Patent Application
20210358620
The present disclosure relates to radiometers and curing lights for use in dental applications.
Dental curing lights have been used for over three decades to polymerize composite materials for use as dental fillings. A dental clinician places an unpolymerized composite material in a patient's mouth and configures it according to clinical needs, and then subsequently rapidly polymerizes the material using the curing light so that it becomes a rigid dental filling. The basic types of dental curing light sources are tungsten halogen, light-emitting diode (LED), plasma arc, and laser.
The use of a radiometer in combination with a curing light allows a dental clinician to measure the light output of the curing light. A number of factors determine the degree of polymerization, including (1) the intensity of the curing light, (2) the depth of the restoration, (3) the shade of the composite material, (4) the type of filler and the chemistry of the composite material, (5) the age of the material, and (6) the wavelength of the light applied for curing.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,175,436 to Friedman (“the '436 patent”) discloses a radiometer and a method for providing an indication of the amount of time needed to cause a light-curable dental resin composite material to optimally polymerize in response to the application of light from any light-curing source during the preparation of a dental restoration. However, the '436 patent does not include a component for communication between the radiometer and curing light used therewith or a method for electronically tracking information regarding the restorative material used to treat a specific patient.
Thus there remains a need for a dental radiometry system that includes a component for communication between a radiometer and a curing light used therewith and that allows electronic transmission of information related to the restorative material used in a given restoration.
The present disclosure describes systems and methods for radiometry in dental applications. The disclosed systems include a radiometer, a dental curing light, a composite material reader, and a restoration data storage device, where one or more of the radiometer, dental curing light, composite material reader, and restoration data storage device may include one or more communication modules that enable wireless communication between one or more of the radiometer, curing light, composite material reader, and restoration data storage device. The one or more communication modules may be one or more Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, or other radio frequency-based modules. In some highly preferred embodiments, each of the radiometer, curing light, composite material reader, and restoration data storage device is configured to wirelessly transmit or receive information via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or ZigBee. In alternative embodiments, the one or more communication modules may be one or more infrared or other optically-based modules. In some preferred embodiments, the radiometer has at least one communication module and the curing light also has at least one communication module. In such embodiments, the communication modules may be used to transmit information between the radiometer and the curing light, and between one or more of the radiometer and curing light and one or more of the composite material reader and restoration data storage device. In some embodiments, additional communication modules may also act to relay instructions between other communication modules, such as to extend the range of communication, or to convert transmissions between different formats, such as Wi-Fi to Bluetooth or ZigBee to infrared.
In some embodiments, the composite material reader may be a bar code reader, QR code reader, NFC tag reader, or any other similar device. The composite material reader may allow a user to obtain information from a package or container of a composite material that is labeled with a readable code, chip, mark, or tag such as by a bar code, QR code, or NFC tag. In some alternative embodiments, the composite material reader may be an image scanner that can detect text or images to obtain information from a label associated with a package or container of a composite material.
In some embodiments, the restoration data storage device may be a computer, such as a personal computer or smart device, that is configured to receive information from the radiometer. The computer may be a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet, a smartphone, or any other suitable computing device. The restoration data storage device may preferably have one or more communication modules that are configured to wirelessly communicate with at least the communication module of the radiometer. The restoration data storage device communication modules may be one or more Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, or other radio frequency-based modules. In alternative embodiments, the one or more restoration data storage device communication modules may be one or more radio frequency, infrared, or other optically-based modules.
Methods of using the disclosed systems to optimally cure a light-curable composite material are also disclosed herein.
The figures provided herewith are intended to illustrate but not to limit the invention. Reference numbers are re-used in the figures to indicate correspondence between referenced elements.
These and other features, aspects, and advantages are described below with reference to the drawings, which are intended to illustrate but not to limit the invention. In the drawings, like reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout similar embodiments.
The present disclosure describes systems and methods for radiometry in dental applications. The disclosed systems include a radiometer, a dental curing light, a composite material reader, and a restoration data storage device, where one or more of the radiometer, dental curing light, composite material reader, and restoration data storage device may include one or more communication modules that enable wireless communication between one or more of the radiometer, curing light, composite material reader, and restoration data storage device. The one or more communication modules may be one or more Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, or other radio frequency-based modules. In some highly preferred embodiments, each of the radiometer, curing light, composite material reader, and restoration data storage device is configured to wirelessly transmit or receive information via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or ZigBee. In alternative embodiments, the one or more communication modules may be one or more infrared or other optically-based modules. In some preferred embodiments, the radiometer has at least one communication module and the curing light also has at least one communication module. In such embodiments, the communication modules may be used to transmit information between the radiometer and the curing light, and between one or more of the radiometer and curing light and one or more of the composite material reader and restoration data storage device. In some embodiments, additional communication modules may also act to relay instructions between other communication modules, such as to extend the range of communication, or to convert transmissions between different formats, such as Wi-Fi to Bluetooth or ZigBee to infrared.
For example, the communication modules described herein may be composed of a Bluetooth-enabled network component that initiates or joins a Bluetooth network to communicate with other communication modules. In this manner, the radiometer, the dental curing light, the composite material reader, and the restoration data storage device may then be able to exchange data, such as sensor readings, instructions, and so on via such a Bluetooth network.
In some embodiments, the radiometer may further include a microprocessor and a memory, where the microprocessor is configured to record information for storage on the memory. In such embodiments, the one or more communication modules of the radiometer are preferably configured to obtain information stored on the memory and wirelessly transmit said information. For example, the one or more communication modules of the radiometer may transmit sensor data via the Bluetooth network to an application that is connected to the Bluetooth network via a personal computer or a smart device, such as a phone or tablet.
In some embodiments, the composite material reader may be a bar code reader, QR code reader, NFC tag reader, or any other similar device. The composite material reader may allow a user to obtain information from a package or container of a composite material that is labeled with a readable code, chip, mark, or tag such as by a bar code, QR code, or NFC tag. In some alternative embodiments, the composite material reader may be an image scanner that can detect text or images to obtain information from a label associated with a package or container of a composite material.
In such embodiments, the one or more communication modules of the composite material reader are preferably configured to obtain information stored on the composite material reader and wirelessly transmit said information. For example, the one or more communication modules of the radiometer may transmit any information obtained from a readable code, chip, mark, or tag by the composite material reader (such as by a bar code, QR code, or NFC tag) via the Bluetooth network to an application that is connected to the Bluetooth network via a personal computer, such as a desktop computer or a laptop computer, or a smart device, such as a smartphone or tablet.
In some embodiments, the restoration data storage device may be a computer, such as a personal computer or smart device, that is configured to receive information from the radiometer. The computer may be a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet, a smartphone, or any other suitable computing device. The restoration data storage device may preferably have one or more communication modules that are configured to wirelessly communicate with at least the communication module of the radiometer. The restoration data storage device communication modules may be one or more Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, or other radio frequency-based modules. In alternative embodiments, the one or more restoration data storage device communication modules may be one or more radio frequency, infrared, or other optically-based modules.
Methods of using the disclosed systems to optimally cure a light-curable composite material are also disclosed herein.
In some preferred embodiments, the disclosed systems may include a radiometer disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,175,436 to Friedman (“the '436 patent”) or a similar radiometer that includes additional features or removes features as needed for optimum use in the disclosed systems. As used herein, the term “radiometer” refers to a radiometer that is capable of monitoring the change in intensity of light traveling through a material analogous to the monitoring process in Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. In some highly preferred embodiments, the radiometer is programmed to determine the change in a rate of cure of a light-curable composite material and thereby determine whether an optimum cure time has been reached for the light-curable composite material. It will be understood by ordinary skilled artisans that the rate of cure of a light-curable composite material corresponds to the degree of polymerization of the material. An embodiment of the radiometer 200 is shown in
In Optical Conversion mode, a light curing source (not shown) with a light guide 211 may be used to cure a sample of an uncured light-curable composite material 225 as described below. A sample of uncured light-curable composite material 225 is placed in a sample holder 226 of appropriate thickness for a given restoration. The sample holder 226 may have a thickness that corresponds to a typical required depth of a dental restoration, and thus by varying the thickness of the sample holder 226, the thickness of the sample 225 may be adjusted. The sample 225 is held by a grip detail 227, as shown in
In some embodiments, the algorithm may be programmed via instructions received by the one or more communication modules of the radiometer 200. For example, an application running on computer 130 may receive an updated algorithm which it then sends to radiometer 200 via their associated communication modules. Upon receipt of the algorithm via its communication module, radiometer 200 may then update microcontroller 202 with the new algorithm. In some embodiments, any information displayed by the radiometer 200 may be sent via the one or more communication modules to another device. For example, the time needed to maximally cure the composite may be sent via the one or more communication modules of radiometer 200 to computer 130, wherein it may then be displayed in an application to a user.
In Power mode, the radiometer 200 measures the curing light output intensity. The intensity may preferably be displayed in W/cm2 or mW/cm2. The display 204 may preferably be programmed to update the displayed output intensity as long as the mode switch 206 is activated. The mode switch 206 may, for example, be activated when a push button is depressed. When the mode switch 206 is deactivated, such as by releasing a push button, the radiometer will continue to measure the curing light output intensity but the display will correspond only to the peak measurements. This mode of using a radiometer is also termed “irradiance” in various references. In some embodiments, the curing light output intensity may be sent via the one or more communication modules of radiometer 200 to computer 130, wherein it may then be displayed in an application to a user.
In Energy mode, the accumulated energy delivered to a composite material may be measured. The measurement may preferably be displayed in J or mJ. Activating the mode switch 206 may reset the measurement. In some embodiments, the accumulated energy measurements may be sent via the one or more communication modules of radiometer 200 to computer 130, wherein it may then be displayed in an application to a user.
In Calibration mode, the radiometer may be calibrated using a standard light source and a calibration filter that has the same or nearly the same optical transmission characteristics as a fully cured dental composite material. The calibration filter may preferably comprise a polymer material. The exposure time displayed may then be compared using the calibration filter and the light unit being tested. The microcontroller may be programmed to adjust the offset if a given sequence of switches is activated simultaneously or serially. In some embodiments, the exposure time or other calibration information may be sent via the one or more communication modules of radiometer 200 to computer 130, wherein it may then be displayed in an application to a user.
The on/off function switch 205 may be used to turn on or turn off the radiometer 200. In some embodiments, the radiometer 200 may be programmed to automatically turn off or enter a low power state if it is unused for a specified period of time. In additional embodiments, the radiometer 200 may be programmed to automatically turn off or enter a low power state if it is unused for a specified period of time based on instructions received from the one or more communication modules of radiometer 200, such as instructions sent via an application on computer 130.
The display 204 may display real-time light intensity (power density), accumulated light energy delivered, or recommended exposure time depending on the mode of operation. The display 204 may preferably be an LCD display. In some embodiments, real-time light intensity (power density), accumulated light energy delivered, or recommended exposure time depending on the mode of operation may be transmitted by the communication modules of radiometer 200 for display on another device, such as on an application on computer 130.
In some embodiments, the light sensor may be a solid-state photo detector.
The radiometer may preferably be battery-operated.
The disclosed systems further include a dental curing light. The dental curing light may be used to cure a light-curable composite material. The curing light may preferably have a light guide. The curing light may include at least one communication module that allows transmission of information from the radiometer to the curing light.
In some embodiments, the radiometer may be programmed to send an instruction to the curing light when the optimum cure time has been reached, and the curing light may be programmed to automatically turn off immediately upon receipt of said instruction.
In some preferred embodiments, the radiometer does not control the intensity of the light generated by the curing light.
One or more components of the disclosed systems, namely the radiometer, curing light, composite material reader, and restoration data storage device, may include one or more communication modules that enable wireless communication between the radiometer, curing light, composite material reader, and restoration data storage device. The one or more communication modules may be one or more Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, or other radio frequency-based modules. In alternative embodiments, the one or more communication modules may be one or more infrared or other optically-based modules for sending or receiving information as described herein. The one or more communication modules may implemented using chipsets well known in the art or may be integrated into the hardware and software elements of the radiometer, curing light, composite material reader, or restoration data storage device. Each of the one or more communication modules preferably includes an on-board memory with sufficient storage capacity to store the information that may be transmitted between the communication module and other communication modules or other components of the system, including both information that will be transmitted by the communication module and information that will be received by the communication module. In some preferred embodiments, the radiometer may include at least one communication module and the curing light also may include at least one communication module. In such embodiments, the communication modules may be used to transmit information between the radiometer and the curing light, and between one or more of the radiometer and curing light and one or more of the composite material reader and restoration data storage device described below. In some embodiments, additional communication modules may also act to relay instructions between other communication modules, such as to extend the range of communication, or to convert transmissions between different formats, such as Wi-Fi to Bluetooth or ZigBee to infrared.
In some embodiments, the minimum amount of time required to optimally cure an uncured light-curable composite material may be wirelessly transmitted from the radiometer to the curing light using the communication modules of the radiometer and curing light respectively. The curing light may preferably be configured to automatically turn off at the time at which the light-curable composite material in use has been optimally cured. In other embodiments, a visual or audio indicator, such as a flickering LED or a musical chime, may be used to indicate when the light-curable composite material in use has been optimally cured. The optimal curing time may be determined by the change in the rate of cure, which depends on factors such as (1) the intensity of the curing light, (2) the depth of the restoration, (3) the shade of the composite material, (4) the type of filler and the chemistry of the composite material, (5) the age of the material, and (6) the wavelength of the light applied for curing.
The disclosed systems further include a composite material reader. The composite material reader may be a bar code reader, QR code reader, NFC tag reader, or any other similar device. The composite material reader may allow a user to obtain information from a package or container of a light-curable composite material that is labeled with a readable code, chip, mark, or tag such as by a bar code, QR code, or NFC tag. In some alternative embodiments, the composite material reader may be an image scanner that can detect text or images to obtain information from a label associated with a specific package or container of a composite material.
In some embodiments, information that may be provided on the readable code, chip, mark, or tag of a package or container of a light-curable composite material may include the type of material, manufacturer, serial number, lot code number, use-by date or expiration date, and specification information for the material such as the shade of the material and other relevant information.
The composite material reader may preferably have one or more communication modules. The one or more composite material reader communication modules may be one or more Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, or other radio frequency-based modules. In alternative embodiments, the one or more composite material reader communication modules may be one or more infrared or other optically-based modules. In some embodiments, the one or more composite material reader communication modules may transmit data to the radiometer, such as any information obtained from a readable code, chip, mark, or tag. In alternate embodiments, the one or more composite material reader communication modules may transmit data, such as any information obtained from a readable code, chip, mark, or tag, directly to the restoration data storage device described below.
Information transmitted from the composite material reader's one or more communication modules to the radiometer's one or more communication modules or restoration data storage device's communication modules described below may include the type of material, manufacturer, serial number, lot code number, use-by date or expiration date, and specification information for the material such as the shade of the material and other relevant information.
In some embodiments, the information transmitted from the composite material reader may be used by the radiometer or restoration data storage device to determine a curing time, an algorithm for curing, or to perform compliance tests. For example, if the material is past its expiration date, an application on the restoration data storage device or the radiometer may indicate the need to replace the material. As another example, the shade of the material may be compared by such an application or the radiometer with patient data to ensure that proper color matching with the patient's teeth is obtained. As yet another example, information such as the type of material and manufacturer may be checked by such an application or the radiometer to determine appropriate insurance coverage. In addition, such an application or the radiometer may use such information to check a database for recalls or other potential issues.
In some embodiments, the composite material reader may preferably be a digital scanner.
The disclosed systems further include a restoration data storage device. In some embodiments, the restoration data storage device may be a computer configured to send or receive data from the radiometer. The computer may be a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet, a smartphone, or any other suitable computing device. The restoration data storage device may preferably have one or more communication modules that are configured to wirelessly communicate with at least the communication module of the radiometer. The one or more restoration data storage device communication modules may be one or more Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, or other radio frequency-based modules. In alternative embodiments, the one or more restoration data storage device communication modules may be one or more infrared or other optically-based modules.
Information transmitted from the one or more radiometer communication modules to the one or more restoration data storage device communication modules may include the depth of the restoration and the curing time.
Information transmitted from the one or more composite material reader communication modules to the one or more restoration data storage device communication modules may include the type of material, manufacturer, serial number, lot code number, use-by date or expiration date, and specification information for the material such as the shade of the material and other relevant information. In some embodiments, this information may be transmitted from the one or more composite material reader communication modules to the one or more radiometer communication modules and then from the one or more radiometer communication modules to the one or more restoration data storage device communication modules. In alternate embodiments, this information may be transmitted directly from the one or more composite material reader communication modules to the one or more restoration data storage device communication modules.
Additional information recorded by the restoration data storage device may include the name of the patient, the date of placement of the restoration, and the number and type of surfaces restored (also known as the class of the restoration).
In some embodiments, the restoration data storage device may include an application running on a personal computer or smart device, such as a phone or tablet. In such embodiments, information displayed on other devices, such as the radiometer 200, may be transmitted to the restoration data storage device for display by the application. In addition, with respect to operations that may be applied to other devices as described herein, such operations may be applied indirectly via the application running on the restoration data storage device. For example, the application may instruct the composite material reader to read a tag via the application, instruct the radiometer to select a specific mode, start a curing process, etc.
Wireless transmission of data using the disclosed systems provides numerous advantages for clinicians performing dental restorations. Wireless transmission of data reduces or eliminates the possibility of human error in recording the appropriate curing time or other relevant information. It allows dental clinicians to focus on patient treatment rather than data recordation. In addition, in the event of a future issue with a dental restoration such as breakage, discoloration, unusual wear, or an allergic reaction, a dental clinician would be able to access specific details regarding the restoration, including the type of material used, that would inform decisions regarding resolution of the issue. Moreover, by providing manufacturers of composite materials with information regarding the specific successes and failures of specific restorations, manufacturers will be better informed and able to reach more accurate and specific conclusions regarding issues such as whether a particular lot of material was defective or whether a particular use-by date is appropriate for a given composite material. In addition, a manufacturer would be able to communicate information regarding a defective batch or lot of material and clinicians would be able to identify necessary remedial measures on a patient-by-patient basis.
Wireless transmission of data using the disclosed systems may also be used to allow a computer to update and adapt a radiometer, a curing light, or a composite material reader to operate within the disclosed systems. For example, a firmware upgrade may be pushed out by a computer. As another example, a computer may send instructions to a curing light restricting operation of the curing light to prevent a user from damaging a selected composite material. As yet another example, the curing light output may be monitored or controlled using a handheld computer, such as a smartphone or tablet.
The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the invention disclosed herein. Although the various inventive aspects are disclosed in the context of certain illustrated embodiments, implementations, and examples, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while a number of variations of various inventive aspects have been shown and described in detail, other modifications that are within their scope will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art based upon reviewing this disclosure. It should be also understood that the scope of this disclosure includes the various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein, such that the various features, modes of implementation, and aspects of the disclosed subject matter may be combined with or substituted for one another. The generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.
Similarly, the disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intent that any claim set forth below requires more features than are expressly recited in that claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects may reside in a combination of fewer than all features of any single foregoing disclosed embodiment.
Each of the foregoing and various aspects, together with those set forth in the claims and summarized above or otherwise disclosed herein, including the figures, may be combined without limitation to form claims for a device, apparatus, system, method of manufacture, and/or method of use.
All references cited herein are hereby expressly incorporated by reference.
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/321,388, filed on May 14, 2021, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/416,896, filed on May 20, 2019, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/815,879, filed on Mar. 8, 2019, the entireties of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62815879 | Mar 2019 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 17321388 | May 2021 | US |
| Child | 17443447 | US | |
| Parent | 16416896 | May 2019 | US |
| Child | 17321388 | US |
