Multi-Wavelength Oral Phototherapy Applicator

Abstract

Oral phototherapy applicators are disclosed that are sized and shaped so as to fit at least partially in a user's mouth and have at least one radiation emitter coupled to an apparatus body to irradiate a portion of the oral cavity with phototherapeutic radiation in at least two separate spectral bands. In one embodiment, the spectral bands are distinct. In another, the bands overlap but provide different therapeutic effects. The apparatus can further include bristles to provide a phototherapeutic toothbrush. Alternatively, the apparatus body can be adapted for placement in a fixed position relative to the oral cavity during phototherapy.

1 . An oral phototherapy applicator comprising
 a body sized and shaped so as to fit at least partially in a user's mouth, and   at least one radiation emitter coupled to the body to irradiate a portion of the oral cavity with phototherapeutic radiation in at least two separate spectral bands.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the emitter further comprises at least one source of radiation having wavelength components in at least two separate spectral bands. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the emitter further comprises at least two sources of radiation emitting different spectral bands of radiation. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the emitter further comprises at least one radiation source selected from the group of light-emitting diodes, superluminescent diodes, laser diodes, vertical cavity surface emitting lasers, fiber lasers, fluorescent solid-state sources, and lamps. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the apparatus further comprises an optical filter for selecting a spectral band of radiation for use in phototherapy. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the apparatus further comprises a plurality of optical filters for selecting a plurality of spectral bands of radiation for use in phototherapy. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the spectral bands overlap. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the spectral bands do not overlap. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the apparatus further comprises an optical element for directing radiation in different directions. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9  wherein the apparatus is configured to direct radiation to at least one portion of the oral cavity selected from the group of a tooth, cheek, tongue, palate, throat and facial tissue, lymphatic tissue, blood, gland, follicle, collagen and pigmentation. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the apparatus further comprises a plurality of bristles. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11  wherein the bristles are substantially transparent to phototherapeutic radiation within at least one wavelength range. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 11  wherein the bristles are coupled to the emitter to receive and propagate radiation therefrom. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 11  wherein the apparatus further comprise a scattering agent to diffuse the radiation. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 11  wherein the bristles are at least partially coated with a reflective material. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 11  wherein the bristles are shaped to control light distribution. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 16  wherein the bristles have at least one shape selected from the group of conical, tapered, curved and spiral shapes. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 11  wherein the bristles are shaped to transmit radiation. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 18  wherein the bristles have at least one shape selected from the group of conical, tapered, curved and spiral shapes. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 11  wherein the bristles further comprise at least one element selected from the group of fluorescent, luminescent or lasing elements. 
     
     
         21 - 46 . (canceled)