Patent Application
20230320826
The present invention concerns a tool tip, a tool for a dental treatment and a method for operating such a tool.
In order to keep ones natural teeth as long as possible and to prevent caries and periodontal infections, home-care methods like brushing ones teeth and flossing are essential. Unfortunately, these alone are not sufficient. Biofilm arises even if homecare treatments are performed correctly and can lead to calculus formation and more serious diseases like periodontitis. Regular visits to a dentist are necessary for diagnosing the formation of biofilm or calculus and applying preventive techniques to neutralize their growth. Air-polishing technology, like AirFlow®, is the new reference for biofilm removal according to the Guided Biofilm Therapy® method, however, there is still a limitation for calcified calculus.
Scaling technologies provide greater efficiency for these cases. For scaling technology, the world's most commonly used technique is manual removal with a curette, using a cutting blade to detach the calculus from the teeth. This treatment is tiring for the operator as long-term musculoskeletal disorders may occur, and it is invasive due to the sharp active edge of the tool and can lead to tooth damage.
To overcome this issue, powered scalers have been developed that uses the efficiency of a high-frequency mechanical vibration to remove the calculus by a hammering motion. In addition, they produce less operator wrist fatigue than hand scaling. The main challenge is to obtain an efficient treatment with minimal impact on teeth, to access all narrow areas, to be ergonomic for the operator and to avoid the generation of unpleasant, parasitic effects like emitted sound or tangible vibrations.
The state of the art knows airscalers, magnetostrictive and piezoelectric scalers, which have been continuously improved in the past.
For improving prophylaxis and simplifying treatment, several developments have been performed to optimize piezoelectric scalers, for instance. For example, straight, non-bended tool tips have been developed for mounting them to a motional part, being actuated by a vibration source. The vibration source is typically formed by ring shaped piezo elements, which are stacked above each other. A horn, being connected to the stack of piezo elements on the one side and to the tool tip on the other side, transfers the motion of the vibration source to the tool tip.
Even if the new configuration is able to provide better performance with better ergonomics, the system remains composed of many costly parts, i.e. that a complex assembly process must also be applied. In addition, the assembly induces many interfaces and contact areas, which leads to ultrasonic wave reflections (losses) and unsuitable effects such as noise generation. Ultimately the system remains lossy and high performance or smart control algorithm could not be applied. Furthermore, the special shape of the scaler tip challenges the vibrational drive of the tool tip, since the shape is prone for parasitic vibration such that the vibrational movement caused by the vibration source cannot be effectively transferred to an oscillation at the distal end of the pointed tip of the tool tip.
Considering above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a tool having an improved efficiency of transferring the vibrational movement of the vibration source to the oscillation of the distal end of the pointed tool tip and having improved ergonomics, compared to the tools for dental treatments known in the prior art.
The object is achieved by a tool tip including the features of claim 1, a tool including the features of claim 9 and a method including the features of claim 15. Further embodiments are described in the dependent claims, the description and the figures.
According to a first aspect of the present invention a tool tip for a tool being intended for a dental treatment, in particular for a piezoelectric scaler, is provided, comprising
Contrary to the state of the art, it is provided according to the present invention that the first section of the tool tip is partially a flat basic body. This allows realizing a flat transducer, being formed by integrating the first section into vibration source. Preferably, the term “integrated” means that at least the first section of the tool tip is part of a vibration source, i.e. transducer, which transfers the electric energy to a vibrational movement. In particular, the design of a flat basic body supports a planner bending motion of the second section, namely of the distal end of the tool tip. As a consequence, two resonators are coupled (one in flexural motion in the second section and one longitudinal motion).
According to another aspect of the present invention, a tool for dental treatment, in particular a piezoelectric scaler, is provided, comprising
Despite the two coupled resonators it turned out that parasitic motion can be reduced by using a flat transducer. Therefore, using a tool tip, having a first section being at least partially integrated into the vibration source and having at least partially a flat basic body, increases the efficiency of transferring the originally actuated vibration movement to the distal end of the pointed tip of the tool tip in the second section, in particular for such tool tips having a first section and a second section, the second section direction being inclined relative to the first section direction. Moreover, it turned out that the tool remains in a proper resonance during operation and the vibrational behaviour at the output can be ensured, for example by an electronic driver closed loop control, although two resonators are coupled in such systems. Further, there is no additional horn needed, which is otherwise located at a distal front end of a stack formed by ring-shaped piezo elements of the vibration source, i.e. there is no additional component needed to form the horn, since the horn is included in the tool tip. Instead, the first section is integrated, preferably inserted, into the vibration source. As a consequence, a length of the tool can be reduced, which simplifies the handling of the tool for dental treatment.
In particular, the tool for dental treatment is a piezoelectric scaler having a scaler tip, being preferably formed in the second section of the tool tip. Such a scaler is intended to remove calculus and/or biofilms during treatment. During treatment, the tool is in an operation status, in which the tool tip performs a vibrational movement. In particular, it is provided that the vibrational movement is actuated by the vibration source. As a result, a movement along the first direction is transferred to an oscillation movement of the distal end of the pointed tool tip of the second section, the oscillation movement being preferably perpendicular to the second direction, along which the tool tip extends in the second section. The amplitude of the oscillation movement of the distal end of the tool tip reaches values up to 200 μm. Preferably, the vibration source causes a vibration movement having a frequency between 18 kHz and 60 kHz, preferably between 20 kHz and 40 kHz and more preferably between 25 kHz and 35 kHz. In particular, it is provided that the first section is completely formed as a flat basic body. Furthermore, the handpiece includes a housing, which surrounds the vibrational source and at least partially the tool tip. In particular, it is provided that the second section protrudes from a distal front end of the housing for performing the dental treatment.
Preferably, a horn is included in the tool tip. The horn is preferably formed as part of the first section, the part tapering. Thus, the tapering section can amplify the oscillating motion being transferred via the tapering part from the flat body to the second section.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the vibration source comprises a first plate and a second plate for forming a longitudinal resonator, which actuates the tool tip in the operation status, the first section being at least partially sandwiched between the first plate and the second plate. In particular, the first plate and the second plate are piezoelectric plates. Preferably, the first plate and the second plate are orientated parallel to each other and are spaced from each other in a direction being perpendicular to the main extension planes of the first plate and the second plate. By using such a design for the longitudinal resonator, it is possible to transfer the electrical energy to the first section and as a consequence to the tool tip, causing a vibrational movement of the first section inside the longitudinal resonator along a direction parallel to the first direction. As a consequence, a flat transducer is realised, which transforms an electrical energy being supplied to the tool to a vibrational movement of the tool tip.
Preferably, the first section and the second section form an integral body. Contrary to the state of the art, any kind of interface or connection between the vibration source and the distal end of the tool tip is avoided. As a result, losses due to ultrasonic wave reflections can be avoided and the efficiency of transferring the vibrational movement of the vibration source to the oscillation movement at the distal end of the tool tip can be improved. In particular, the term “integral” means that the first section and second section origin from the same piece of material and there is no possibility to separate the first section and the second section without destroying the tool tip.
Preferably, it is provided that a cross section of the flat basic body of the first section, in a plane perpendicular to the first direction, has a first extension and a second extension perpendicular to the first extension, wherein a ratio between the first extension to the second extension is smaller than 0.3, preferably smaller than 0.2 and more preferably smaller than 0.1 or even smaller than 0.75. In particular, it is provided that the second extension is parallel to the main extension plane of the first plate and/or second plate. The ratios between the first extension and the second extension as described above defines a flat basic body.
Especially, the first extension is between 0.5 and 2 mm, preferably between 0.7 and 1.5 mm and most preferably between 0.8 and 1.2 mm or about 1 mm, while preferably the second extension is between 2 and 20 mm, more between 5 and 15 mm and most preferably between 8 and 10 mm or about 9 mm.
In particular, the second extension and the second direction of the second section are located in the same plane. Such an orientation of the second section relative to the second extension supports effective transferring the vibration movement to the oscillation at the pointed tool tip. Preferably, the plane, through which the second direction and the second extension extend, is mainly parallel to the first plate and/or second plate of the vibration source.
In particular, it is provided that the tool tip is made from titanium or stainless steel. The titanium and stainless steel allow a high mechanical strength and modulus, ductility and acoustic transmission. The first plate and the second plate are probably made of a piezo electrical material, probably polycrystalline and more preferably a hard lead zirconate titanate, in particular PZT-4 or PZT-8.
Furthermore, the first plate and the second plate are preferably configured to actuate in a d31 transverse mode in the longitudinal resonator. As a consequence, it is avoided to use the d33 mode, which is used by the vibrational sources, being formed by the ring-shaped piezo elements, which are stacked above each other. In particular, it turned out that by using such a flat transducer it is possible to remain a proper resonance during operation and it is even possible to ensure the desired vibrational behaviour at the output, namely at the distal end of the pointed tool tip, due to an electronic drive having a closed loop control. Such an electronic drive can be used in case of a flat transducer. Furthermore, it is conceivable to use the d15 mode i.e. a mode using the d15 piezoelectric coefficient of the first plate and/or the second plate. Such a specific configuration confers more power.
In particular, it is provided that the tool comprises a control unit, the control unit being configured for controlling the vibrational source. In particular, the control unit is adapted to form an electronic closed loop control for controlling the oscillating movement of the distal end of the tool tip and of the tool tip. Furthermore, it is conceivable to use a feedback signal of the transducer as a sensor to detect what load is applied to the distal end of the tool tip. This allows to differentiate between unloaded operation and different load cases.
In particular, it is provided that a total length of a tool in a direction parallel to the first direction is smaller than 25 cm, preferably smaller than 20 cm and more preferably smaller than 15 cm. Such a tool is smaller than those known from the prior art and simplifies handling of the tool during its operation. In particular, it is possible to reduce the volume and consequently the weight of the tool, improving the ergonomics for a simplified handling of the tool.
It is also conceivable that the tool includes a light source, preferably at the distal end. In particular, at a distal front end of the housing, a light source is incorporated into the housing for illuminating the tooth being treated. This further simplifies the handling of the tool during the treatment.
Furthermore, the first section has a first subsection, being located inside the longitudinal resonator in the operation status and a second subsection, being located outside of the longitudinal resonator, wherein the second extension of the first subsection is larger than the second extension of the second subsection. As a consequence, a transition section is located between the first subsection and the second section. This transition section substitutes the horn, being used in the tool for dental treatment, preferably the piezoelectronic scaler, from the prior art. In particular, it is provided that the second extension tapers along the first direction within the second subsection. In particular, it is intended to use the transition section for an amplified vibration, being in antiphase with the oscillation movement of the first subsection.
In contrast to that, the second extension of the tool tip in the first subsection mainly stays constant. By using a comparably large second extension in the first subsection, it is possible to provide a comparably large area, which interacts with the first plate and the second plate for realizing the vibrational movement. Preferably, it is provided that a ratio of a second second extension in the first subsection to a first second extension in the first subsection has a value between 0.1 and 0.4, preferably between 0.1 and 0.3 and more preferably between 0.1 and 0.25.
The first second extension is preferably between 10 mm and 18 mm, more preferably about 14 mm, and the second second extension is between 0.5 and 4 mm, more preferably about 2 mm.
In particular, the first extension is essentially constant along the first direction, in particular, in a first subsection and/or the second subsection. It is also conceivable that the first extension is only constant in the first subsection, such that the tool tips include a flat basic body only in the first subsection. Realising a tool tip having a constant first extension in the first subsection and the second subsection allows easy manufacturing and avoids any danger of parasitic motions, being caused during the vibration.
In particular, it is provided that an angle between the first direction and the second direction has a value between 100° and 160°, preferably 105° and 140° and more preferably between 110° and 130°. As a consequence, an angle is established that is optimized for an oscillating movement at the distal end of the pointed tool tip and that removes during its oscillation biofilm and calculus from the surface of a tooth.
Furthermore, the tool tip has a protrusion, extending in a direction being parallel to the second extension. The protrusion is especially formed in a border region between the first subsection and the second subsection. The protrusion is located at a vibration node of the transducer (location without vibration), which could be used for transducer fixation because it avoid any damping or undesired effect during operation.
Another aspect of the present invention is a method for operating a tool according to one of the proceeding claims, wherein the tool tip is actuated to perform a vibrational motion having a frequency between 18 kHz and 60 kHz, preferably between 20 kHz and 40 kHz and more preferably between 25 kHz and 35 kHz.
The specifics and benefits being discussed for the tool for dental treatment according to the present invention applies analogously for the method and vice versa.
Wherever not already described explicitly, individual embodiments or their individual aspects and features can be combined or exchanged with one another without limiting or widening the scope of the described invention, whenever such a combination or exchange is meaningful and in the sense of this invention. Advantages, which are described with respect to one aspect of the present invention are, wherever applicable also advantages of other aspects of the present invention.
In
The vibration source 20, being used in such a tools, typically includes ring-shaped piezo elements 55, the piezo elements 55 being stacked above each other in a direction being parallel to the direction of the vibrational movement, being caused by the vibrational source. In other words, the vibrational source includes a stack 56 of ring-shaped piezo elements 55, being stacked above each other in a direction parallel to the direction of vibrational movement. Typically, the horn 53 is connected to a distal front side of the stack 46, formed by the ring-shaped piezo element 55.
Such tools 51 of the prior art have the disadvantage of being comparably large and, therefore, hard to handle. Furthermore, due to the specific shape of the tool tip 51, namely its bended orientation, in particular its inclined orientation of the distal end relative to the direction being parallel to the vibrational movement, the tool tip 52 is prone for parasitic oscillations, which reduce the efficiency of transferring the vibrational movement from the vibrational source to the distal end of the tool tip 52. Furthermore, the tool 51 for dental treatments as illustrated in
In
Such small dimensioned tools 1 simplify handling, in particular, compared to the handpieces 6 known from the prior art. Furthermore,
In
Furthermore, it is provided that the tool tip 10 has a first section 11, extending along the first direction D1 and a second section 12, extending along a second direction D2, the second direction D2 being inclined to the first direction D1, preferably, by forming an angle between 100° and 160°, preferably 105° and 140° and more preferably between 110° and 130°. In particular, it is provided that the tool tip is formed by an integral body, the first section 11 merges into the second section 12, wherein the second section 12 is bended relatively to the first direction D1 of the first section 11.
In the embodiment illustrated in
Furthermore, it is provided that the first section has a first subsection 111 and a second subsection 112, the first subsection 111 having a second extension E2, being larger than the second extension E2 of the second subsection 112. Thus, a transition section is formed by the part of the first section 11, being preferably located between the first subsection 111 and the second section 12. Preferably, the second extension E2 of the tool tip 10 in the second subsection 112 tapers from a proximal end of the tool tip 10 to a distal end of the tool tip 10.
Furthermore, the tool tip 10 has at least one protrusion 7, which is located between the first subsection 111 and the second subsection 112. The protrusion 7 extends in a direction being parallel to the second extension E2 and increase the second extension E2 of the tool tip 1 in the area of the protrusion 7.
Furthermore, the first subsection 111 has a first length L1 and the second subsection 112 has a second length L2, wherein a ratio between the second length L2 to the first length L1 has a value between 0.75 and 1.25, preferably between 0.9 and 1.1 and more preferably between 0.95 and 1.05. The first length depends on the frequency and has for example a value between 15 mm and 80 mm. For example, the first length is 70 mm for 18 kHz and 20 mm for 60 kHz.
Moreover, the second section 12 of the tool tip 10 has a third length L3, being smaller than the first length L1 and/or the second length L2. It is also provided that the second section 12 is orientated such that the second direction D2 and the second extension E2 of the tool tip 10 extend in a common plane. In particular, the transducer 30, being illustrated in
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20196943.3 | Sep 2020 | EP | regional |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2021/075513 | 9/16/2021 | WO |
