be a cloud server to
which one
uploads the 30 representation of the user's teeth in a suitable format.
1002351 Then, the computer circuitry, which is configured to
execute software, is
configured by firmware, or is configured by firmware and to execute software,
analyzes the
3-D representation and, in response to this analysis, generates a 3-D
representation of at least
the upper and lower mouthpieces 40 and 42, and, optionally, of the entire
mouthpiece
assembly 12 (e.g., combination of the mouthpieces and the chassis 44). For
example, the
computer circuitry can determine the shapes and other characteristics (e.g.,
local thickness,
local stiffness, local density) of the upper and lower mouth pieces 40 and 42,
the
characteristics (e.g., local stiffness, local width, local thickness, local
density) of the chassis
44, and the lengths, other dimensions, and other characteristics (e.g., local
shape, local
thickness, local stiffness, local density), of the cleaning tips 80 in
response to this analysis. In
this example, 'local' means that the value of a respective quantity (e.g.,
stiffness) in one
location of an item (e.g., cleaning tip) can be different from the value of
the same quantity in
another location of the same item. For example, a cleaning tip 80 can be
thinner at a location
closer to its base (e.g., where the cleaning tip meets the rest of the
respective mouthpiece 40
or 42), and can be thicker at a location farther from its base.
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1002361 Next, the computer circuitry optionally displays, or
otherwise renders, the 3-D
representation of the mouthpieces 40 and 42 (and optionally of the entire
mouthpiece
assembly 12) to enable a dentist, or other dental professional, to make
revisions to the 3-D
representation. For example, a dentist can add one or more extra cleaning tips
80 to a region
of a mouthpiece corresponding to a region of the user's teeth that
historically has experienced
heavy tartar buildup. Additional details for generating the 3-D representation
of at least the
upper and lower mouthpieces 40 and 42 are discussed in further detail below
with reference
to Figures 25 through 27D.
1002371 Then, the computer circuitry converts the 3-D
representation of the
mouthpieces 40 and 42 (and optionally of the entire mouthpiece assembly 12)
into a file
suitable for a machine that is configured to form the mouthpieces (or the
entire mouthpiece
assembly). An example of such a machine is a 3-D printer, which may be located
in a
manufacturing facility or in a user's home. Another example of such a machine
is an
injection-molding machine. Alternately, the 3-D printer can print a mold from
which the
mouthpieces can be cast using traditional technologies such as injection-
molding, liquid-
silicone rubber molding, or similar casting approaches.
1002381 In some embodiments, the mouthpieces (or the entire
mouthpiece assembly)
are 3-D printed using a powder bed fusion process. In some embodiments, the
powder bed
fusion process is a multi jet fusion (MJF) process, similar to that described
in US
2018/027602 Al, incorporated here in its entirety. In some embodiments, the
powder bed
fusion process is a selective laser sintering (SLS) process, a selective laser
melting (SLM)
process, or an electron beam melting (EBM) process. A powder bed fusion
process, like MJF,
allows for complex designs and a high level of detail, which are ideal for
fabricating the
mouthpieces (or the entire mouthpiece assembly) For example, powder bed fusion
allows for
complex designs, meaning that the entire mouthpiece assembly (e.g., including
the cleaning
trays and cleaning elements) is 3-D printed as a single unit. The high level
of detail also
allows for 3-D printing high fidelity cleaning elements, which are not
achievable with
traditional fabrication methods (e.g., injection molding, machining, etc.) or
are cost
prohibitive when each mouthpiece assembly design is unique to each user.
Powder bed fusion
is advantageous over other 3-D printing processes, as the powder material
provides support
for the mouthpiece (and bristles) during printing, without the need for
complex scaffolding or
other external support. Through trial and error using numerous 3-D printing
technologies, the
inventors discovered that powder bed printing provided unexpected results of
being able to
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obtain cleaning elements with less than 0.5 mm diameters, and even less than
0.2 mm
diameters.
1002391 In some embodiments, the powder bed fusion process uses
biocompatible
materials as the powder material. In some embodiments, the biocompatible
material is a
biocompatible thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).
1002401 Next, the machine forms the mouthpieces 40 and 42 (or
optionally the entire
mouthpiece assembly 12) such that, in some embodiments, the formed mouthpieces
40 and
42 are personalized/customized to the user's teeth, to one or more other parts
of the user's
mouth, and/or to the user's jaw structure. In the cases where the machine is
remote from the
user, the formed mouthpieces or mouthpiece assembly is sent to the user, e.g.,
via mail.
1002411 In some embodiments, based on an analysis of the 3-D
representation of a
user's teeth, the computer circuitry and/or a dental professional determines a
custom cleaning
cycle (e.g., a drive profile and/or dispensing profile) for the person. In
some embodiments,
the dental care device 10 is configured to operate according to this cycle
via, e.g., an intemet
connection.
1002421 In some embodiments, based on an analysis of the scans,
usage, and other
user/device data, the software automatically predicts and recommends dental
procedures
relevant to the user. For example, the software predicts decline in gum health
and/or predicts
improvement in smile and facial features if the user does teeth straightening
or crowns or
veneers.
1002431 In some embodiments, the cleaning tips have uniform
lengths and other
characteristics, for example, in a lower-cost version of the teeth-cleaning
device 14. In some
embodiments, groups of cleaning tips 80 are each designed for providing a best
cleaning for
that group during a respective one of the above-described characteristic
modes. For example,
for a particular tooth, such as a molar, there can be a respective group of
cleaning tips 80 for
each characteristic mode, and the cleaning tips of each group can be
distributed, e.g., in a
homogenous manner, with the cleaning tips of the other groups such that all
areas of the
molar experience suitable cleaning during each characteristic mode. In some
embodiments,
as described above, the upper mouthpiece 40 and the cleaning tips 80
associated with the
upper mouthpiece are formed as a single, integral unit (e.g., unibody
construction), as is the
lower mouthpiece 40 and the cleaning tips 80 associated with the lower
mouthpiece; or, the
entire mouthpiece assembly 12 (upper and lower mouthpieces 40 and 42 and
cleaning tips 80)
is formed as a single, integral unit.
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1002441 In some embodiments, the computer circuitry is
configured to determine when
a part (e.g., the upper mouthpiece 40, the lower mouthpiece 42) of the teeth-
cleaning device
14 is scheduled for replacement or updating, is failing, or has failed, and is
optionally
configured to reorder the part automatically (e.g., via an online reordering
portal), alert the
user, and/or alert a dental health provider or supplier. In some embodiments,
when the part
needs updating (e.g., a mouthpiece needs modification by a dentist), then an
application on a
cloud or other computer server is configured to take steps (e.g., contact the
user's dentist) to
generate an updated part.
1002451 Figure 17 is an exploded schematic view illustrating a
dental mold system
1702 in accordance with some embodiments. The dental mold system 1702 is
configured to
produce (e.g., fabricate) at least a portion of the dental care device 10
(e.g., the mouthpiece
assembly 12). The dental mold system 1702 includes dental mold plates 1704,
dental mold
insert molds 1706, and a structure plate 1708 (e.g., a chassis 44). In some
embodiments, the
dental mold plates 1704 are composed of metal. In some embodiments, the dental
mold
plates 1704 are selected for a particular user based on the geometry of the
user's jaw and/or
teeth. For example, smaller dental mold plates 1704 are selected for a child
and larger plates
are selected for an adult. In some embodiments, the dental mold plates 1704
are selected
based on a size of the structure plate 1708 and/or the dental mold inserts
1706 (e.g., a larger
structure plate 1708 requires a larger set of dental mold plates 1704). In
some embodiments,
the dental mold plates 1704 are configured to secure the dental mold inserts
1706 in place
around the structure plate 1708 for molding a mouthpiece around the structure
plate 1708. In
accordance with some embodiments, the dental mold plates 1704 include one or
more
apertures 1710 for injecting a molding substance (e.g., an elastic polymer)
into the dental
mold inserts. In some embodiments, the dental mold system 1702 includes one or
more
fasteners for securing the plates to one another during fabrication of a
portion of the dental
care device 10.
1002461 In some embodiments, the dental insert molds 1706 are
fabricated (e.g., 3-D
printed or machined) based on a user's dental information (e.g., the geometry
of the user's
jaw and teeth). In some embodiments, the dental insert molds are composed of a
plastic,
metal, or a polymer. In some embodiments, the dental insert molds comprise a
plurality of
apertures for forming the cleaning tips 80 of the mouthpiece assembly. The
design and
manufacture of the dental mold inserts 1706 are discussed in further detail
below with
reference to Figures 25 through 27D.
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1002471 In some embodiments, the structure plate 1708 is
selected for a particular user
based on the geometry of the user's jaw and/or teeth. For example, a smaller
structure plate
1708 is selected for a child and a larger plate is selected for an adult. In
accordance with
some embodiments, the structure plate 1708 includes a connector 1712
configured to couple
the structure plate 1708 to one or more of the components shown in Figure 10A
(e.g., the
drive assembly 1016, the energy assembly 1020, the memory 1030, etc.).
1002481 Figures 18A-18B are schematic views illustrating dental
insert molds 1706 in
accordance with some embodiments. Figure 18A shows a front perspective view of
the
dental insert molds 1706. As shown in Figure 18A, the dental insert molds 1706
include a
plurality of apertures 1720 for use in forming the cleaning tips 80 of the
dental care device 10
in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, each dental insert
mold 1706
is customized for a particular person, e.g., is fabricated in accordance with
the user's dental
information. The custom dental insert molds 1706 enable fabrication of custom
mouthpiece
assemblies and thus custom dental care devices 10. In some embodiments, the
dental insert
molds 1706 includes one or more apertures for affixing the dental insert molds
to the mold
plates 1704. In some embodiments, the dental insert molds 1706 includes one or
more
apertures for injecting molding material, such as an elastic polymer.
1002491 Figure 18B shows a cross-sectional view of the dental
insert molds 1706
encasing a mouthpiece assembly in accordance with some embodiments. The
mouthpiece
assembly in Figure 18B includes a structure plate 1708 enclosed in a polymer
1802 having a
plurality of cleaning tips 80 in accordance with some embodiments. In some
embodiments,
the cleaning tips 80 each have a size and shape configured in accordance with
a user's dental
information, such as the shape and positioning of the user's teeth, the
sensitivity of the user's
gums, the dental health of the user's teeth and gums, and the like
1002501 Figures 19A-19C are schematic views illustrating a
mouthpiece assembly
1902 in accordance with some embodiments. Figure 19A shows a front perspective
view,
Figure 19B shows a top-down view, and Figure 19C shows a cross-sectional view
of the
mouthpiece assembly 1902. The mouthpiece assembly 1902 includes the connector
1712
configured to couple the assembly 1902 to one or more of the components shown
in Figure
10A (e.g., the drive assembly 1016, the energy assembly 1020, the memory 1030,
etc.). The
mouthpiece assembly 1902 also includes a coating 1904 (e.g., an elastic
polymer coating)
around a structure plate 1708, the coating 1904 including multiple cleaning
tips 80.
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1002511 Accordingly, in some embodiments, a dental care device
for cleaning teeth
that is customized for a particular user includes: (1) a structure plate
(e.g., plate 1708)
configured to be inserted into a mouth of a user, where the structure plate
includes an
attachment tab configured to couple the dental care device to an external
drive assembly; and
(2) an upper (elastic polymer) cleaning portion above the structure plate and
a lower cleaning
portion below the structure plate, the upper and lower cleaning portions each
including a
plurality of cleaning tips (e.g., cleaning tips 80), where the upper and lower
cleaning portions
are customized in accordance with dental details of a particular user.
1002521 In some embodiments, the upper and lower cleaning
portions are configured to
match the teeth and jaw geometry of the particular user. In some embodiments,
the upper and
lower portions are composed of an elastic polymer (e.g., an elastomer)
customized to the
particular user based on the dental information of the particular user. In
some embodiments,
the elastomer is composed of biocompatible silicone.
1002531 In some embodiments, at least one characteristic of the
plurality of cleaning
tips is based on the dental details of the particular user (e.g., the
stiffness or shape of
individual cleaning tips and/or clustering of tips). In some embodiments, a
length of the
cleaning tips ranges from 0.5 mm to 6 mm. In some embodiments, the cleaning
tips have a
fin shape, a cylindrical shape with a rounded end, a rectangular shape, etc.
In some
embodiments, the cleaning tips are tapered. In some embodiments, the dental
details are a
teeth profile and customization is conforming to teeth profile.
1002541 In some embodiments, the dental care device further
includes an operating
component including a drive assembly (e.g., drive assembly 1016, Figure 10A),
one or more
energy sources (e.g., batteries 1022), and control circuitry (e.g.,
processor(s) 1002). In some
embodiments, the drive assembly includes one or more offset weight motors
and/or magnetic
motors. In some embodiments, the drive assembly includes one or more power
ports (e.g.,
USB and/or inductive charging ports). In some embodiments, the dental care
device further
includes one or more indicators (e.g., one or more LEDs) configured to
indicate a status of
the device (e.g., needs cleaning, needs charging, needs replaced, operational
update available,
etc.).
1002551 In some embodiments, the drive assembly further includes
one or more
sensors (e.g., sensor(s) 1004, Figure 10A) configured to collect dental
information of the
particular user. In some embodiments, the one or more sensors are configured
to obtain
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breath data for analysis. In some embodiments, the one or more sensors to
determine number
of device uses.
1002561 In some embodiments, the drive assembly is configured to
generate a
vibrational motion for the elastomer portion. In some embodiments, the
vibrational motion is
configured to improve dental health of the user (e.g., clean teeth, remove
plaque, massage
gums, etc.). In some embodiments, generating a vibrational motion includes
adjusting a
current and/or voltage supplied to one or more motors of the device.
1002571 Tn some embodiments, the drive assembly further includes
memory (e g , the
memory 1030, Figure 10A); and the control circuitry is configured to generate
vibration
motion in accordance with a drive profile (e.g., a drive profile 1048) stored
in the memory.
1002581 In some embodiments, the drive profile is based on
dental information of the
particular user. In some embodiments, the drive profile is based on user
preferences and
dental health.
1002591 In some embodiments, the drive profile includes drive
frequency and duration
information, e.g., as illustrated in Figure 10B. In some embodiments, the
drive profile is
based on one or more characteristics of the cleaning tips. In some
embodiments, the drive
profile is based on one or more characteristics an oral care agent assigned to
the particular
user. In some embodiments, the drive profile includes a customized sequence of
vibrational
frequencies adapted to ensure proper cleaning. In some embodiments, the
vibrational
frequencies include one or more sonic frequencies and/or one or more
ultrasonic frequencies
(e.g., as described above with respect to Figures 13A-13G).
1002601 In some embodiments, the drive assembly further includes
communication
circuitry (e.g., communication interface(s) 1026); and the communication
circuitry is
configured to receive dental information for the particular user (e.g.,
receive a drive profile,
user preferences, dental health information, etc. from a mobile app). In some
embodiments,
the communication circuitry includes one or more wireless antennas (e.g.,
antenna(s) 1028)
configured to utilize one or more communication protocols (e.g., WiFi,
Bluetooth, etc.). In
some embodiments, the communication circuitry includes one or more
communication ports
(e.g., USB ports).
1002611 In some embodiments, the communication circuitry is
configured to transmit
operational data of the dental care device to a remote computer system (e.g.,
server system
910, Figure 9). In some embodiments, the control circuitry collects
operational/feedback
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information for use in customizing the shape of the elastomer and/or the drive
profile for the
particular user. In some embodiments, the operation data is transmitted to a
dentist or dental
agent of the particular user.
1002621 In some embodiments, the dental care device is
configured such that different
vibrational frequencies cause different regions of the elastomer portion to
vibrate. For
example, only a first region vibrates in response to a first frequency and
only a second region
vibrates in response to a second frequency.
1002631 Tn some embodiments, the stmcture plate is configured to
provide stmctural
support to the elastomer portion (e.g., has less flexibility (is stiffer) than
the elastomer
portion). In some embodiments, the upper and lower portions are configured to
extend
around surfaces of the teeth of the particular user.
1002641 Figure 20A is a perspective view of an oral care agent
(e.g., toothpaste)
dispenser 904 in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the
dispenser
904 is a smart device that is programmable, or otherwise configurable, to mix
a custom oral
care agent formulation from one or more ingredients, and to dispense, in a
hands-free
manner, a custom amount of custom oral care agent. Figure 20B is a perspective
view of the
dispenser device of Figure 20A with its cover open in accordance with some
embodiments.
1002651 Referring to Figures 20A-20B, in addition to the cover
2006, the dispenser 904
includes a user interface 2004 (e.g., an electronics interface), a chamber
2016 having
cartridge slots 2018, and ingredient cartridges 2020 disposed in the cartridge
slots. The
dispenser 904 further includes electronic circuitry, as illustrated in Figure
11, for controlling
the operation and function of the dispenser.
1002661 The electronic interface 2004 optionally includes a
display 2005 and one or
more buttons 2007. In some embodiments, the display 2005 is configured to
display a menu,
and the buttons 2007 are configured to enable a user to navigate the menu and
to select one or
more menu choices or items. For example, if multiple persons (e.g., multiple
family
members) use the dispenser 904, then a user can use one or more of the
button(s) 2007 to
navigate the menu and to select, from the menu, his/her name (or other
identifier) so as to
configure the dispenser to dispense his/her previously entered custom
formulation and
custom amount of oral care agent. In some embodiments, a user is enabled to
use one or
more of the button(s) 2007 to navigate the menu to enter/program a custom oral
care agent
formulation and/or a custom dispense amount. In some embodiments, a user is
enabled use
the button(s) 2007 to determine a status of the dispenser 904, such as whether
any of the
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ingredient cartridges 2020 are running low or need to be replaced, or whether
any
components of the dispenser are malfunctioning.
[00267] The cartridge slots 2018 of the chamber 2016 are
configured to hold, and to
dispense ingredients from, the ingredient cartridges 2020. In some
embodiments, the
cartridge slots and the ingredient cartridges are analogous to toner-cartridge
slots and toner
cartridges of a color printer that mixes toner from one or more of the
cartridges in
programmed amounts to create colors of a color palette, and that prints these
colors on print
media (e.g., paper). In some embodiments, the dispenser 904 is configured to
combine
ingredients from one or more of the ingredient cartridges 2020 in programmed
amounts to
create one or more custom oral care agent formulations, and to dispense these
one or more
custom oral care agents onto brush heads of toothbrushes (typically one custom
oral care
agent per brush head).
[00268] In some embodiments, the cartridge slots 2018 each
include a pump
mechanism that is configured to draw an ingredient out of a respective one of
the cartridges
2020 into a mixing chamber (not shown in Figures 20A-20B), in which a mixing
mechanism
is configured to mix the ingredient with other ingredients entering the
chamber. In some
embodiments, the pump mechanism of each cartridge slot 2018 is configured to
draw an
ingredient out of a respective one of the cartridges 2020 and, together with
the pump
mechanisms of other active ones of the cartridge slots, to generate a single
flow of the
combined ingredients, where each cartridge slot regulates a rate of flow of
the ingredient
from the associated cartridge according to an oral care agent formulation. In
some
embodiments, the pump mechanism of each cartridge slot 2018 is configured to
draw out
most, if not all, of the ingredient from the corresponding ingredient
cartridge so that there is
little or no waste of the ingredient In some embodiments, each cartridge slot
2018 includes a
needle, or other device, configured to penetrate the corresponding ingredient
cartridge and to
form a conduit through which the respective pump mechanism draws the
ingredient from the
cartridge.
[00269] The ingredient cartridges 2020 are configured to hold
respective oral care
agent ingredients, and to interface with the cartridge slots 2018 in a
removable manner such
that a pump mechanism (or other suitable mechanism) can draw out the
respective
ingredients from the cartridges. In some embodiments, the cartridge slots are
sized or shaped
differently such that only a particular type of ingredient cartridge 2020 is
enabled to be
inserted into a particular cartridge slot 2018. In some embodiments, the
cartridge slots are
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keyed to a particular type of ingredient cartridge 2020 so as track the
location of ingredients
and to prevent use of improper ingredients in a particular formulation. In
some embodiments,
the cartridge slots and cartridges are configured to enable a user to replace
the cartridges
when their ingredients are respectively spent. Examples of the ingredients
that the ingredient
cartridges 2020 can hold are, respectively, a tooth-whitening agent (cartridge
2020-2), a
mouthwash or a mouth rinse (cartridge 2020-5), a flavoring (cartridges 2020-6
and 2020-3), a
fluoride compound (cartridge 2020-1), and an oral care agent base (cartridge
2020-4).
1002701 In some embodiments, the dispenser 904 includes more or
fewer than six
cartridge slots 2018. In some embodiments, the cartridges 2020 hold
ingredients other than
those described above (e.g., a numbing compound for sensitive teeth). In some
embodiments,
the dispenser 904 does not include every ingredient in each of the custom oral
care agents
that it generates.
1002711 Figures 21A-21B are perspective views of the dispenser
device of Figure 20A
with dental care devices disposed under a dispensing port of the dispenser
device in
accordance with some embodiments. Figure 21A shows a conventional toothbrush
2104 with
its brush head 2106 under a dispensing port 2102 of the dispenser 904 in
accordance with
some embodiments. Figure 21B shows a dental care device 10 with its mouthpiece
assembly
12 under a dispensing port 2102 of the dispenser 904 in accordance with some
embodiments.
In some embodiments, the dispenser 904 includes a sensor (e.g., sensor(s)
1104, Figure 11)
that is configured to detect when the mouthpiece assembly 12 is in a proper
position to
receive oral care agent. Examples of such a sensor include an optical sensor
and a camera.
1002721 In some embodiments, the dispenser 904 includes a sensor
(e.g., sensor(s)
1104, Figure 11) that is configured to detect when the brush head 2106 of the
toothbrush
2104 (or the brush head of any other toothbrush) is in a proper position to
receive oral care
agent. Examples of such a sensor include an optical sensor, a PIR sensor, a
camera, and the
like.
1002731 In some embodiments, the sensor is configured, in
response to detecting that
the brush head 2106 is in a proper position, to generate a sensor signal, and
to send the sensor
signal to electronic circuitry (e.g., processor(s) 1102) onboard the oral care
agent dispenser
904.
1002741 In some embodiments, the electronic circuitry is
configured, in response to
receiving the sensor signal, to cause the dispenser 904 to generate, and to
dispense, a custom
amount of custom oral care agent (e.g., in accordance with a dispensing
profile 1148) onto
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the brush head 2106 of the toothbrush 2104. In some embodiments, the
electronic circuitry is
configured to first activate the ingredient-pumping mechanisms associated with
one or more
of the cartridge slots 2018, which, while activated, draw ingredients out of
the corresponding
cartridges 2020. In some embodiments, the electronic circuity is configured
next to cause a
mixing or other mechanism of the oral care agent dispenser 10 to generate a
set amount of
oral care agent according to a set formulation (e.g., a dispensing profile
1148). In some
embodiments, the electronic circuitry is configured then to cause a dispensing
or other
mechanism of the dispenser 904 to dispense the set/custom amount of the custom
oral care
agent from the dispensing port 2102 onto the brush head 2106. In some
embodiments, the
oral care agent formulation and the amount of oral care agent to be dispensed
are
programmable by the user and/or a dental professional.
[00275] In some embodiments, the electronic circuitry is
configured, in response to
receiving the sensor signal, to cause the dispenser 904 to generate, and to
dispense, a custom
amount of custom oral care agent onto the mouthpiece assembly 12. In some
embodiments,
the electronic circuitry is configured to first activate the ingredient-
pumping mechanisms
associated with one or more of the cartridge slots 2018, which mechanisms,
while activated,
draw respective ingredients out of the corresponding cartridges 2020. In some
embodiments,
the electronic circuity is configured next to cause a mixing or other
mechanism of the
dispenser 904 to generate a set amount of oral care agent according to a set
formulation. In
some embodiments, the electronic circuitry is configured then to cause a
dispensing or other
mechanism of the dispenser 904 to dispense the set/custom amount of the custom
oral care
agent from the dispensing port 2102 into the trough of the mouthpiece assembly
12.
[00276] In some embodiments, after the oral care agent dispenser
904 dispenses oral
care agent into the mouthpiece assembly 12, the user can turn over the dental
care device 10
over and cause the dispenser to dispense a custom amount of custom oral care
agent into the
opposite side of the mouthpiece. In some embodiments, the dispenser 904 is
configured to
dispense different amounts or different oral care agent formulations onto the
opposite sides of
the mouthpiece.
[00277] In some embodiments, the electronic circuitry onboard
the dispenser 904
includes communication circuitry configured for wired or wireless
communication with a
device remote from the dispenser. For example, the dispenser 904 can
communicate with a
smart phone via a Bluetooth or WiFi link, and, via the smart phone, can
upload and
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download data, such as program data, configuration data, and data indicative
of the status of
the dispenser.
1002781 In some embodiments, using the communication circuitry,
the electronic
circuitry notifies a supply server (e.g., a cloud server) automatically when
the amount of
ingredient in a particular ingredient cartridge is below a threshold level,
and the server can
have a replacement cartridge sent to the user in time to avoid the installed
cartridge emptying
before the replacement cartridge arrives.
1002791 Tn some embodiments, a dentist or other dental
professional can determine a
custom oral care agent formulation based on a user's dental history and other
factors (e.g.,
health, tooth structure, flavor preference), and provide the formulation to
the oral care agent
dispenser 904 in a manner that is transparent to the person. For example, the
dentist or other
dental professional can upload the formulation to a cloud server, which can
generate
configuration data from the formulation and can upload the configuration data
to the
dispenser 904 via the internet, a smart phone or wireless router, and the
dispenser's
communication circuitry. The dispenser 904 can then execute the configuration
data if it is in
the form of executable instructions, or otherwise can configure itself
according to the
configuration data. In some embodiments, in response to the user identifying
him/herself
(e.g., by selecting his/her name or identifier via the menu and buttons on the
dispenser) and
properly placing his toothbrush or dental care device under the dispensing
port 2102, the
dispenser 904 generates oral care agent according to the custom amount and
custom
formulation and dispenses the custom amount of oral care agent onto the brush
head 2106 or
the mouthpiece assembly 12.
1002801 In some embodiments, the dispenser 904 is configured to
dispense oral care
agent simultaneously into both sides of the mouthpiece assembly 12. In some
embodiments,
the dispenser 904 is configured to dispense a standard (non-custom)
toothpaste.
1002811 In accordance with some embodiments, the dispenser 904
operates as follows.
In some embodiments, upon power up, electronic circuitry onboard the oral care
agent
dispenser 904 executes a start-up routine. In some embodiments, as part of the
start-up
routine, the dispenser 904 checks its status, determines whether any of its
components are not
functioning properly, and determines whether any of the cartridges 2020 are
low enough on
ingredient to warrant ordering a replacement cartridge (e.g., below a
threshold amount or
weight). In some embodiments, if the electronic circuitry determines that any
components
are not functioning properly, or that any replacement cartridges need to be
ordered, then the
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circuitry uploads such information or reorder to a cloud server via a wired or
wireless link
and a device such as a router or smart phone.
1002821 In some embodiments, if the cloud server has any
configuration files (e.g.,
corresponding to an oral care agent formulation, a software or firmware
update) for the
dispenser 904, then the cloud server notifies the dispenser, which downloads
the
configuration file(s).
1002831 In some embodiments, if the electronic circuitry
determines that any of the
cartridges 2020 need replacing, a user opens the cover 2006 and replaces the
one or more
cartridges. For example, the electronic circuitry can cause the display 2005
to display a
message indicating which cartridge or cartridges 2020 to replace.
1002841 In some embodiments, the user uses the buttons 2007 to
navigate a menu on
the display 2005 to select the function that the user wants the dispenser 904
to perform. For
example, the user can enter an oral care agent formulation, or can enter or
select his/her
name, or another identifier, to configure the dispenser 904 for dispensing
oral care agent in an
amount, and having a formulation, that are customized for him/her.
1002851 In some embodiments, the user places the brush head 2106
of a toothbrush
2104, or a mouthpiece assembly 12 of a dental care device 10, under the
dispenser 2102. In
some embodiments, in response to a sensor detecting that the brush head 2106
or mouthpiece
assembly 12 is in the proper position, the dispenser 904 activates the pump
assembly (and
mixing assembly, if included in the dispenser) to generate and dispense a
custom amount of
oral care agent having a custom formulation, where the custom amount and
custom
formulation correspond to the person. If the dispenser 904 does not activate
the pump
assembly, then the user may need to reposition the brush head 2106 or
mouthpiece assembly
12 until the user is notified that the position is proper (e.g., hears the
dispenser 904
dispensing oral care agent).
1002861 In some embodiments, after the dispenser 904 stops
dispensing oral care
agent, the user removes the brush head 2106 or mouthpiece assembly 12 from
beneath the
dispenser, and cleans his/her teeth.
1002871 Accordingly, in some embodiments, oral care agent
dispenser device (e.g.,
dispenser 904) includes: (1) multiple chambers (e.g., cartridge slots 2018)
each configured to
receive a cartridge (e.g., cartridges 2020) containing a different oral care
agent ingredient of a
plurality of oral care agent ingredients; (2) memory (e.g., memory 1130)
configured to store
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an oral care agent formulation that includes one or more of the plurality of
oral care agent
ingredients (e.g., a dispensing profile 1148); and (3) a dispenser positioned
above an oral care
agent dispensing region, the dispenser configured to dispense one or more of
the plurality of
oral care agent ingredients in accordance with the oral care agent
formulation.
1002881 In some embodiments, each cartridge is keyed such that
it can only fit into its
corresponding chamber (cartridge slot). In some embodiments, each cartridge is
configured
for one-time use and the dispenser is configured to eject used cartridges into
a garbage tray.
In some embodiments, the cartridges are configured to be refillable. In some
embodiments,
each cartridge has a foil seal at one end configured such that, when inserted
into the
dispenser, the foil seal is broken (e.g., pierced). In some embodiments, each
cartridge
comprises a syringe and the dispenser device is configured to move a plunger
of the syringe
down in set increments to eject oral care agent (e.g., via an actuator 1118).
In some
embodiments, the dispenser device utilizes a geared servo-motor to drive the
plunger at side
of syringe. In some embodiments, each syringe is pressurize-sealed and the
dispense
employs a pump with valves to push a syringe plunger down. In some
embodiments, a
cartridge comprises flexible tubing containing the corresponding oral care
agent ingredient
and the dispenser is configured to employ a roller to squeeze the ingredient
from the tubing.
In some embodiments, the dispenser device includes a tortious path mixer for
mixing
ingredients prior to dispensing.
1002891 In some embodiments, the plurality of oral care agent
ingredients includes one
or more whitening agents, one or more numbing agents, one or more flavorings,
one or more
fluoride compounds, breath freshener components, tartar control components,
polishing
particulates, and the like. In some embodiments, the oral care agent
formulation is assigned
(e g , prescribed) to a particular user In some embodiments, the memory stores
multiple oral
care agent formulations, each for a different user (e.g., a different member
of a household).
1002901 In some embodiments, the dispenser device further
includes communication
circuitry (e.g., communication interface(s) 1126) configured to receive oral
care agent
formulation information (e.g., oral care agent formulation information) for
one or more users
from a remote source. In some embodiments, the oral care agent formulation
information is a
dentist prescribed formulation of one or more of the plurality of oral care
agent ingredients.
1002911 In some embodiments, the dispenser device is configured
to only dispense
prescription-approved material, e.g. prescription fluoride treatment, after
identifying the user
and/or dental care device.
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1002921 In some embodiments, the dispenser comprises at least
one actuator (e.g.,
actuator(s) 1118). In some embodiments, the one or more dispensing components
includes
one or more motors. In some embodiments, the dispenser includes an individual
pump for
each ingredient. In some embodiments, the dispenser includes a single pump for
use with all
ingredients. In some embodiments, the dispenser includes a liquid reservoir
(e.g., a water
reservoir) configured to flush undeposited oral care agent after use. In some
embodiments,
the dispenser includes a liquid reservoir configured to for mixing with the
oral care agent
ingredients as part of the oral care agent formulation (e.g., to adjust
viscosity).
1002931 In some embodiments, the dispenser further includes
control circuitry (e.g.,
processor(s) 1102) configured to selectively activate the dispenser. In some
embodiments,
the dispenser is configured to combine respective portions of one or more of
the plurality of
oral care agent ingredients into a dispensed oral care agent in accordance
with the oral care
agent formulation information; and the control circuitry is further configured
to dispense an
amount of the dispensed oral care agent in accordance with profile information
of a user (e.g.,
a dispensing profile 1148) stored in the memory. For example, the profile
information
includes information regarding one or more user preferences and/or user dental
prescription
information.
1002941 In some embodiments, the dispenser further includes a
user interface 2004
configured to present information to a user and receive user commands. In some
embodiments, the user interface includes one or more physical buttons (e.g.,
button(s) 1108),
microphones (e.g., microphone(s) 1112), speakers (e.g., speaker(s) 1114),
displays, touch
screens, and the like.
1002951 In some embodiments, the control circuitry is configured
to selectively
activate the dispenser in response to a user command received via the user
interface. In some
embodiments, the control circuitry is configured to identify the user who
issued the command
prior to activating the dispensing components (e.g., to dispense customized
oral care agent for
the user). In some embodiments, the dispenser device identifies the user via
an inputted
passcode, voice recognition, dental care device recognition, and the like.
1002961 In some embodiments, the user interface is further
configured to receive one
or more user preferences from the particular user. For example, receive one or
more
flavoring and/or consistency preferences.
1002971 In some embodiments, the dispenser further includes one
or more sensors
(e.g., sensor(s) 1104) configured to determine whether a dental cleaning
device is present. In
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some embodiments, the one or more sensors comprise one or more passive
infrared (PIR)
sensors, barcode readers, near field communication (NFC) circuitry, and the
like. In some
embodiments, determining that the dental cleaning device is present comprises
determining
that the dental cleaning device is positioned to receive the oral care agent
dispensed by the
dispensing components (e.g., positioned as shown in Figures 21A-21B). In some
embodiments, the dispenser includes an NFC and/or barcode reader to read
unique identifier
in toothbrush and dispense a corresponding oral care agent formulation
1002981 In some embodiments, the control circuitry is configured
to automatically
dispense one or more of the plurality of oral care agent ingredients in
response a
determination that the dental cleaning device is present in the dispensing
zone (e.g., that the
cleaning device is positioned under the dispenser output).
1002991 In some embodiments, the oral care agent dispenser
device is configured to
determine whether one or more of the plurality of oral care agent ingredients
is below a
threshold amount (e.g., will be exhausted within 5 days, 7 days, or 15 days).
In some
embodiments, the device counts a number of uses to determine if an ingredient
is below a
threshold amount (low). In some embodiments, the device uses one or more
sensors (e.g., via
weight or line-of-sight determinations) to determine if an ingredient is low.
1003001 In some embodiments, the control circuitry is further
configured to generate a
notification for a particular oral care agent ingredient in accordance with a
determination that
the particular oral care agent ingredient is below a threshold amount. For
example, the
control circuitry is configured to generate a notification to the user via the
user interface or
the communication circuitry; and/or generate a notification to a dental
provider via the
communication circuitry.
1003011 In some embodiments, the control circuitry is further
configured to request
more of a particular oral care agent ingredient in accordance with a
determination that the
particular oral care agent ingredient is below a threshold amount (e.g., using
the
communication circuitry). In some embodiments, the control circuitry
automatically orders
more of the ingredient from a dental provider (without a specific request from
the user). In
some embodiments, the dispenser is configured to wirelessly communicate with a
user's
device (e.g., user device 906) to notify the user know that an ingredient is
running low.
1003021 In some embodiments, the communication circuitry is
further configured to
communicatively couple the oral care agent dispenser device to a dental
cleaning device (e.g.,
a dental care device 10). In some embodiments, the oral care agent formulation
information
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is based in part on a drive profile received from the dental cleaning device.
In some
embodiments, the drive profile is based in part on the oral care agent
formulation
information. In some embodiments, the dispenser 904, the dental care device
10, or the
server system 910 determines a drive profile for the dental care device 10
based in part on the
oral care agent formulation information. In some embodiments, the dispenser
904, the dental
care device 10, or the server system 910, determines oral care agent
formulation information
based in part on a drive profile for a user of the dental care device 10.
[00303] In some embodiments, in response to detecting a
mouthpiece assembly 12 in
position under a dispenser, the dispenser dispenses oral care agent in
accordance with the
shape of the mouthpiece (e.g., in U-shape). In some embodiments, the dispenser
dispenses
oral care agent from top and bottom. In some embodiments, the dispenser moves
in a
predetermined path along the detected brush head or mouthpiece. In some
embodiments, the
dispenser includes two nozzles, where one nozzle is positioned under the
mouthpiece and the
other nozzle is positioned above the mouthpiece when the mouthpiece is in
position to
receive the oral care agent. In some embodiments, the dispenser includes a
nozzle positioned
to the right of the mouthpiece and/or a nozzle positioned to the left of the
mouthpiece when
the mouthpiece is in position to receive the oral care agent.
[00304] In some embodiments, the dispenser device includes a
component configured
to store a dental care device 10 (e.g., a storage compartment and/or mount).
In some
embodiments, the dispenser device is configured to operate as a base unit 750
(Figures 7A-
7B) and/or a housing 815 (Figures 8A-8D). In some embodiments, the dispenser
device is
configured to have some or all of the functionality of the base unit 750
(Figures 7A-7B)
and/or the housing 815 (Figures 8A-8D). In some embodiments, the dispenser
device is
configured to charge the dental care device 10 (e g , via inductive charging,
an electrical port
(e.g., a USB port), or an AC adapter) while the dental care device is stored.
In some
embodiments, the dispenser device is configured to clean and/or disinfect
dental care device
(e.g., using ultraviolet light and/or a cleaning solution).
[00305] Figure 22 is a flowchart illustrating a method 2200 for
fabricating a
representative teeth cleaning device in accordance with some embodiments. A
structure plate
(e.g., structure plate 1708) having an attachment tab (e.g., connector 1712)
configured to
attach to a control component (e.g., an external drive mechanism) is provided
(2202). In
some embodiments, the structure plate is composed of (2204) a plastic
material. In some
embodiments, the plate is injection molded out of a plastic material that is
more ridged than
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the elastomer. In some embodiments, the structure plate is selected (2206)
from a set of pre-
made structure plates based on dental details of a particular user. In some
embodiments, the
set of pre-made structure plates (e.g., 5 or 10 plates) are configured to
cover a wide range of
jaw sizes and shapes (e.g., from children to adults). In some embodiments, the
dental details
of the particular user include information regarding locations and shapes of
the particular
user's teeth (e.g., obtained via 3-D scanning the user's mouth). In some
embodiments, the
structure plate has a general U-shape or Y-shape. In some embodiments, the
structure plate
has a jaw-shape. Additional details for fabricating a representative teeth
cleaning device are
provided below with reference to Figures 25 through 27111 Also, additional
details regarding
a design of the attachment tab (e.g., connector 1712) are provided in U.S.
Patent Application
17/192,645, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[00306] A mold is provided (2208). In some embodiments, the mold
is selected (2210)
from a set of pre-made molds based on the dental details of the particular
user. In some
embodiments, the mold is selected based on the provided structure plate (e.g.,
based on a size
or shape of the structure plate). In some embodiments, the mold comprises
(2212) a plurality
of dental mold plates (e.g., plates 1704, Figure 17).
[00307] Upper and lower mold inserts customized in accordance
with the dental details
of the particular user (e.g., mold inserts 1706) are provided (2214). In some
embodiments,
the mold inserts are fabricating via a 3-D printing process. In some
embodiments, multiple
customized dental care devices are fabricating for a particular user using the
same mold
inserts. In some embodiments, the mold inserts are fabricated (2216) based on
the dental
details of the particular user, e.g., the geometry of the user's teeth and
jaw, the dental health
of the user's teeth and gums, and dental history of the user. In some
embodiments, the mold
inserts comprise (2218) a plurality of apertures (e g , apertures 1720)
configured to enable
formation of (custom) cleaning tips on a teeth cleaning device via the molding
process. The
design and manufacture of the upper and lower mold inserts are discussed in
further detail
below with reference to Figures 25 through 27D.
[00308] The structure plate is placed (2220) into the mold
between the upper and lower
mold inserts. An elastomer is injected (e.g., pressure injected or vacuum
injected) into the
mold to form an intermediary molded device (2222). The intermediary molded
device is
removed (2224) from the mold. The upper and lower mold inserts are removed
(2226) from
the teeth cleaning device to form the teeth cleaning device (e.g., the
mouthpiece assembly
1902, Figure 19A) comprising upper and lower cleaning portions with the
structure plate
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positioned there between. In some embodiments, the upper and lower cleaning
portions
comprise a single continuous elastomer coating (e.g., coating 1904). For
example, an
elastomer coating configured to, without any seams, surround the arms of the
support plate
and extend around surfaces of the user's teeth during user.
1003091 In some embodiments, the upper and lower cleaning
portions include a
plurality of cleaning tips (e.g., cleaning tips 80) formed from apertures
(also sometimes called
cavities herein) in the upper and lower mold inserts. In some embodiments, the
apertures are
configured in accordance with the user's dental information.
1003101 Figure 23 is a flowchart illustrating a method 2300 for
operating a
representative dental care device in accordance with some embodiments. A
server system
(e.g., server system 910) transmits (2302) drive profile information (e.g.,
drive profile
information 1232) to a dental care device (e.g., dental care device 10 or
dental care device
100). In some embodiments, the server system transmits the information via the
network
interface(s) 1204 in conjunction with the network communication module 1212.
In some
embodiments, the drive profile information is provided by a dental health
professional. In
some embodiments, the drive profile information is generated at the server
system based on
dental details of a user of the dental care device. In some embodiments, the
drive profile
information includes frequency and timing information for operating the dental
care device to
clean the user's teeth. In some embodiments, the drive profile information
includes voltage
and/or current information for operating a drive assembly 1016 of the dental
care device (e.g.,
to produce desired frequencies and timings).
1003111 The dental care device receives (2304) the drive profile
information from the
server system. In some embodiments, the dental care device receives the
information via the
communication interface(s) 1026 operating in conjunction with the
communication module
1034. In some embodiments, the dental care device stores the drive profile
information in
memory 1030. In some embodiments, the dental care device utilizes the drive
profile
information to update one or more drive profiles 1048 stored in memory 1030.
1003121 The dental care device receives (2306) an activation
command from the user.
In some embodiments, the activation command comprises a voice command or
selection of
an activation affordance (e.g., a physical button) on the dental care device.
In some
embodiments, the activation command comprises an implicit activation command
(e.g., the
dental care device determines that it is inserted into the user's mouth).
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1003131 The dental care device operates (2308) in accordance
with the drive profile
information to clean the user's teeth. In some embodiments, the dental care
device vibrates at
a plurality of sonic and/or ultrasonic frequencies (e.g., in accordance with a
drive profile
1048).
1003141 The dental care device collects (2310) operation and/or
user data. In some
embodiments, the operation data includes information regarding how often the
user operates
the dental care device. In some embodiments, the operation data includes
information
obtained from one or more sensors of the dental care device (e.g., one or more
breath
analyzers). In some embodiments, the user data includes one or more user
settings and/or
preferences. In some embodiments, the user data includes dental information
supplied by the
user to the dental care device. In some embodiments, the dental care device
modifies one or
more drive profiles of the user based on the collected information.
1003151 The dental care device transmits (2312) the collected
data to the server system.
In some embodiments, the dental care device transmits the collected data via
the
communication interface(s) 1026 operating in conjunction with the
communication module
1034. The server system receives (2314) the collected data from the dental
care device. In
some embodiments, the server system receives the collected data via the
network interface(s)
1204 in conjunction with the network communication module 1212.
1003161 The server system modifies (2316) a drive profile (or
drive profile
information) for the user based on the collected data. In some embodiments,
the server
system modifies one or more frequency, amplitude, timing, voltage, or current
parameters of
the drive profile based on the collected data. In some embodiments, the server
system
requests updated dental information from the user (or a dental care provider
of the user)
based on the collected data. For example, the collected data indicates that
the user has
recently experienced pain or discomfort when using the dental care device,
thereby indicating
that the user's dental health or situation has changed. Based on this
indication, the server
system requests updated dental information to so that it can adjust the drive
profile (or order a
new dental care device mouthpiece) based on the updated information. In some
embodiments, the server system requests an updated mouthpiece for the dental
care device
based on the collected information.
1003171 The server system transmits (2318) the modified drive
profile information
(e.g., drive profile information 1232) to the dental care device. In some
embodiments, the
server system transmits the modified information via the network interface(s)
1204 in
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conjunction with the network communication module 1212. The dental care device
receives
(2320) the modified drive profile information from the server system. In some
embodiments,
the dental care device receives the information via the communication
interface(s) 1026
operating in conjunction with the communication module 1034.
1003181 In some embodiments, the dental care device stores the
modified drive profile
information in memory 1030 (e.g., in place of, or in addition to, the
previously received drive
profile information). In some embodiments, the dental care device utilizes the
modified drive
profile information to update one or more drive profiles 1048 stored in memory
1030.
1003191 Figure 24 is a flowchart illustrating a method 2400 for
operating a
representative dispenser device in accordance with some embodiments. A server
system
(e.g., server system 910) transmits (2402) dispensing profile information to a
dispenser
device (e.g., oral care agent dispenser device 904). In some embodiments, the
server system
transmits the information via the network interface(s) 1204 in conjunction
with the network
communication module 1212. In some embodiments, the dispensing profile
information is
provided by a dental health professional. In some embodiments, the dispensing
profile
information is generated at the server system based on dental details, and
optionally
preferences, of a user of the dispenser device (e.g., dental details provided
by the user and/or
one or more dental health professionals). In some embodiments, the drive
profile information
includes ingredient and quantity information for combining and dispensing oral
care agent
ingredients. In some embodiments, the dispensing profile information includes
voltage
and/or current information for operating a drive assembly 1116 of the
dispenser device (e.g.,
to produce the desired amount of each oral care agent ingredient).
1003201 The dispenser device receives (2404) the dispensing
profile information. In
some embodiments, the dispenser device receives the information via the
communication
interface(s) 1126 operating in conjunction with the communication module 1134.
1003211 The dispenser device determines (2406) that a dental
care device (e.g., dental
care device 10 or dental care device 100) is in position to receive oral care
agent from the
dispenser device. In some embodiments, the dispenser device determines that
the dental care
device is in position based on one or more sensors 1104 of the dispenser
device. In some
embodiments, the dispenser device determines that the dental care device is in
position based
on one or more inputs to the user interface(s) 1106. In some embodiments, the
dispenser
device is notified by the dental care device that it is in position to receive
dispensed oral care
agent.
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1003221 The dental care device optionally transmits (2410) a
device identifier to the
dispenser device. In some embodiments, the device identifier is transmitted
via a barcode on
the dental care device and a barcode scanner on the dispenser device. In some
embodiments,
the device identifier is transmitted via NFC protocol. In some embodiments,
the device
identifier is transmitted via a radio frequency identity (RFID) protocol. In
some
embodiments, the user of the dental care device submits an identifier to the
dispenser device
(e.g., via voice input, a passcode entered via the user interface(s) 1106, or
the like).
1003231 The dispenser device receives the device (or user)
identifier and identifies
(2412) the dispensing profile based on the identifier. In some embodiments,
the dispenser
device stores a plurality of dispensing profiles (e.g., dispensing profiles
1148) and each
dispensing profile corresponds to a unique identifier. In some embodiments,
the dispenser
device matches the identifier with an identifier in the dispensing profile. In
some
embodiments, the dispenser device stores multiple dispensing profiles for a
single user and
selects one of the multiple dispensing profiles based on additional
information (e.g., a time of
day, day of the week, a user selection, a user preference, dental information
of the user, a type
of the dental care device provided to receive the oral care agent, and the
like).
1003241 The dispenser device dispenses (2414) oral care agent
ingredients in
accordance with the identified dispensing profile. In some embodiments, the
dispensing
profiles identifies a plurality of oral care agent ingredients to be dispensed
and a
corresponding amount to be dispensed for each oral care agent ingredient. In
some
embodiments, the dispenser device mixes the oral care agent ingredients prior
to dispensing.
In some embodiments, the dispenser device determines a shape of the dental
care device (e.g.,
based on the identifier) and dispenses the ingredients in a shape
corresponding to the shape of
the dental care device
1003251 The dispenser device collects (2418) operation and/or
user data. In some
embodiments, the operation data includes information regarding how often the
user operates
the dispenser device (and/or which dental care device the user is using with
the dispenser
device). In some embodiments, the operation data includes information obtained
from one or
more sensors of the dispenser device (e.g., sensors to determine amounts of
ingredients
remaining). In some embodiments, the user data includes one or more user
settings and/or
preferences. In some embodiments, the user data includes dental information
supplied by the
user to the dispenser device. In some embodiments, the dispenser device
modifies one or
more dispensing profiles of the user based on the collected information.
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1003261 The dispenser device transmits (2420) the collected data
to the server system.
In some embodiments, the dispenser device transmits the collected data via the
communication interface(s) 1126 operating in conjunction with the
communication module
1134. The server system receives (2422) the collected data from the dispenser
device. In
some embodiments, the server system receives the collected data via the
network interface(s)
1204 in conjunction with the network communication module 1212_
1003271 The server system updates (2424) a dispensing profile
(or dispensing profile
information) for the user based on the collected data. In some embodiments,
the server
system modifies one or more ingredients, amounts, voltage, or current
parameters of the
dispensing profile based on the collected data. In some embodiments, the
server system
requests updated dental information from the user (or a dental care provider
of the user)
based on the collected data. For example, the collected data indicates that
the user has
recently experienced yellowing of the teeth, thereby indicating that the
user's dental health or
situation has changed. Based on this indication, the server system requests
updated dental
information to so that it can adjust the dispensing profile, order new oral
care agent
ingredients, and/or order a new dental care device mouthpiece based on the
updated
information. In some embodiments, the server system requests an updated
mouthpiece for
the dental care device based on the collected information.
1003281 In some embodiments, the server system transmits the
updated dispensing
profile information to the dispenser device. In some embodiments, the server
system
transmits the modified information via the network interface(s) 1204 in
conjunction with the
network communication module 1212. The dispenser device receives the modified
dispensing profile information from the server system In some embodiments, the
dispenser
device receives the information via the communication interface(s) 1126
operating in
conjunction with the communication module 1134.
1003291 In some embodiments, the dispenser device stores the
modified dispensing
profile information in memory 1130 (e.g., in place of, or in addition to, the
previously
received dispensing profile information). In some embodiments, the dispenser
device utilizes
the modified dispensing profile information to update one or more dispensing
profiles 1148
stored in memory 1130.
1003301 Figure 25A shows a high-level overview of a
manufacturing process 2500 for
designing and fabricating a teeth cleaning device in accordance with some
embodiments.
The manufacturing process 2500 includes five main steps: (i) design inserts
2502, (ii) 3-D
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print the inserts 2504, (iii) inspect the printed inserts 2506, (iv) mold a
mouthpiece 2508, and
(v) inspect the completed part 2510 (i.e., the teeth cleaning device 2550).
The discussion
below focuses mainly on step 2502 and step 2504 (although the other steps,
e.g., step 2506,
may be touched on as well). Steps 2508 and 2510 are discussed in detail above,
e.g., with
reference to Figure 22, and, consequently, for the sake of brevity, will not
be repeated here.
Note that the discussion below expands on the description above regarding the
design and
manufacture of teeth cleaning devices.
1003311
Figure 25B is provided to show a representative teeth cleaning device 2550
created using the manufacturing process 2500. As shown in Figure 25B, the
representative
teeth cleaning device 2550 includes a mouthpiece assembly 2552, which is an
example of the
mouthpiece assembly 12, and an attachment feature 2554, which is an example of
the
coupling 15. Figure 25B also includes a drive assembly 2560, which is an
example of the
drive assembly 1016. The drive assembly 2560 is configured to couple with the
representative teeth cleaning device 2550 via the attachment feature 2554, and
generate
vibrations that cause at least portions of the mouthpiece assembly 2552 to
vibrate to clean a
user's teeth when positioned in the user's mouth. The manufacturing process
2500 mainly
covers the process steps used to design and manufacture the mouthpiece
assembly 2552.
1003321
Figure 26 provides more detail of how the inserts are designed at step
2502,
per Figure 25A. In particular, Figure 26 shows a process 2600 for designing
inserts used in
the manufacture of a representative teeth cleaning device in accordance with
some
embodiments. Figures 27A-33 are included herein to support Figure 26 as they
provide
additional insights into how 3-D representations of upper and lower
mouthpieces are made
(e.g., 3-D representations of upper mouthpiece 40 and lower mouthpiece 42),
and how inserts
(e.g., dental mold inserts 1706) are derived from the 3-D representations of
upper and lower
mouthpieces. In general, the process 2600 for designing the inserts includes
obtaining a scan
of a user's teeth (2601), processing the scan (2602), orientating upper and
lower mouthpieces
with respect to the user's teeth and mouth generally from the processed scan
of the user's
teeth (2604), modeling cleaning tips with the upper and lower mouthpieces
(2606), removing
portions of the cleaning tips according to a geometry of the user's teeth from
the scan of the
user's teeth (2608), honing and contouring the cleaning tips, as needed
(2610), modeling the
inserts according to the finished design of the upper and lower mouthpieces,
including the
cleaning tips (2612), and exporting the inserts for printing (e.g., on a 3-D
printing machine).
The paragraphs below expand on each of the steps.
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1003331 The process 2600 begins with obtaining a dental scan (or
some other 3-D
representation) of a user's teeth (2601). Next, the scan of the user's teeth
is processed
(2602). As explained above with reference to Figures 16A and 16B, obtaining a
dental scan
may involve the user, a dentist, or other dental professional, scanning the
user's teeth with a
3-D scanner (e.g., a laser scanner). Alternatively, the user, a dentist, or
other dental
professional, takes an impression of the user's teeth, and then sending the
impression to a
facility that scans the impression to generate a corresponding electronic 3-D
representation of
the user's teeth. The dental scan of the user's teeth is generally referred to
herein as a dental
model of the user's teeth, dental details of the user's teeth, or simply a
scan of the user's
teeth.
1003341 Regardless of the how the scan/3-D representation of the
user's teeth is
obtained at step 2601, step 2602 also includes processing the scan. The scan
is processed to
ensure that the scan can be used in the design and fabrication steps that
follow. Like step
2601, processing the dental scan may involve the user, a dentist, or other
dental professional,
interacting with computer software to process the scan. Alternatively, a
computer program
analyzes the scan of the user's teeth, and processes (without human
intervention) the scan of
the user's teeth as needed.
1003351 Figure 27A shows a scan of a user's teeth before
processing (i.e., shows a raw
scan), while Figure 27B shows the scan of the user's teeth after processing
(i.e., shows a
processed scan). In Figure 27A, the raw scan of the user's teeth provides a
highly detailed
representation of the user's teeth, while the processed scan of the user's
teeth in Figure 27B
provides a smoothed representation of the user's teeth (relative to the raw
scan). In some
embodiments, processing the scan (or other 3-D representation) of the user's
teeth includes
removing extraneous surfaces from the raw scan of the user's teeth
Alternatively, or in
addition, processing the scan (or other 3-D representation) of the user's
teeth may include
filling surfaces of the user's teeth in the scan to create a solid model.
Removing extraneous
surfaces from the raw scan and/or filing the surfaces of the user' s teeth in
the raw scan has
several benefits, including that a file size of the resulting 3-D
representation can be reduced
by up to 95%, which significantly reduces computer processing requirements,
while also
maintaining an adequate level of detail to create the upper and lower
mouthpieces (e.g., the
processing in step 2602 does not compromise critical geometries and other
features needed
for creating the upper and lower mouthpieces). Note that the
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[00336] In some embodiments, processing the scan (or other 3-D
representation) of the
user's teeth includes offsetting the teeth geometry in the scan by a
predefined distance(s)
(e.g., between 0.1 mm and 1 mm, preferably 0.7 mm). In some instances,
offsetting the teeth
geometry in the scan results in the user's teeth in the processed scan being
slightly smaller
than the user's teeth actual size. The offsetting is performed so that the
cleaning tips
(discussed below) achieve a positive contact pressure on facial and lingual
surfaces of the
user's teeth (i.e., the cleaning tips are designed based, at least in part,
according to the offset
teeth geometry in the processed scan). Note that offsetting the teeth geometry
in the scan
may involve offsetting upper teeth geometry in the scan by a first amount and
offsetting
lower teeth geometry in the scan by a second amount, which differ from the
first amount.
Furthermore, offsetting the teeth geometry in the scan may involve using
different offsets for
different types of teeth or different sections of the mouth.
[00337] Turning back to Figure 26, the process 2600 also
includes orienting the scan of
the user's teeth inside a mouthpiece (2604), as shown with reference to
Figures 28A and 28B.
In some embodiments, orienting the scan involves the user, a dentist, or other
dental
professional, manually interacting with a computer program to orient the scan
of the user's
teeth with the mouthpiece in a desired configuration. In some other
embodiments, orienting
the scan involves the computer program analyzing the scan of the user' s
teeth, and
positioning (without human intervention) the scan of the user's teeth with the
mouthpiece in a
desired configuration. Figure 28A shows one example of a scan of a user's
teeth oriented
with a mouthpiece assembly 2800. As shown, the mouthpiece assembly 2800
includes an
upper mouthpiece 2810 and a lower mouthpiece 2812.
[00338] In some embodiments, one or more features of the
mouthpiece assembly 2800
(which is a 3-D representation of the mouthpiece assembly 2552) are determined
as a result
of the orienting at step 2604. For example and with reference to Figure 28B, a
top edge 2802
of the upper mouthpiece 2810 is set according to an upper gumline of the user,
which is
derived from the scan of the user's teeth. Note that a height of the top edge
2802 of the
mouthpiece assembly 2800 is set once the scan is properly oriented (again, at
step 2604).
Likewise, a top edge of the lower mouthpiece 2812 (not shown) is set according
to an lower
gumline of the user, which is derived from the scan of the user's teeth.
[00339] In another example and still with reference to Figure
28B, bite points of the
mouthpiece assembly 2800 are added according to a layout of the user's teeth.
In particular, a
layout of the user's canines and lower front teeth, which is again determined
from the scan of
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the user's teeth, is used to determine appropriate locations for the bite
points in the
mouthpiece assembly 2800. For example, the bite points 2804 and 2806, which
are raised
areas on a bite surface 2808 of the upper mouthpiece 2810, are located at
specific locations
on the bite surface 2808 of the upper mouthpiece 2810 and form points for a
user to bite
down on (e.g., when the representative teeth cleaning device is completed and
is being used
by a user). The lower mouthpiece 2812 also includes one or more bite points.
The raised
surfaces of the bite points help the user to obtain a proper bite on the upper
and lower
mouthpieces so that optimal positioning and depth of the user's teeth within
the mouthpiece
assembly 2800 is achieved (e.g., so that cleaning tips of the representative
teeth cleaning
device are properly positioned with respect to the tooth surfaces). Stated
differently, the bite
points are specifically located on the top and bottom bite surfaces to allow
the mouthpiece
assembly 2800 to move when the user bites down onto the bite points. This
movement causes
the mouthpiece assembly 2800 to be properly positioned in the user's mouth.
Aside from
helping to properly position the mouthpiece assembly 2800, the bite points
also help counter
weight of the drive assembly and reduce a tendency of the device to tip
downward during
use.
1003401 Note that one or more features of the upper mouthpiece
2810 may differ from
one or more features of the lower mouthpiece 2812. For example, the one or
more bite points
2804 and 2806 on the upper mouthpiece 2810 may have a first configuration
while the one or
more bite points on the lower mouthpiece 2812 may have a second configuration
that differs
from the first configuration. Example bite points 2912, 2914, and 2916 on the
lower
mouthpiece 2812 are shown in Figure 29C. As shown there, the lower mouthpiece
2812
includes three bite points 2912, 2914, and 2916, which are slender raised
areas shaped for the
user's lower front teeth. In other example, a top edge 2802 of the upper
mouthpiece 2810
may have a first configuration while a bottom edge of the lower mouthpiece
2812 may have a
second configuration that differs from the first configuration. Indeed,
because the
representative teeth cleaning device is completely personalized to a
particular user's teeth
(and mouth generally), the lower mouthpiece 2812 and the upper mouthpiece 2810
may have
many different structural characteristics (and potentially some common
structural
characteristics), which are based on differences (and potential similarities)
between the user's
top and bottom teeth, gums, etc.
1003411 In some embodiments, a width of the bite surfaces of the
lower mouthpiece
2812 and the upper mouthpiece 2810 varies according to a surface area of the
user's teeth.
For example, the bite surfaces are wider toward the ends of the lower
mouthpiece 2812 and
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the upper mouthpiece 2810 to accommodate molars, while the bite surfaces are
thinner
toward the middle of the lower mouthpiece 2812 and the upper mouthpiece 2810
as front
teeth are typically skinny.
1003421 As also shown in Figure 28B, a first vertical slot 2807
is defined on the facial
wall of the upper mouthpiece 2810 and a second vertical slot 2809 is defined
on the lingual
wall of the upper mouthpiece 2810. While not shown, the lower mouthpiece 2812
can have
the same slot arrangement. In some embodiments (as shown in Figure 28B), the
slots 2807,
2809 are positioned along a centerline of the upper mouthpiece 2810 and are
configured to
increase motion of the facial wall and the lingual wall of the upper
mouthpiece 2810 (and the
lower mouthpiece 2812), thereby improving comfort of the mouthpiece assembly
2800 as a
whole.
1003431 Referring to Figure 26, the process 2600 also includes
patterning the cleaning
tips in the 3-D representation of the mouthpiece assembly (2606), as shown
with reference to
Figures 29A-29C (again, the mouthpiece assemblies 2800 shown in Figures 29A-
29C are 3-D
representations of the mouthpiece assembly 2550). In some embodiments,
patterning the
cleaning tips involves the user, a dentist, or other dental professional,
manually interacting
with a computer program to create the desired patterns. In other embodiments,
the computer
program analyzes the scan of the user' s teeth (as processed and oriented),
and generates (with
minimal to no human intervention) patterns/configurations for the cleaning
tips based on the
said analyzing.
1003441 In particular, Figure 29A shows first cleaning tips 2902
integrally formed
with and extending from an outer wall 2901 of the mouthpiece assembly 2800,
Figure 29B
shows second cleaning tips 2904 integrally formed with and extending from an
inner wall
2903 of the mouthpiece assembly 2800, and Figure 29C shows third cleaning tips
2906
integrally formed with and extending from the bite surface 2808 of the
mouthpiece assembly
2800. Note that the bite surface of the upper mouthpiece 2810 is shown in
Figures 29A and
29B, while a bite surface of the lower mouthpiece 2812 is show in Figure 29C.
The upper
mouthpiece 2810 and the lower mouthpiece 2812 both include distinct instances
of the first
cleaning tips 2902, the second cleaning tips 2904, and the third cleaning tips
2906. In some
embodiments (at this stage of the design process), the first cleaning tips
2902, the second
cleaning tips 2904, and the third cleaning tips 2906 on the lower mouthpiece
2812 match the
first cleaning tips 2902, the second cleaning tips 2904, and the third
cleaning tips 2906 on the
upper mouthpiece 2810 (at least during this stage of the design process). In
some other
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embodiments, the first cleaning tips 2902, the second cleaning tips 2904,
and/or the third
cleaning tips 2906 on the lower mouthpiece 2812 differ from the first cleaning
tips 2902, the
second cleaning tips 2904, and the third cleaning tips 2906 on the upper
mouthpiece 2810
(again, at least during this stage of the design process).
100345] Regardless of whether they are located on the upper
mouthpiece 2810 or the
lower mouthpiece 2812, the first cleaning tips 2902 are configured to clean
facial surfaces of
the user's teeth, the second cleaning tips 2904 are configured to clean
lingual surfaces of the
user's teeth, and the third cleaning tips 2906 are configured to clean bite
surfaces of the
user's teeth. Notably, the cleaning tips shown in Figures 29A-29C are
patterned individually
according to the specific characteristics of the user's teeth, which are
derived from the dental
model of the user's teeth. In other words, a layout (i.e., distribution
density, spatial
arrangement) of each set of cleaning tips is personalized for a specific
surface of the user's
teeth, and, consequently, each set of cleaning tips may be different in the
mouthpiece
assembly 2800.
1003461 In terms of physical characteristics, the cleaning tips
are made from the same
material as the mouthpiece assembly 2800 in some embodiments, while in other
embodiments the cleaning tips are made from a different material from the
mouthpiece
assembly 2800. In some embodiments, the cleaning tips have a diameter between
approximately 1 mm and 2 mm (preferably approximately 1.4 mm) at the base,
with a 1
degree taper from the base to the tip. The tapered design of the cleaning tips
helps with
removal of molded parts (e.g., mouthpiece assembly 2552) from the printed
inserts, which is
discussed at steps 2508 and 2510 (i.e., without the tapered designed, the
cleaning tips tend to
stick in apertures of the printed inserts after an injection molding
operation).
1003471 In some embodiments, the first cleaning tips 2902 and
the second cleaning tips
2904 are angled with respect to the bite surfaces of the upper and lower
mouthpieces,
respectively. For example, with reference to Figures 29A and 29B, the first
cleaning tips
2902 and the second cleaning tips 2904 on the upper mouthpiece 2810 are angled
upwards
(away from the bite surface 2808), while the first cleaning tips 2902 and the
second cleaning
tips 2904 on the lower mouthpiece 2812 are angled downwards (again, away from
the bite
surface of the lower mouthpiece 2812). A magnitude of the angle between the
cleaning tips
and the respective bite surface can depend on the scan of the user's teeth, as
the angling is
used to target plaque removal at the user's gumline. As one example, the angle
can range
between 5 and 25 degrees (preferably 15 degrees). Note that some of the first
cleaning tips
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2902 and the second cleaning tips 2904 may not be angled (e.g., those tips
that will not
interact with the gumline).
1003481 In some embodiments, the first cleaning tips 2902, the
second cleaning tips
2904, and the third cleaning tips 2906, are arranged in a first pattern. For
example, the first
cleaning tips 2902, the second cleaning tips 2904, and the third cleaning tips
2906 may be
each arranged in a diamond pattern, such that the cleaning tips are closely
packed together
(e.g., cleaning tips of the first cleaning tips 2902 may have a center-to-
center spacing of
approximately 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, 2.5 mm, or 3 mm). In some other embodiments,
the
first cleaning tips 2902 and the second cleaning tips 2904 are arranged in the
first pattern,
while the third cleaning tips 2906 are arranged in a second pattern different
from the first
pattern (or some other combination of patterns between the different cleaning
tips). Note that
the first cleaning tips 2902, the second cleaning tips 2904, and the third
cleaning tips 2906 are
all arranged differently in some embodiments (e.g., one set uses the diamond
pattern, while
another set uses some different pattern).
1003491 Turning back to Figure 26, the process 2600 also
includes cutting the cleaning
tips in the 3-D representation of the mouthpiece assembly 2800 according to
the dental model
of the user's teeth (2608), as shown with reference to Figure 30. "Cutting" as
used herein
means removing portions of the modeled cleaning tips from the 3-D
representation of the
mouthpiece assembly 2800. In some embodiments, cutting the cleaning tips
involves the
user, a dentist, or other dental professional, manually interacting with a
computer program to
cut the cleaning tips in a desired manner/configuration. In other embodiments,
the computer
program analyzes the dental model of the user's teeth, and cuts (without human
intervention)
the patterned cleaning tips (from step 2606) in a desired
manner/configuration.
1003501 Figure 30 shows how lengths of the first cleaning tips
2902 and the second
cleaning tips 2904 (originally designed in step 2606) are modified and
customized according
to a geometry of the user's teeth, which is derived from the dental model of
the user's teeth.
As discussed above with reference to step 2602, processing the scan (or other
3-D
representation) of the user's teeth may include offsetting the teeth geometry
in the scan by a
predefined distances (e.g., between 0.1 mm and 1 mm, preferably 0.7 mm).
Accordingly, in
such instances, cutting the cleaning tips may also include cutting the tips
with a
corresponding offset (e.g., between -0.1 mm and -1 mm, preferably -0.7 mm). In
some
embodiments, the cutting is performed using a subtractive process whereby the
cleaning tips
are originally designed too long (at step 2606), and then the scan of the
user's teeth is
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subtracted (at step 2608) from these originally designed cleaning tips to
achieve the desired
length and geometry for the cleaning tips. In other embodiments, cutting the
cleaning tips
does not include cutting the tips with a corresponding offset, such that the
cleaning tips are
longer than the distance to the user's teeth by the offset (e.g., between 0.1
mm and -1 mm,
preferably 0.7 mm). The offset length addresses manufacturing tolerances to
ensure the
cleaning tips reach the user's. In some embodiments, cutting the cleaning tips
includes
cutting the tips with an offset less than the offset of the scan. This
addresses potential user
discomfort if the cleaning tips are too long, while still partially addressing
manufacturing
tolerances.
[00351] For ease of illustration, the third cleaning tips 2906
are not shown in Figure
30, however, step 2608 can also include cutting the third cleaning tips 2906
in the 3-D
representation of the mouthpiece assembly 2800 according to the scan of the
user's teeth. In
some embodiments, cutting the third cleaning tips 2906 includes cutting the
tips with the
same offset as the offset used on the first and second cleaning tips. In other
embodiments,
cutting the third cleaning tips 2906 includes cutting the tips without an
offset, or some unique
offset different from the offset used on the first and second cleaning tips.
Cutting the third
cleaning tips 2906 also includes cutting the tips 2906 with the nominal teeth
geometry (i.e.,
cut according to the rises, falls, and contours of the user's teeth along his
or her bite surface).
The cutting of the third cleaning tips 2906 can also include the same
subtractive process
discussed above.
[00352] In some embodiments, with reference to Figure 26, the
process 2600 also
includes removing any extraneous bodies, undercuts, and intersecting cleaning
tips are from
the 3-D representation of the mouthpiece assembly 2800. In some embodiments,
this is
performed by the user, a dentist, or other dental professional, manually
interacting with a
computer program to perform said cleaning. In other embodiments, the computer
program
analyzes the cut cleaning tips, and makes (without human intervention) the
necessary
adjustments to the cut cleaning tips based on the analyzing.
[00353] At bottom, step 2610 is included in the process 2600 to
hone the design of the
cleaning tips on the upper mouthpiece 2810 and the lower mouthpiece 2812 for
manufacture.
For example, in Figure 30, some of the first cleaning tips 2902 extend too far
away from the
inner surface of the upper mouthpiece 2810, while some other tips were not
cleaning cut at
step 2608 (which can be attributed, at least in part, to pure reliance on the
scan of the user's
teeth). Accordingly, step 2610 corrects these minor defects (either manually
or without
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human intervention) so that future operations, such as steps 2504 and 2508,
can be properly
performed.
1003541 Note that Figure 31 shows a semi-complete 3-D
representation of the
mouthpiece assembly 2800 (the third cleaning tips are not shown for ease of
illustration). In
other words, the 3-D representation of the mouthpiece assembly 2800 shown in
Figure 31
(with the additional of the third cleaning tips) is used as the model for
designing the inserts
3202, 3204, which are discussed below with reference to steps 2612 and 2614.
1003551 Referring to Figure 26, the process 2600 then
models/designs the inserts based
on the 3-D representation of the mouthpiece assembly 2800 (2612), examples of
which are
shown with reference to Figure 32. In some embodiments, the user, a dentist,
or other dental
professional, manually interacts with a computer program to perform the
modeling. In other
embodiments, the computer program analyzes the 3-D representation of the
mouthpiece
assembly 2800, and generates (without human intervention) the inserts based on
the said
analyzing.
1003561 As shown in Figure 32, step 2612 produces 3-D
representations of an upper
insert 3202 and a lower insert 3204. In essence, the upper insert 3202 has a
first geometry
that complements a geometry of the upper mouthpiece 2810 (including the
cleaning tips
therein), while the lower insert 3204 has a second geometry that complements a
geometry of
the lower mouthpiece 2812 (including the cleaning tips therein). Stated
differently, the upper
insert 3202 is the inverse or negative of the upper mouthpiece 2810, while the
lower insert
3204 is the inverse or negative of the lower mouthpiece 2812. The upper insert
3202 and the
lower insert 3204 are examples of the mold inserts 1706-1 and 1706-2, which
are discussed in
detail with reference to Figures 18A and 18B. Like the mold inserts 1706, the
upper insert
3202 and the lower insert 3204 comprise a plurality of apertures 3206
configured to form the
cleaning tips designed during steps 2606, 2608, and 2610, via a molding
process. The upper
insert 3202 and the lower insert 3204 also have the structure necessary to
form the other
structures of the mouthpiece (e.g., bite points 2804 and 2806, bite surface
2808, outer wall
2901, inner wall 2903, etc.).
1003571 In some embodiments, modeling the inserts based on the 3-
D representation of
the mouthpiece assembly 2800 includes adding one or more additional features
to the inserts.
For example, an overall shape of the upper insert 3202 and the lower insert
3204 is selected
according to the molds (e.g., molds 1704-1 and 1704-2) used during the
injection molding
process (e.g., step 2508). In addition, designing the inserts may involve
adding an offset
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around the inserts to allow the inserts to easily fit inside the molds (i.e.,
some tolerances are
added to the design of the inserts). In some embodiments, support structures
are incorporated
into the design of the inserts to give each insert more structure during the
printing and post
processing steps so the insert retains its desired shape. Examples of these
support structures
are shown in Figure 33 (e.g., support structure 3300 and support structure
3302). In some
embodiments, the upper insert 3202 and the lower insert 3204 are designed to
include
standoff posts 3208 that are used for holding the structure plate 1708 in the
mold during an
injection molding operation. In some embodiments, the upper insert 3202 and
the lower
insert 3204 are designed to include identification information 3210, which is
used for internal
cataloguing, inventory tracking processes, and customer identification. In
some
embodiments, the upper insert 3202 and the lower insert 3204 are designed to
include one or
more markers that are used to verify if warping occurred.
1003581 Referring back to Figure 25A, the manufacturing process
2500 also includes,
after completing step 2502 (the steps of which are detailed above with
reference to Figures
26A-33), 3-D printing the upper insert 3202 and the lower insert 3204 (2504),
as discussed
above with reference to Figure 22. After 3-D printing the upper insert 3202
and the lower
insert 3204, the manufacturing process 2500 also may include inspecting the
printed parts,
and performing one or more post processing operations (e.g., removing
extraneous features
from the printing process). Thereafter, the manufacturing process 2500
includes molding a
teeth cleaning device (e.g., the representative teeth cleaning device 2550)
(2508) using the
printed inserts, and inspecting the teeth cleaning device (2510). The molding
process is
discussed in further detail above with reference to Figure 17 and Figure 22
(among others).
1003591 Figures 34 through 36C are close-up views of different
cleaning elements in
accordance with some embodiment In some embodiments, the patterning of the
different
cleaning elements is part of the design of the upper insert 3202 and the lower
insert 3204. For
example, during the 3-D printing process, structures used in the upper insert
3202 and the
lower insert 3204 to create the cleaning elements include features to impart
the patterning
discussed below with reference to Figures 34 through 36C onto the finalized
cleaning
elements. In some embodiments, natural results of the manufacturing process
are leveraged to
create the patterning of the different cleaning elements. For example, during
the 3-D printing
process, ribbing features may result naturally as each successive layer is
added, such that
each rib is the width of the layer height.
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1003601 Figure 34 shows an example cleaning tip 3400 that
includes ribbing features
3402 that run perpendicular to a length of the cleaning tip 3400. In some
embodiments, each
of the cleaning tips in an example teeth cleaning device 2550 has the ribbing
features 3402.
Alternatively, in other embodiments, some of the cleaning tips in an example
teeth cleaning
device 2550 have the ribbing features 3402, while some other cleaning tips in
the teeth
cleaning device 2550 do not include any ribbing features, or they include some
other ribbing
features (such as those discussed below). The ribbing features 3402 are used
to enhance a
cleaning ability of the cleaning tip 3400.
1003611 Figures 35A and 35B show example cleaning tips 3500 that
include ribbing
features 3502 that run parallel to the lengths of the cleaning tips 3500. In
some embodiments,
each of the cleaning tips in an example teeth cleaning device 2550 has the
ribbing features
3502. Alternatively, in other embodiments, some of the cleaning tips in an
example teeth
cleaning device 2550 have the ribbing features 3502, while some other cleaning
tips in the
teeth cleaning device 2550 do not include any ribbing features, or they
include some other
ribbing features (such as those discussed above with reference to Figure 34 or
below with
reference to Figures 36A-36C). The ribbing features 3502 are used to enhance a
cleaning
ability of the cleaning tip 3500.
1003621 Figures 36A-36C show example cleaning tips 3600 that
include ribbing
features 3602 that are angled relative to lengths the cleaning tips 3600. In
some embodiments
(as shown in Figures 36A-36C), the ribbing features 3602 are scalloped shape.
In other
embodiments, the ribbing features 3602 are diagonal lines. In some
embodiments, each of
the cleaning tips in an example teeth cleaning device 2550 has the ribbing
features 3602.
Alternatively, in other embodiments, some of the cleaning tips in an example
teeth cleaning
device 2550 have the ribbing features 3602, while some other cleaning tips in
the teeth
cleaning device 2550 do not include any ribbing features, or they include some
other ribbing
features (such as those discussed with reference to Figure 34 or with
reference to Figures 35A
and 35B). The ribbing features 3602 are used to enhance a cleaning ability of
the cleaning tip
3600.
1003631 Figures 37A-37H show exemplary customizations for
cleaning trays of a
mouthpiece 3700 of a personalized toothbrush device. For ease of explanation,
individual
customizations are described below, but in some embodiments, multiple
customizations are
optionally combined.
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1003641 In some embodiments, the possible customizations for the
cleaning trays of the
mouthpiece 3700 are customizations based at least in part on a first physical
characteristic of
a particular user's mouth. Some examples of the first physical characteristic
of the particular
user's mouth include: a length of the dental arch of the particular user's
mouth, a width of the
dental arch of the particular user's mouth, an occlusion classification of the
particular user's
mouth (e.g., overbite, underbite, etc.), tooth alignment of the particular
user's teeth, the
presence of dental correctors in the particular user's mouth, the presence of
one or more third
molars (e.g., wisdom teeth) in the particular user's mouth, a width of the
particular user's
teeth, and a gum line of the particular user's mouth.
1003651 In some embodiments, the possible customizations for the
cleaning trays of the
mouthpiece 3700, based at least in part on the first physical characteristic
of the particular
user's mouth, include: customizing a length of the top cleaning tray and/or
bottom cleaning
tray, customizing a width of the top cleaning tray and/or bottom cleaning
tray, customizing a
distance between the outer boundary wall and the inner boundary wall for the
top cleaning
tray and/or bottom cleaning tray, customizing an offset (e.g., offset in the
vertical alignment)
between the top cleaning tray and bottom cleaning tray, customizing a
thickness of the outer
boundary wall and/or the inner boundary wall for the top cleaning tray and/or
bottom
cleaning tray, customizing a density of the outer boundary wall or the inner
boundary wall for
the top cleaning tray or bottom cleaning tray, customizing an internal
structure of the top
cleaning tray or bottom cleaning tray, and/or adding one or more bite points
(e.g., as
discussed above with reference to Figure 28B, and as discussed in further
detail below) to the
top cleaning tray or bottom cleaning tray
1003661 Figure 37A shows a generic cleaning tray of a mouthpiece
3700 of a
toothbrush device, without any customization. The cleaning tray comprises an
inner
boundary wall 3702 and an outer boundary wall 3704. The reference lines 3706,
3708, 3710,
and 3712 provide reference points for the size of the cleaning tray. In some
embodiments,
the length (e.g., as shown by the arrows "L") and/or width (e.g., as shown by
the arrows
-W") of the cleaning tray is customized for the particular user. Figure 37B
shows the
cleaning tray for the mouthpiece 3700 after customizations, where both the
width and the
length of the mouthpiece have been increased (e.g., to fit the particular
dental arch of the
particular user).
1003671 Figure 37C shows the cleaning tray of the mouthpiece
3700, without any
customization, and the reference lines 3722 and 3724, which provide reference
points for the
distance between the inner boundary wall 3702 and the outer boundary wall
3704. In some
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embodiments, the distance between the inner boundary wall 3702 and the outer
boundary
wall 3704 of the cleaning tray is customized for the particular user (e.g., by
increasing or
decreasing the distance 3726 between the inner boundary wall 3702 and the
outer boundary
wall 3704, as shown by the double arrows 3726). Figure 37D shows the cleaning
tray for the
mouthpiece 3700 after customizations to the distance between the inner
boundary wall 3702
and the outer boundary wall 3704, where the distance between the inner
boundary wall 3702
and the outer boundary wall 3704 has been reduced in the region corresponding
to the double
arrow 3726 (shown in Figure 37C). In some embodiments, the distance between
the inner
boundary wall 3702 and the outer boundary wall 3704 is different for different
regions of the
cleaning tray. For example, the distance can be reduced in the region
corresponding to the
double arrows 3726, but increased in the region corresponding to the double
arrows 3728
(shown in Figure 37C).
1003681 Figure 37E shows the alignment of a top cleaning tray
3728 and a bottom
cleaning tray 3730 of a mouthpiece of the personalized toothbrush device,
prior to any
customization. The reference line 3732 shows that the top tray 3728 and the
bottom bray
3730 are vertically aligned prior to any customization. Figure 37F shows a
customized
mouthpiece of the personalized toothbrush device, where the top tray 3728 and
the bottom
tray 3730 are offset. Such tray offset can be used to accommodate the
particular bite of a
particular user (e.g., to accommodate user's with malocclusion). For example,
the
mouthpiece of Figure 37F shows possible customizations for a user with Class
II
malocclusion, sometimes referred to as distocclusion, retrognathism, overj et,
or overbite. In
other embodiments, the trays can be aligned to accommodate other types of
malocclusion,
such as Class I (neutrocclusion) or Class III malocclusion
(prognathism/anterior
crossbite/negative overjet/underbite).
1003691 Figure 37G shows that the shape of the mouthpiece of the
personalized
toothbrush device can also be customized, for example, based on the particular
user's
gumline. The outer boundary wall 3704 can be customized to have a shape that
follows the
facial gum line of the particular user's mouth, which helps prevent the outer
boundary wall
3704 from causing discomfort to the user (e.g., due to the outer boundary wall
3704 being too
tall and pressing into the upper and lower portions of the particular user's
mouth during use).
Figure 37H shows analogous customizations for the inner boundary wall 3702.
For example,
the inner boundary wall 3702 can be customized to have a shape that follows
the lingual gum
line of the particular user's mouth.
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1003701 Figure 371 shows customizations for an occlusal surface
3734 (e.g., a
"bottom" surface for the upper cleaning tray 3728, or a "bottom" surface for
the lower
cleaning tray 3730) of the mouthpiece 3700. A density distribution of the
material separating
the occlusal surface 3734 may be customized, as shown by a customized density
distribution
3736. Figure 37J shows similar customizations, but with a customized lattice
structure 3738
in place of the customized distribution density 3736 of Figure 371. Although
shown as
separate figures, in some embodiments, the customized density distribution
3736 and the
customized lattice structure 3738 are optionally combined. In some
embodiments, one or
more other surfaces (e.g., the inner boundary wall 3702 and/or the outer
boundary wall 3704)
are similarly customized with customized distribution densities and/or lattice
structures. In
some embodiments, the customized density distribution 3736 and/or the
customized lattice
structure 3738 are localized to particular regions of the mouthpiece (e.g.,
particular areas of
the occlusal surface 3734). These localized regions can be used to form bite
points (e.g., bite
points as discussed previously with reference to Figure 28B) located at
specific locations on
the occlusal surface 3734. Such bite points allow the particular user to
obtain a proper bite on
the mouthpiece 3700 for optimal positioning of the particular user's teeth
within the
mouthpiece 3700 (e.g., so that cleaning tips of the representative teeth
cleaning device are
properly positioned with respect to the tooth surfaces). In some embodiments,
the bite points
have a lower density than the surrounding regions (e.g., to allow the user's
teeth to partially
sink into the occlusal surface 3734 at the correct locations). In some
embodiments, the bite
points comprise a lattice structure, while the surrounding regions are of
solid construction
(e g , without any gaps in the internal structure)
1003711 Customizing one or more surfaces of the mouthpiece 3700
with customized
density distributions and/or lattice structures allows the mouthpiece 3700 to
be customized
for comfort (e.g., customizing the occlusal surface 3734 to be less dense, to
provide added
comfort when the particular user bites down on the occlusal surface 3734)
and/or
performance characteristics (e.g., customizing the density distribution 3736
in order to
achieve desired vibrational motion when the mouthpiece 3700 is coupled to an
external drive
mechanism). Customized density distributions and/or lattice structures also
allows for
reduced usage of materials during manufacturing (e.g., to reduce the cost of
manufacturing).
1003721 Figures 37K and 37L show exemplary customizations for
therapeutic and/or
diagnostic purposes. Figure 37K shows dispensers 3740 located on or in the
outer boundary
wall 3704. In some embodiments, the dispensers are alternatively, or
additionally, located on
or in the inner boundary wall 3702. In some embodiments, the dispensers 3740
dispense an
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oral care agent (e.g., toothpaste), and are positioned at a location on or in
the inner boundary
wall 3702 and/or the outer boundary wall 3704 based on the specific needs of
the user. For
example, in some embodiments, the oral care agent is a gum care agent that
addresses the
specific gum issues of the particular user. In such embodiments, the
dispensers 3740 are
positioned at the particular locations of the gum issues for the particular
user. In some
embodiments, the oral care agent is a cleaning agent (e.g., toothpaste), and
the dispensers
3740 are positioned to provide optimal coverage of the particular user's
teeth.
1003731 Figure 37L shows sensors 3742 located on or in the outer
boundary wall 3704.
In some embodiments, the sensors 3742 are alternatively, or additionally,
located on or in the
inner boundary wall 3702. In some embodiments, the sensors 3742 are configured
to detect
microorganisms within the oral cavity of the particular user (e.g.,
microorganisms indicative
of certain tooth or gum diseases, microorganisms indicative of tooth decay,
etc.). The sensors
3742 allow for preventative medicine and early detection of oral health
issues. In some
embodiments, the sensors 3742 are positioned at particular locations where
they are most
likely to detect the microorganisms in question. In some embodiments the
sensors 3742 are
positioned at particular locations based on the particular risk factors for
the particular user
(e.g., sensitive areas of the particular user's mouth which may receive less
brushing or lighter
brushing, genetic susceptibility to gum disease, etc.).
1003741 Figures 38A-38H show possible customizations to a set of
cleaning elements
of the mouthpiece 3700 for a personalized toothbrush device. For ease of
explanation,
individual customizations are described below, but in some embodiments,
multiple different
customizations are combined.
1003751 In some embodiments, the possible customizations for the
set of cleaning
elements of the mouthpiece 3700 are based at least in part on a second
physical characteristic
of a particular user's mouth. Some examples of the second physical
characteristic of the
particular user's mouth include: the shape, size, position, and spacing of
tooth surfaces of the
teeth of the particular user's mouth; an interproximal distance (i.e.,
distance between the
particular user's teeth) of the particular user's mouth; one or more missing
teeth in the
particular user's mouth; a gum condition of the particular user's mouth; an
enamel condition
of one or more teeth of the particular user's mouth; the presence of dental
correctors in the
particular user's mouth; the presence of one or more third molars in the
particular user's
mouth, the presence of dental hardware (e.g., inlays, onlays, crowns, veneers,
bridges,
implants, etc.) in the particular user's mouth; a width of the particular
user's teeth; and a gum
health state of the particular user's mouth. In some embodiments, the second
physical
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characteristic is a combination of physical characteristics of the particular
user's mouth (e.g.,
size and position of tooth surfaces of the teeth of the particular user's
mouth) and planned
customizations (e.g., a size of the upper and/or lower cleaning trays). For
example, the set of
cleaning elements may be customized to account for a distance from the outer
boundary wall
for the top or bottom customized cleaning tray to the surface of a tooth of
the particular user's
mouth and/or a distance from the inner boundary wall for the top or bottom
customized
cleaning tray to the surface of a tooth of the particular user's mouth.
1003761 In some embodiments, the possible customizations for the
set of cleaning
elements of the mouthpiece 3700, based at least in part on the second physical
characteristic
of the particular user's mouth, include: customizing a length of the cleaning
elements of the
set of cleaning elements (e.g., to ensure the cleaning elements reach the
surface of the
particular user's teeth, and/or to include an "interference distance- by which
the length of the
cleaning elements extend beyond the surface of the particular user's teeth),
customizing a
spacing between cleaning elements of the set of cleaning elements, customizing
a diameter of
each cleaning element of the set of cleaning elements, customizing a taper of
each cleaning
element of the set of cleaning elements, customizing an angle of each cleaning
element of the
set of cleaning elements, relative to a surface of the top and bottom
customized cleaning trays
and/or the particular user's teeth, customizing a density of each cleaning
element of the set of
cleaning elements, customizing a surface texture (or pattern) of each cleaning
element of the
set of cleaning elements (e.g., as discussed with reference to Figures 34-
36C), customizing a
cross-section of each cleaning element of the set of cleaning elements,
customizing the spatial
distribution of the set of customized cleaning elements, and/or customizing a
material
composition of the set of customized cleaning elements.
1003771 In some embodiments, each cleaning element of the set of
cleaning elements is
individually customized based on the particular user's mouth (e.g., one or
more of the second
physical characteristics described above). In some embodiments, each cleaning
element of
the set of cleaning elements is individually customized by selecting a value
for a physical
characteristic of the cleaning element. In some embodiments, this individual
customization
includes selecting a respective value for a physical characteristic for each
respective cleaning
element of the set of cleaning elements, such that a respective cleaning
element of the set of
cleaning elements contacts a respective tooth of the particular user's mouth
with a
predetermined amount of contact force (e.g., 0-12 Newtons). In some
embodiments, the
predetermined amount of contact force is selected based on efficacy (e.g., to
ensure the set of
cleaning elements can clean the user's teeth effectively), comfort (e.g.,
similar to soft and
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firm toothbrushes), and/or the particular user's needs and requirements. In
some
embodiments, this individual customization includes selecting a respective
value for a
physical characteristic for each respective cleaning element of the set of
cleaning elements,
such that a respective cleaning element of the set of cleaning elements
contacts a respective
tooth of the particular user's mouth with a predetermined amount of overlap
with a surface of
the particular user's mouth. In some embodiments, the predetermined amount of
contact
force and/or the predetermined amount of overlap are achieved by customizing
an amount of
interference distance. In some embodiments, each cleaning element has the same
interference distance. In some embodiments, the interference distances are
customized per
cleaning element, or subset of cleaning elements (e.g., cleaning elements
corresponding to
sensitive regions of the particular user's mouth may have smaller interference
distances than
cleaning elements corresponding to other regions of the particular user's
mouth).
1003781 In some embodiments, the physical characteristic is an
amount of taper of a
respective cleaning element, a diameter of the respective cleaning element, an
angle of the
respective cleaning element relative to a surface of the top and bottom
customized cleaning
trays, or a cross-section of the respective cleaning element. In some
embodiments, multiple
physical characteristics are customized for each cleaning element of the set
of cleaning
elements.
1003791 For example, if the particular user has sensitive or
receding gums, a lower
predetermined amount of contact force may be desired, so as not to hurt or
damage the
particular user's gums. To achieve this goal, the customization for the set of
cleaning
elements corresponding to sensitive regions of the particular user's gums
could feature a mix
of shorter cleaning elements (e.g., cleaning elements with lower interference
distances)
and/or cleaning elements with smaller diameters, resulting in a low
predetermined amount of
contact force. Alternatively, if the particular user has high levels of plaque
buildup on
particular teeth in the particular user's mouth, firmer brushing for those
particular teeth may
be desired. To achieve this goal, the customizations for the set of cleaning
elements
corresponding to the region with high levels of plaque buildup feature longer
cleaning
elements (e.g., cleaning elements with larger interference distances) and/or
cleaning elements
with larger diameters, resulting in a higher predetermined amount of contact
force. Other
possible customizations to achieve this goal include using different materials
(e.g., materials
with different densities) or 3-D printing the cleaning elements with different
densities (e.g.,
but from the same material).
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1003801 Figure 38A shows a top-down view of a mouthpiece of the
personalized
toothbrush device, including a set of customized cleaning elements, including
a respective
cleaning element 3802. The set of customized cleaning elements includes
cleaning elements
in a molar region 3804 and cleaning elements in an incisor region 3806. As
described above,
each cleaning element (or a subset of cleaning elements) of the set of
cleaning elements can
be individually customized. For example, each cleaning element in the molar
region 3804
has a customized length and angle (relative to one of the surfaces of the
mouthpiece 3700
and/or the particular user's teeth), and the distribution density of the
cleaning elements is
customized (e.g_, to fit the shape of the particular user's molars). In some
embodiments, the
customization includes the presence (or absence) of cleaning elements. For
example, in the
molar region 3804, one or more cleaning elements are present on the occlusal
surface 3734 of
the cleaning tray of the mouthpiece 3700 (e.g., because molars are wide, have
large occlusal
surfaces with multiple cusps). In contrast, cleaning elements may be absent on
the occlusal
surface of the cleaning tray in the incisor region 3806 (e.g., because
incisors are narrow). In
some embodiments, the presence or absence of cleaning elements may be based on
missing
teeth (e.g., due to accident, injury, age, etc.) and/or additional teeth
(e.g., third
molars/wisdom teeth).
1003811 Figure 38B shows a view of the set of customized
cleaning elements, as
viewed along an axis 3808 (as shown in Figure 38A). Also shown are portions of
an upper
tooth 3810 and a lower tooth 3812. Multiple cleaning elements for the upper
cleaning tray
3728 have each been customized (e.g., with respect to length, position, and
distribution
density) based on the upper tooth 3810. Multiple cleaning element for the
lower cleaning
tray 3730 have been customized based on the lower tooth 3812, and as such, do
not mirror
the cleaning elements for the upper cleaning tray 3728.
1003821 Figure 38C shows potential customizations for a length
of the respective
cleaning element 3802, where the length of the respective cleaning element
3802 can be
adjusted to be longer or shorter (e.g., as indicated by the double arrow in
Figure 38C). Figure
38D shows the respective cleaning element 3802 after the length has been
customized.
1003831 Figure 38E shows potential customizations for an amount
of taper for the
respective cleaning element 3802, where the amount of taper can be increased
or decreased
(e.g., as indicated by the two sets of arrows in Figure 38E). Figure 38F shows
the respective
cleaning element 3802 after the amount of taper has been customized.
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1003841 Figure 38G shows potential customizations for the
diameter of the respective
cleaning element 3802, where the diameter of the cleaning element can be
increased or
decreased (e.g., as indicated by the set of arrows in Figure 38F). In contrast
to customizing
the amount of taper, in some embodiments, customizing the diameter of the
respective
cleaning element includes customizing the diameter by the same amount along
the entire
length of the respective cleaning element 3802. Figure 38H shows the
respective cleaning
element 3802 after the diameter has been customized. In some embodiments, the
customized
diameter for the respective cleaning element changes in a non-linear fashion
along the length
of the respective cleaning element (e.g., in contrast to a linear change in
diameter to achieve a
taper of the respective cleaning element).
1003851 In some embodiments, customizing each cleaning element
of the set of
cleaning elements includes customizing one or more seeding elements. The
seeding elements
are cleaning elements that determine the configuration (e.g., spatial
distribution,
customizations, etc.) for the remaining cleaning elements of the set (or a
subset) of cleaning
elements. In some embodiments, the spatial distribution and/or customizations
(e.g., length,
density, diameter, taper, angle relative to a surface of the top or bottom
customized cleaning
tray, and/or shape) of the seeding elements are configured manually (e.g., by
a dental
professional), and the configuration for the remainder of the cleaning
elements of the
personalized toothbrush device is determined automatically (e.g., such that
the dental
professional need not manually select the spatial arrangement and/or physical
characteristics
for each of hundreds of thousands of cleaning elements). In some embodiments,
automatically determining the configuration for the remainder of the cleaning
elements
includes automatically determining customizations for the remainder of the
cleaning elements
(e.g., the spatial arrangement for the remainder of the cleaning elements is a
preset pattern,
and each cleaning element of the remainder of the cleaning elements is
automatically
customized with an appropriate length to ensure each cleaning element contacts
the user's
teeth with the desired contact force and/or amount of overlap). In some
embodiments,
automatically determining customizations for the remainder of cleaning
elements includes
automatically determining customizations for the remainder of the cleaning
elements based at
least in part on the customizations of one or more seeding elements (e.g., if
the one or more
seeding elements are customized to have a particular length, including a
particular
interference distance, the remaining cleaning elements can be automatically
customized to
have the same interference distance, for example, by automatically customizing
a
combination of length, angle, and position of the remaining cleaning
elements). In some
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embodiments, automatically determining customizations for the remainder of
cleaning
elements includes automatically determining customizations for a respective
cleaning
elements of the remainder of the cleaning elements based at least in part on
customizations
for neighboring cleaning elements (e.g., the respective cleaning element of
the remainder of
cleaning elements may automatically be customized to have an angle similar to
the angle of
neighboring cleaning elements in order to prevent the cleaning elements from
physically
interfering with the motion of nearby cleaning elements, and the length,
diameter, taper,
and/or density of the respective cleaning element is automatically customized
in order to
ensure the respective cleaning element contacts a respective tooth of the
particular user's
mouth with the desired contact force and/or overlap).
1003861 In some embodiments, the configuration for the remainder
of the cleaning
elements of the personalized toothbrush device is determined through
interpolation. In some
embodiments, the configuration the configuration for the remainder of the
cleaning elements
of the personalized toothbrush device is determined at least in part based on
previously
generated configurations for sets of cleaning elements (e.g., the
configuration for the
remainder of cleaning elements is determined in part based on machine learning
(e.g., based
on a data set of previously generated configurations for sets of cleaning
elements)). In some
embodiments, the interpolation and/or machine learning prioritizes cleaning
efficiency (e.g.,
by minimizing the number of cleaning elements to fully clean the particular
user's teeth),
coverage (e.g., by creating the densest groupings of cleaning elements
possible), and/or
manufacturability (e.g., by maximizing efficiency and/or coverage to the
fullest extent
allowed by manufacturing limitations).
1003871 Figures 39A-39B show a table of exemplary vibrational
modes for the
mouthpiece 3700 of the personalized toothbrush device when being used, as
viewed from
behind (e.g., along the axis 3808 in Figure 38A). The "Direction" column shows
the
direction of movement of the relevant portions of the mouthpiece 3700. The
"Extreme 1"
and "Extreme 2" columns show the mouthpiece 3700 at two opposite extremes
during the
movement of the relevant portions of the mouthpiece 3700. For ease of
explanation, the
directions "up," "down," "left," "right," "front," and "rear" are used with
reference to the
particular user (e.g., "up" means towards the roof of the particular user's
mouth, "down"
means towards the floor of the user's mouth, "left" means towards the
particular user's left
side, "right" means towards the particular user's right side, "front" means
towards to front of
the user's mouth, and "rear" means towards the back of the user's mouth).
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1003881 The mouthpiece 3700 can be configured to vibrate at a
variety of frequencies
(e.g., by being coupled to an external drive mechanism that is driven at
different speeds) that
result in different types of motion. Although the types of motion shown in the
various
vibrational modes of Figure 39 may be the same across multiple users, the
frequencies at
which the modes of motion are achieved, and the specific desired vibrational
mode, will
differ depending on the mouthpiece of the particular user. For example,
different users will
have mouthpieces with different customizations (e.g., length, width, height,
shape, density,
etc.) that affect the motion of the mouthpiece, and the particular dental
needs of the particular
user (e.g., a user with a history of high plaque build up may require more
vigorous movement
of the mouthpiece 3700 over all of, or portions of, the mouth piece 3700,
while a user with
sensitive teeth or gums may require less vigorous movement of the mouthpiece
3700) are
different for each particular user. In some embodiments, customized vibration
profiles are
created for each particular user, and programmed into the personalized
toothbrush device
(e.g., as described previously with reference to dental care device 100), thus
providing further
unique customization of the oral care for the particular user of the
personalized toothbrush
device.
1003891 As shown in Figure 39A, Mode 1 includes an up and down
movement of the
rear ends of the mouthpiece (e.g., the portions of the mouthpiece
corresponding to the
particular user's rearmost teeth). In Mode 1, the rear ends of the mouthpiece
move in tandem
(e.g., both ends move up together, and move down together). As the rear ends
of the
mouthpiece move up and down, the front end of the mouthpiece (e.g., the
portion of the
mouthpiece corresponding to the particular user's front teeth) remains
predominately
stationary.
1003901 Mode 2 includes the same up and down movement as Mode 1,
but the rear
ends of the mouthpiece move in an alternating fashion (e.g., as one end moves
up, the other
end moves down).
1003911 Mode 3 includes movement along the midplane of the
mouthpiece. Mode 3
includes alternating between movement of the rear ends towards one another
(e.g., the left
end of the mouthpiece moves to the right, while the right end of the
mouthpiece moves to the
left), and movement of the rear ends away from one another. (e.g., the left
end of the
mouthpiece moves to the left, while the right end of the mouthpiece moves to
the right).
1003921 Mode 4 includes rotational movement where the rear ends
twist along a center
line of the mouthpiece (e.g., a line running from the back of the particular
user's mouth
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towards the front of the particular user's mouth). Mode 4 includes alternating
the direction of
rotation (e.g., first clockwise, then counterclockwise, relative to the center
line of the
mouthpiece), and each end of the mouthpiece rotates in a direction opposite
the other end
(e.g., when the left end rotates clockwise, the right end rotates
counterclockwise).
1003931 Mode 5 includes rotational movement similar to Mode 4,
but the rear ends of
the mouthpiece rotate in tandem (e.g., both rotate clockwise together, then
rotate
counterclockwise together).
1003941 With reference to Figure 39B, Mode 6 includes movement
along the midplane
of the mouthpiece similar to Mode 3, but the rear ends of the mouthpiece move
in tandem
(e.g., both ends move to the right, then both ends move to the left).
1003951 Mode 7 includes movement of a lingual center portion of
the mouthpiece (e.g.,
the portion of the mouthpiece 3700 comprising the inner boundary wall 3702).
The lingual
center portion of the mouthpiece moves up and down (e.g., while the other
portions of the
mouthpiece, such as the outer boundary walls, remain predominately
stationary).
1003961 Mode 8 includes rotational movement similar to Mode 5,
but the vibrational
mode includes a second harmonic. The Mode 8 labels show the rotational
movement as
viewed from the back of the mouthpiece, while the Mode 8 (top) labels show two
top-down
views of the mouthpiece. Notably, the outer boundary wall has two peaks in
Mode 8 (as
shown by the top-down views with the Mode 8 (top) labels) rather than just one
peak (e.g., as
in Mode 5). Similarly, Mode 9 includes rotational movement similar to Mode 4,
but the
vibrational mode includes a second harmonic.
1003971 Figure 39C shows the mouthpiece 3700, with a customized
cutout 3902 in a
surface of the mouthpiece 3700. In some embodiments, the customized cutout
3902 is used
in order to achieve the desired vibrational mode (e.g., as shown in Modes 8
and 9 in Figure
39B). While Figure 39C shows a specific customized cutout 3902, in other
embodiments, the
physical structure of the mouthpiece 3700 can be further customized in order
to achieve the
desired vibrational mode (e.g., through additional cutouts, by varying the
size and/or shape of
one or more cutouts, by other structural elements such as notches, etc.).
1003981 Figure 40 is a flowchart describing a method 4000 of
making a customized or
personalized toothbrush device 3700. While this description is for a single
user or patient,
the same method is applied for each of a plurality of users or patients. The
method starts by
obtaining (4002), for a respective user of the plurality of users, an
electronic 3-D dental
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model of the respective user's mouth. For example, the dental model may be
obtained by a
digital scan of the user's mouth while at their dentist's offices.
1003991 A 3-D model of the personalized toothbrush device is
then generated (4004),
as discussed in detail above. Also as discussed in detail above, the
personalized toothbrush
device is specific to the teeth and mouth of a particular user and provides
the ideal amount of
pressure, coverage, and overall cleaning for a user's teeth and gums. This is
especially
important for tray-type toothbrush devices, which generally cannot be adjusted
during use, as
is the case for traditional toothbrushes where users can move the toothbrush
head to a certain
location and hold it there for a certain location for a certain amount of
time, or adjust the head
to be closer or further from a surface of a tooth to adjust the cleaning
pressure. This in-use
adjustment, while beneficial for diligent and knowledgeable users who are
paying attention
while brushing their teeth, is also a traditional toothbrush's biggest
downfall, as it typically
leads to improper brushing that does not last long enough and address all
teeth and gums.
1004001 In some embodiments, the 3-D model of the personalized
toothbrush device is
customized by optionally determining (4006) a spatial arrangement of a set of
seeding
elements (e.g., less than all) that are personalized for the user based on the
electronic 3-D
dental model of the particular user's mouth. Thereafter, the system optionally
automatically
determining (4008), based on the spatial arrangement of the set of seeding
elements, a
configuration for a set of cleaning elements of the personalized toothbrush
device (e.g., as
described above with reference to Figure 38G). For example, a technician may
generate one
or more cleaning elements in the 3-D model of the personalized toothbrush
device, and the
computer system will auto-generate the remainder of the cleaning elements in
the 3-D model
of the personalized toothbrush device, as described above.
1004011 In some embodiments, the method further includes
simulating (4010) a
vibrational pattern for the customized 3-D model of the personalized
toothbrush device (e.g.,
including the configuration for the set of cleaning elements). In some
embodiments, the
method further includes determining (4012), based on the simulation of the
vibrational
pattern, whether the toothbrush cleaning device meets certain performance
criteria when
being used. For example, when being used, the toothbrush cleaning device
should be in a
minimum or acceptable threshold for cleaning all of the desired areas within
the user's
mouth. In some embodiments, the performance criteria or minimum threshold is
met when
each area of the user's teeth, gums, and/or any interstitial spaces between
the teeth and/or
gums are exposed to at least one rubbing or cleaning motion of at least one
cleaning element.
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In other embodiments, the performance criteria or minimum threshold is that
each area of the
user's teeth, gums, and/or any interstitial spaces between the teeth and/or
gums are exposed
to a predetermined number of rubbing or cleaning motions (e.g., 5) of a
predetermined
number of cleaning elements (e.g., 2).
1004021 In some embodiments, in accordance with a determination
(4014) that the
vibrational pattern does not meet the performance criteria, the method repeats
(4016) steps
4008-4012 with different configurations of the personalized toothbrush device
(e.g., by
changing the number, location, lengths, etc. of the cleaning elements) and/or
with a different
vibrational pattern, until the simulated vibrational motion pattern meets the
performance
criteria. In accordance with a determination (4018) that the vibrational
motion pattern meets
the performance criteria, the method selects (4020) the last configuration of
the personalized
toothbrush device and/or the last vibrational pattern.
1004031 In some embodiments, the simulated vibrational pattern
is compared against a
target vibrational pattern (e.g., one of the vibrational modes discussed with
references to
Figures 39A-39B). Achieving the target vibrational motion pattern is important
to ensure that
the set of cleaning elements contacts the particular user's teeth frequently
enough to achieve
an optimal cleaning experience. For example, although some combinations of
physical
characteristics for the set of cleaning elements may achieve the desired
contact force and/or
amount of overlap, those customizations may result in the set of cleaning
elements making
infrequent contact with the user's teeth when the personalized toothbrush
device is in use
(e.g., because the cleaning elements are customized with a higher density to
achieve the
desired contact force, and the higher density causes the cleaning elements to
move slowly due
to the stiffness of the cleaning elements). Thus, different variations of the
possible
customizations are simulated in order to find an optimal configuration that
results in the
optimal cleaning experience for the particular user. In some embodiments, in
accordance with
a determination that the simulated vibrational mode does not meet the
performance criteria
(e.g., the simulated vibrational mode does not substantially match the target
vibrational
motion pattern), the virtual model of the mouthpiece 3700 and/or vibrational
modes is/are
further customized. For example, some combination of physical characteristics
of the upper
and lower cleaning trays (e.g., the inner boundary wall 3702, the outer
boundary wall 3704,
and/or the occlusal surface 3734, as discussed above with reference to Figures
37A-37H),
and/or the set of cleaning elements (e.g., the length, density, diameter,
taper, angle relative to
a surface of the top or bottom customized cleaning tray, or shape of one or
more cleaning
elements) are modified. Alternately, or additionally, an output frequency of a
powered
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driving mechanism of the personalized toothbrush device is modified. In some
embodiments,
the powered driving mechanism is configured to cycle through multiple output
frequencies.
After the 3-D model of the mouthpiece 3700 is modified, the computer uses the
updated 3-D
model of the mouthpiece 3700 to simulate a new vibrational motion pattern.
This method can
be repeated until the requirements are met (e.g., all surface or teeth and/or
gums sufficiently
cleaned and/or stimulated).
1004041 In some embodiments, the method includes fabricating
(4022) the
personalized toothbrush device (e.g., by a 3-D printing process described
above) with the
selected configuration (that will use the selected vibrational pattern in
use). In some
embodiments, multiple different vibrational patterns may be selected for the
same
personalized toothbrush device. In some embodiments, the selected
configuration of the 3D
model of the personalized toothbrush device is sent to a third party for
fabrication. In some
embodiments, the selected vibrational pattern (or patterns) is loaded onto the
powered driving
mechanism of the personalized toothbrush device (e.g., locally in the factory,
transmitted to a
user's device in their home, etc.).
1004051 The method concludes by performing (4024) post-
processing steps to further
customize the personalized toothbrush device. For example, in some
embodiments, the post-
processing steps include applying a biocompatible silicone (or other
biocompatible agent)
coating the external surfaces of the personalized toothbrush device (e.g., for
comfort). In
some embodiments, the post-processing steps include optimizing the
personalized toothbrush
device for specific use cases, such as for ultrasonic cleaning. In other
embodiments, the post-
processing removes some small amount of material in order to smooth or refine
the
toothbrush device. For example, Acetone smoothing may be used. In these
embodiments, the
toothbrush device is printed slightly larger to accommodate for the removal of
some material
1004061 Figure 41 shows the hardware 4100 for performing the
method 4000 described
above. The hardware 4100 includes a scanning device 4102, which is used to
obtain the
electronic 3-D dental model of the respective user's mouth. The scanning
device 4012
transmits the 3-D dental model of the respective user's mouth to a modeling
computer 4104.
The modeling computer 4104 includes editing modules 4108, and the editing
modules 4108
include a cleaning tray module 4110 (e.g., for customizing an upper and/or
lower cleaning
tray, as described previously with reference to Figures 37A-37I), a cleaning
element module
4112 (e.g., for manually editing one or more seeding elements with various
customizations,
such as those described above with reference to Figures 38A-38H), and a
powered drive
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mechanism module 4114 (e.g., for configuring output frequencies of a powered
drive
mechanism to be coupled with the mouthpiece of the personalized toothbrush
device). In
some embodiments, the modeling computer 4104 also includes auto-population
modules
4116 (e.g., for automatically determining a configuration for a remainder of
cleaning
elements, based off a set of seeding elements, as described previously). In
some
embodiments, the auto-population modules 4116 include an interpolation module
4118, a
machine learning module 4120, and/or a custom algorithm module 4122. The
various auto-
population modules 4116 provide a variety of options for automatically
configuring the set of
cleaning elements. For example, while the interpolation module 4118 and the
machine
learning module 4120 may be useful for maximizing cleaning efficient of the
cleaning
elements, the custom algorithm 4122 module can be useful for preference-based
automation
(e.g., simulating a "soft- or "firm" toothbrush, via various customizations of
the set of
cleaning elements). The hardware 4100 also includes a 3-D printer 4124. In
some
embodiments, the scanning device 4102, modeling computer 4104 and 3-D printer
4124 are
connected locally. In other embodiments, one or more elements of the hardware
4100 are
connected to the other hardware elements remotely. For example, the scanning
device 4102
may be in a dentist's office, the scanning device 4102 and modeling computer
4014 can be in
a dentist's office, such that the dentist can scan a particular user's mouth
and customize the
design and configuration for a mouthpiece of a personalized toothbrush device
at the dentist's
office. The modeling computer 4014 can transmit the customized design and
configuration
for the mouthpiece (e.g., as 3-D printing instructions) to an off-site 3-D
printer (e.g., to a 3-D
printer in a factory or other manufacturing facility) for 3-D printing_
1004071 Although some of various drawings illustrate a number of
logical stages in a
particular order, stages that are not order dependent may be reordered and
other stages may
be combined or broken out. While some reordering or other groupings are
specifically
mentioned, others will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art, so
the ordering and
groupings presented herein are not an exhaustive list of alternatives.
Moreover, it should be
recognized that the stages could be implemented in hardware, firmware,
software or any
combination thereof.
1004081 It will also be understood that, although the terms
first, second, etc. are, in
some instances, used herein to describe various elements, these elements
should not be
limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element
from another.
For example, a first current could be termed a second current, and, similarly,
a second current
could be termed a first current, without departing from the scope of the
various described
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embodiments. The first current and the second current are both currents, but
they are not the
same condition unless explicitly stated as such.
1004091 The terminology used in the description of the various
described embodiments
herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not
intended to be
limiting. As used in the description of the various described embodiments and
the appended
claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the
plural forms as
well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be
understood that the term
"and/or" as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible
combinations of one
or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the
terms "includes,"
"including," "comprises," and/or "comprising," when used in this
specification, specify the
presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or
components, but do
not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers,
steps,
operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
1004101 As used herein, the term "if' is, optionally, construed
to mean -when" or
"upon" or "in response to determining" or "in response to detecting" or "in
accordance with a
determination that," depending on the context. Similarly, the phrase "if it is
determined" or
"if [a stated condition or event] is detected" is, optionally, construed to
mean "upon
determining" or "in response to determining" or "upon detecting [the stated
condition or
event]" or "in response to detecting [the stated condition or event]" or "in
accordance with a
determination that [a stated condition or event] is detected," depending on
the context.
1004111 The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation,
has been described with
reference to specific embodiments. However, the illustrative discussions above
are not
intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the claims to the precise
forms disclosed.
Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.
The
embodiments were chosen in order to best explain the principles underlying the
claims and
their practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to
best use the
embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular uses
contemplated.
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