VARIABLE-FREQUENCY ORAL VIBRATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS
A dental device includes a mouthpiece configured to sit against occlusal surfaces of a patient's teeth and a motor connected to the mouthpiece. The motor is configured to vibrate the mouthpiece at a frequency between 60 and 120 Hz and an acceleration between 0.03G and 0.06G such that the mouthpiece places an axial vibratory force on the occlusal surfaces.
1 . A dental device comprising:
a mouthpiece configured to contact occlusal surfaces of a patient's teeth; and
a vibrator connected to the mouthpiece,
a controller configured to adjust the vibrator to vibrate the mouthpiece at a frequency that varies substantially continuously.
2 . The dental device of claim 1 , wherein the frequency varies about a base frequency of 120 Hz.
3 . The dental device of claim 1 , wherein the frequency varies between 110 Hz and 130 Hz.
4 . The dental device of claim 1 , wherein the frequency varies between 115 Hz and 125 Hz.
5 . The dental device of claim 1 , wherein the frequency varies sinusoidally.
6 . The dental device of claim 1 , wherein the frequency varies linearly.
7 . The dental device of claim 1 , wherein the acceleration is between 0.03 G and 0.2 G and is substantially constant.
8 . The dental device of claim 1 , wherein the motor is configured to oscillate between accelerations.
9 . The dental device of claim 1 , wherein the mouthpiece has a U-shaped so as to extend over a plurality of a patient's teeth.
10 . The dental device of claim 1 , wherein the mouthpiece includes a biteplate configured to sit against occlusal surfaces of a patient's teeth and an extension configured to connect to a base.
11 . A method for accelerating orthodontic treatment comprising using the device of claim 1 .
12 . The method of claim 11 wherein the using step is performed for 5 minutes daily for a plurality of days.
13 . A method for seating an orthodontic aligner comprising using the device of claim 1 .
14 . The method of claim 13 wherein the using step is performed for 5 minutes daily for a plurality of days.
15 . A method for treating oral discomfort comprising using the device of claim 1 .
16 . The method of claim 15 wherein the using step is performed for 5 minutes daily for a plurality of days.
17 . A method for stimulating bone growth comprising using the device of claim 1 .
18 . The method of claim 17 wherein the using step is performed for 5 minutes daily for a plurality of days.