Orthodontic devices and methods for using those devices

Abstract

A device for use by a clinician includes a tip structure that is configured to extend from a handle and to be inserted into a patient's mouth and at least one light source that is capable of emitting incoherent actinic radiation from the device. The light source is on the tip structure or within the handle. A light device includes a shell that is configured to engage an orthodontic bracket while the orthodontic bracket is attached to a tooth and at least one light source is embedded in the shell and is capable of emitting incoherent actinic radiation. A method of debonding an orthodontic appliance from a tooth includes exposing an adhesive secured to the tooth to incoherent actinic radiation that reduces a bond strength of at least a portion of the adhesive and separating the orthodontic appliance from the tooth at the portion of the adhesive having reduced bond strength.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device for use by a clinician in orthodontics comprising:
 a tip structure that is configured to extend from a handle and to be inserted into a patient's mouth; and   at least one light source that is capable of emitting incoherent actinic radiation from the device,   wherein the light source is on the tip structure or within the handle.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1  further including a sonic or ultrasonic generator coupled to the tip structure and configured to vibrate the tip structure. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2  further including the handle wherein a housing defines the handle and the sonic or ultrasonic generator is in the housing. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the at least one light source emits light in at least one of an IR spectrum, an NIR spectrum, and an UV spectrum to irradiate a cured adhesive within the patient's mouth. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1  further including a source of blue light that is capable of emitting light in a blue portion of a visible light spectrum to cure an adhesive within the patient's mouth. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the at least one light source is capable of producing an irradiance of 50 mW per cm 2  to 250 mW per cm 2 . 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the at least one light source is capable of producing an irradiance up to an amount that does not heat a cured adhesive within a patient's mouth. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the handle includes a socket and the tip structure is one of a set of a plurality of different tip structures, and each of the tip structures in the set is capable of being removably coupled to the handle in the socket. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the tip structure includes a bite plate and a sidewall that is configured to face a surface of the patient's teeth and the at least one light source is positioned in the sidewall, the tip structure being configured to irradiate an entire arch of the patient's mouth. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the tip structure includes a shell configured to physically contact the orthodontic appliance. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 10  wherein the shell includes a cavity defined in part by opposing projections. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 10  wherein the shell includes at least one projection capable of contacting and applying a tensile force on the orthodontic appliance. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the tip structure includes a tool for contacting the orthodontic appliance and the at least one light source is adjacent the tool. 
     
     
         14 . A light device comprising:
 a shell that is configured to engage an orthodontic bracket while the orthodontic bracket is attached to a tooth; and   at least one light source embedded in the shell and that is capable of emitting incoherent actinic radiation.   
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 14  wherein the shell defines a cavity configured to receive the orthodontic bracket and the at least one light source is configured to irradiate the cavity. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 15  wherein the cavity includes opposing projections that are configured to create an interference fit with the orthodontic bracket when the bracket is in the cavity. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 14  wherein the shell further includes a U-shaped portion that is configured to fit over an occlusal edge of the tooth. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 14  wherein the at least one light source emits light in at least one of an IR spectrum, an NIR spectrum, and an UV spectrum to irradiate a cured adhesive within the patient's mouth. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 14  wherein the at least one light source includes a first light source for the IR or NIR spectrums and a second light source for the UV spectrum. 
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 14  wherein the at least one light source is capable of producing an irradiance of 50 mW per cm 2  to 250 mW per cm 2 . 
     
     
         21 . The device of  claim 14  wherein the at least one light source is capable of producing an irradiance that does not heat a cured adhesive within the patient's mouth. 
     
     
         22 . A method of debonding an orthodontic appliance from a tooth comprising:
 exposing an adhesive secured to the tooth to incoherent actinic radiation that reduces a bond strength of at least a portion of the adhesive; and   separating the orthodontic appliance from the tooth at the portion of the adhesive having reduced bond strength.