WO1995014441A1

WO1995014441A1 - Ultrasonic toothbrush

Info

Publication number: WO1995014441A1
Application number: PCT/EP1994/003807
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ulrich Kurze
Original assignee: Ulrich Kurze
Priority date: 1993-11-29
Filing date: 1994-11-17
Publication date: 1995-06-01
Also published as: DE4340598A1; AU8144294A

Abstract

With the proposed process and device for cleaning teeth, a liquid or gaseous cleaning agent is fed into an enclosed area around all the teeth of an upper or lower jaw and exposed to ultrasounds. The duration of exposure to the ultrasounds, and the amplitude, frequency and power of the latter, are set at levels below those which can cause damage to cells/tissue and tooth hard substance or tooth segment. The cleaning agent used is a liquid which is matched to the plaque and contains additives which dissolve plaque or enhance its ultrasound absorption, surface active substances and/or catalase- and/or peroxidase inhibitors and/or fluorescent compounds as micromolecule forms, and, where necessary, protective substances which build up the teeth, as additives.

Description

ULTRASONIC TOOTHBRUSH

The invention relates to a method and a device for cleaning teeth.

The purpose of the invention is to create a device with which at least all teeth of a jaw can be cleaned reliably at the same time without any direct dependence on cleaning operations by the user.

The problem with previously known tooth cleaning devices is that a total cleaning of the teeth or the oral cavity is often not achieved. This is primarily due to the fact that previously known devices require the user to use them correctly and completely, which, according to general life experience, is not consistently carried out by the user. However, caries and inflammation of the gums can only be prevented if the degree of cleaning is over 75%. Electric toothbrushes and mouth showers suggest the serious misconception that you can buy oral health. In practice, however, electric toothbrushes and irrigators also depend on the skill and motivation of the user.

In addition to the reduced use, tooth cleaning with very good cleaning results also occurs in many cases, but at the same time excessive abrasion occurs on the hard and soft tissue.

Accordingly, there is a need to create a method and a device for cleaning teeth or the oral cavity that enables reliable cleaning in a short time in a gentle, effective and user-independent manner. The invention provides a method for cleaning teeth according to claim 1 and a device for cleaning according to claim 5. Preferred further embodiments of the method and the device can be found in the respective subordinate claims.

The method and the device according to the invention ensure that all teeth of at least one jaw are cleaned effectively and gently and independently of the user, eliminating the need for toothpaste and advantageously opening up the need for toothpicks and dental floss.

For the cleaning treatment of the teeth, the ultrasound exposure time as well as the frequency, amplidute and the power of the ultrasound are to be regulated below the damage value of cells / tissue and tooth structure. According to a preferred further embodiment of the invention with a double-channel mouthpiece, all teeth are subjected to stronger sound waves in the same direction from the inside out or vice versa in order to achieve a thrust and suction effect.

The cleaning agent used is preferably liquid which is adapted to the plaque and dissolves the plaque or improves the sound wave absorption, and has surface-active substances and / or catalase and peroxidase inhibitors and / or fluorescent compounds as a micromolecule and, if necessary, protective substances which build up as additives. A marker can also be provided in a favorable manner as an additive for cleaning liquid.

The device according to the invention for cleaning teeth basically consists of a handpiece that can be supplied with cleaning agent, in which an ultrasonic oscillator is arranged in front of at least one cleaning agent outlet, and of at least one upper jaw and / or lower jaw mouthpiece that can be coupled to each cleaning agent outlet of the handpiece and through which Detergent can be supplied to an external area of all teeth of an upper and / or lower jaw and can be subjected to ultrasound.

Each mouthpiece preferably has an impression tray-like shape with at least one cleaning channel, which extends from a connecting section to a recess formed for the teeth to be cleaned, the cleaning channel being closed off in the gum contact area provided with a sealing lip and to the recess Has passage slots, which are preferably provided on the sides and the bottom of the cleaning channel. The distance between the passage slots is provided for an area-wide sonication of the teeth and the oral mucosa, and according to a special embodiment of the invention, the cleaning channel has mason horns at least partially in the area of the tooth sides and at each end of the row of teeth.

The mouthpiece advantageously has at least one cleaning agent channel for the inside of the tooth and at least one cleaning agent channel for the outside of the tooth, which can be alternately fed with ultrasound to produce a pressure-assisted suction or pushing function. The pressure support can take place either when using a liquid as a cleaning agent by means of two pumps and when using a gaseous cleaning agent using at least one outlet-controllable compressed gas supply.

According to a special embodiment of the invention, the mouthpiece can also be provided for the simultaneous cleaning of the upper and lower jaw, either as a single mouthpiece which is used for both the upper jaw and for the lower jaw, or as a one-piece double mouthpiece which enables the simultaneous cleaning of Upper and lower jaw allowed. For the safe operation of the device, it is also advantageous if at least one contact sensor, for example in the bite area for the teeth of the opposing jaw, is provided on each mouthpiece, after activation of which cleaning agent can be conveyed into the mouthpiece. Furthermore, at least one filling sensor is provided on each mouthpiece, which ensures that the cleaning channel (s) are completely filled before the ultrasonic vibrator is put into operation, and each cleaning agent channel can be sonicated after it has been activated.

The handpiece has a preferably moisture-protected operating switch or sensor switch, and has a quick coupling with a ball valve for connecting a mouthpiece. The ultrasonic vibrator arranged in the handpiece preferably consists of a tube vibrator with a longitudinal resonance frequency and a large-amplitude transducer for about 30 kHz, the exposure time and the frequency and / or the power being controllable below the damage value of the cells and tooth segment.

For the supply of cleaning agent, a basic device with a housing is advantageously provided, in which at least one cleaning agent conveying device, control electronics and a current socket are arranged, each cleaning agent conveying device being connectable to a reservoir for cleaning agents.

The storage container for detergents can preferably be placed on the housing and, in its fitting position, is connected via at least one outlet to an associated inlet of an electrical heating device in the housing, which inlet can preferably be closed by means of a valve, the outlet of which is connected to at least one detergent conveying device. The storage container is preferably designed as a lid for the housing of the basic device and thus contributes to a functionally sensible and compact design of the device at. In addition, the base unit can have a physical and / or chemical treatment device for cleaning agents, and the control electronics have sensor interrogation logic and a time control in order to carry out the operation of the device safely and reliably in a manner which is gentle on the gums and gums. The query logic is used, for example, for a sensor of a heating device, for a sensor for cleaning liquid softening, etc.

The handpiece is connected to the base unit by means of a preferably self-winding arrangement of at least one spiral hose and power lines, and the housing of the base unit has optical and / or acoustic display devices, the power supply being provided either by voltage-switchable mains voltage, a battery or an accumulator.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the housing of the base unit in the lid attachment area has a powerful, preferably flat ultrasonic oscillator, by means of which the cleaning agent in the storage container can be subjected to ultrasound for cleaning purposes.

For the implementation of the method and the use of the device, it is furthermore favorable if, on the housing, a separate, preferably lockable, receiving chamber for mouthpieces with an optical and / or acoustic display of the need for cleaning the mouthpieces, and preferably a deactivation circuit for the device is formed when the cleaning has not taken place. In addition, a magnifying mirror with fluorescent lamp and a fluorescent solution removal device for cleaning control can be provided on the housing of the basic device. In addition, the receiving chamber for mouthpieces can be provided with a counting unit for cleaning operations carried out, preferably with a visual display, on the housing of the basic device and a hose for brackish water disposal on the storage container or at the outlet of a second pump in the basic device. The mouthpieces have a circumferential seal for the cleaning channel for contacting the gums and a plastic coating with an integrated pressure sensor for releasing the control electronics on the section of the mouthpiece which is directed towards the opposite jaw. This advantageously enables the opposing jaw to fixate. The supply of cleaning agent, in particular cleaning liquid, takes place in the center of the mouthpiece, a modified mouthpiece with inlet and outlet channels in an inner and an outer region in the mouthpiece also allowing cleaning with a thrust effect similar to the effect of mouthpieces and dental floss.

The heating provided with a sensor ensures that the cleaning agent temperature reaches its optimum for the best cleaning effect of the ultrasonic waves, the heating advantageously accelerating and intensifying the cleaning process, and advantageously triggering the effect that the poor thermal conductivity of the dental hard substance ensures that the pulps of the teeth cannot be damaged.

The cleaning agent consisting of gas, for example an ozone compound, or liquid must be optimally adapted in terms of its type, composition and temperature to the soiling to be washed off, ie plaque on the teeth with the oral mucosa. The cleaning agent needs an affinity for the plaque and its protein matrix and has to address a chemical connection to the plaque. As a result of this or by adding a catalyst of the cleaning agent, there is 0 ₂ release or signs of detachment of the plaque from the teeth or the oral mucosa in the plaque, whereby flocculation is also conceivable. To support ultrasound cleaning, a cleaning liquid preferably has additives in the form of surface-active substances, for example surfactants, catalase and peroxidase inhibitors, for example sodium perborate, magnesium perborate, and fluorescent compounds as a micromolecule for lipid solubility and permeability for plaque matrix and, moreover, also build-up agents protective substances, for example fluorine, selenium, strontium, xylene, calcium phosphate, vitamin A, astringents, amyloglucosidase and glucose oxidase, meridol *, chlorhexidine, lipids, bacteriostatic additives, immunoglobulins with a wide range of different specificities A, G, M, C3.

For the implementation of the method and the operation of the device, it is important that the surroundings of the teeth of the jaw to be cleaned in each case are filled with gaseous and / or liquid cleaning agent medium.

When using cleaning fluid, a pump in the base unit pumps the detergent into the mouthpiece in about three seconds via a hose through the mouthpiece, this pumping is advantageously only possible when the mouthpiece is already slightly pressed on the upper or lower jaw. A circumferential seal on the mouthpiece ensures that no cleaning liquid escapes, care being taken to ensure that the inflow is slightly higher than the outflow. If required, a valve can also be provided which, after the mouthpiece chamber or the cleaning channel has been completely filled, secures against backflow in the mouthpiece. Due to the level sensor provided, a sound system can only be used when the cleaning agent channel in the mouthpiece is completely filled with cleaning agent. This measure is important for adequate cooling.

A further operating switch or sensor button is provided on the handpiece and / or on the base device, which can be used to switch from normal operation with "soft" amplitude to "thrust effect" in order to remove larger, bitten-in food residues from the dental niches. For this purpose, a separate ultrasound sonication and supply of cleaning agent from the inside to the outside, and vice versa, with a second unit in a modified mouthpiece with one or more discharge channels is required. It is provided that the outer and then the inner mouthpiece cleaning channel are alternately charged with HF energy.

For the gentle operation of the device, it is furthermore favorable if a signal tone or a visual display indicates the end of a time-controlled and preferably programmable cleaning. After removing the mouthpiece from the row of teeth, the brackish water is then spat out over the sink. Alternatively, the brackish water can also be disposed of through a hose in a wash basin using a separate pump before the mouthpiece is removed. With such a configuration, rinsing between a first and immediately second cleaning process is also possible.

The mouthpiece is advantageously inserted into the holder provided for this purpose in the storage chamber for mouthpieces, a counting unit registering the number of cleaning processes and, after a fixed number of cleaning cycles, prompting the operator to clean the mouthpieces by means of an acoustic and / or optical signal . If this is not done, a certain number of cleaning cycles is still possible before the device deactivates and only reactivates after the mouthpieces have been cleaned.

According to a special embodiment of the invention, the mouthpieces themselves are cleaned by placing the storage container provided for the cleaning agent on the housing of the base unit. The mouthpieces to be cleaned are placed in the liquid, being completely covered with liquid. A switch on the base unit causes a large, powerful ultrasonic transducer, which sits directly on the upper edge of the housing and can be designed as a Mason horn, to vibrate and transmits the vibration over the bottom of the container into the container. At the same time, it can advantageously be provided that the control electronics de-energize the handpiece. The mouthpieces in the storage container are now, for example, over a predetermined time 30 seconds, cleaned with ultrasound, and the control electronics then switches off with a signal. If necessary, the cleaning process can be repeated, and after the mouthpieces have been cleaned, the counting device or memory counting function is reset to zero, preferably by a reset pulse.

After tooth cleaning, the user has the option of checking the cleaning result with the aid of a magnifying mirror on the base unit with a fluorescent lamp and rinsing with a fluorescent solution.

The generator provided in the handpiece supplies RF energy for the sound transducer, which works with a frequency of approximately 30 kHz and with large amplitudes. The frequency can be determined by quartz, for example PZT4 transducer (lead zirconate titanate) or by the control electronics. The power regulation provided advantageously makes it possible to undercut the average abrasion values in comparison to cleaning with a toothbrush, because a constant cleaning always takes place on all teeth. Due to the low ultrasound power provided, the dental plaque that forms daily is advantageously removed and removed. However, harmful effects are excluded. The pulses last for about 1/1000 of a waiting period to avoid excessive heating, and the query logic switches off in the event of a malfunction, for example if a safety value is exceeded. Automatic frequency tuning is also provided, preferably in connection with the control electronics, which ensures that the exciting electrical frequency corresponds exactly to the mechanical resonance frequency of the liquid-filled mouthpiece. The sound radiation is chosen so that it has the greatest effect. This is the energy range in which the irradiated teeth or the oral mucosa have an absorption maximum. Cavitation occurs preferentially at low frequencies, high amplitude maxima, at low tissue pressure and high saturation with gases. This effect is targeted in tooth gap cleaning with suction and thrust function, ultrasound with "soft" amplitudes is processed into ultrasound with "hard" amplitudes. In addition, there is an alternating sonication of cleaning channels, so that the outer and then the inner mouthpiece channel is supplied with HF energy. The mouthpiece is close to the handpiece with the generator in order to keep the transmission path short with little energy loss.

The handpiece is ergonomically shaped and has a foil-coated operating switch or sensor button to protect it against splashing water. In this way, a desired cleaning process is initiated or canceled. For example, canceling is possible if the mouthpiece is loosened during choking. In addition, the ball valve of the quick coupling between the handpiece and the mouthpiece ensures that when the mouthpiece is released, no further inflow and / or outflow takes place. The handpiece can also have a second sensor button, for example in the form of a toggle switch, for switching over to the push-pull function. In addition, with the mouthpiece and / or the handpiece and / or on the base unit, a brackish water hose can be provided for removing used cleaning liquid along with any food residues.

To carry out the method, the mouthpiece is advantageously flanged onto the handpiece via the quick coupling and is placed slightly pressed onto the respective jaw and fixed with the opposing jaw. A mouthpiece for the upper jaw and a further mouthpiece for the lower jaw are preferably provided. The material of the mouthpiece is non-toxic according to regulations, it is also durable and suitable for ultrasound. The passage slits provided in the cleaning channels enable the teeth / oral mucosa to be irradiated over a large area, the passage slits preferably being opposite the tooth gaps. In the event of a longer wave overlay and the associated risk of rocking waves, the permanently active sensor interrogation logic interrupts the cleaning process. Each mouthpiece also has its three Cleaning channel walls, that is to say through-slots on the floor and on the sides, and in the end part of the wisdom tooth or retromolar, according to a preferred embodiment, has a mason horn in order to enable targeted cleaning. Mason horns can, however, not only be formed retromolar, but also in principle in an arrangement comparable to that for the wisdom tooth over the entire mouthpiece, at least in part. This supports in particular the cleaning of pathogenic pockets up to a healthy sulcus.

To create the individual mouthpieces, the dentist, for example, molds the jaws, the plaster models obtained therefrom preferably being scanned by a machine with an automatic system using touch sensors. Based on the information obtained, the mouthpieces can be easily manufactured and thus have a shape corresponding to the individual dentition. Alternatively, standard mouthpieces can also be provided for different types of teeth, which can be individually adapted to a certain extent.

On the basis of the method and the device according to the invention, stimulation of the collagen synthesis of the oral mucosa is also advantageously achieved, and after the cleaning has ended, it can also be provided in an advantageous manner that fluorescent solution for cleaning control purposes is fed in via the mouthpiece after the cleaning agent has been removed beforehand .

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. Show it:

Figure 1 is a partially schematic and sectional side view of an embodiment of a device for cleaning teeth;

Figure 2 shows a first embodiment of a handpiece in a schematic partially sectioned representation; Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of a handpiece in a schematic partially sectioned representation with two cleaning agent channel outlets;

Figure 4 is a schematic plan view of a lower jaw mouthpiece;

FIG. 5 shows a side view of the lower jaw mouthpiece according to FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 shows a modified lower jaw mouthpiece with two separate cleaning agent channels for use with the handpiece according to FIG. 3;

Figure 7 is a schematic plan view of an upper jaw mouthpiece;

FIG. 8 shows a section through the upper jaw mouthpiece along section line VIII-VIII in FIG. 7 to show further details; and

9 shows a section according to FIG. 8, but in contact with the upper jaw.

Figure 1 shows schematically the overall structure of a preferred embodiment of a device 10 according to the invention. The device 10 consists of a base unit 11, which is housed in a housing 12, a reservoir 13 for the cleaning liquid 14 placed on the housing 12, one on the housing 12 integrally formed receiving chamber 15, which can be closed on its upper side with a hinged lid 16, and from a handpiece 17 which, via a spiral arrangement 18, consists of power lines (38 in FIG. 3) and at least one line hose (37 in FIG. 3) with the basic device 11 is connected and which can be coupled in a sealed manner to a mouthpiece 19 on its front side. The storage container 13 can be fitted onto the housing 12 of the basic device 11, the storage container 13 having a bottom-side outlet 20 which can be closed by a valve. The valve of the outlet 20 is opened in a known manner when the storage container 13 is fitted onto the housing 12 by means of plungers or the like, not shown.

The housing 12 is provided in the attachment area of the storage container 13 with a powerful ultrasonic oscillator 22 which lies largely or indirectly directly or directly against the bottom of the storage container 13 and is used for the purpose of separate cleaning of mouthpieces 19 covered with cleaning liquid in the storage container 13 over the floor 23 to deliver ultrasonic waves for cleaning purposes in the cleaning liquid, as will be explained in more detail later.

Control electronics 24 with sensor interrogation logic, automatic frequency adjustment and a time control as well as a counter are installed in the housing 12 and are connected to a power supply 25, for example in the form of a power pack or a rechargeable battery. The control electronics 24, on the other hand, are connected to a heater 26 and, if not shown, to a physical and / or chemical treatment device for cleaning agents, for example water softening, via sensors (not shown) and respective control inputs provided there. The heater 26 is followed by at least one pump 27, which is also electrically connected to the control electronics 24 via a sensor and by means of a control line and via a switch 28 on the housing 12 and, as will be explained later, by the handpiece itself by means of a switch ( 43, 44 in Figure 2) can be actuated. The pump 27 is connected to the handpiece 17 via the spiral arrangement 18, the lead wires of the spiral arrangement 18 also being connected to the control electronics 24. On the outside of the housing 12 there are furthermore a switch 29 for starting the cleaning of the mouthpiece, an acoustic signal generator 30 and a plurality of LED displays 31. The housing 12 continues to stand on height-adjustable foot elements 32. The handpiece 17 is below the receiving chamber 15 Receiving space 33 is formed, in which both the self-winding spiral arrangement 18 and the handpiece 17 can be securely stored and easily removed. Holders for mouthpieces for the upper and lower jaw are arranged in the receiving chamber 15 in a manner not shown, which are also connected to the control electronics and a connected counter via sensors in order to monitor a need for cleaning. At the same time, it is possible to use the optical displays 31 of the base unit 11 to show the number of mouthpieces that are already to be cleaned and the number of mouthpieces still present, and to automatically point out the urgently required cleaning of used mouthpieces in good time before using the last mouthpiece and / or to assign the device deactivate.

Figure 2 shows a schematic, partially sectioned view of a first embodiment of a handpiece 17, which consists of an ergonomically shaped housing 35, which is oval or rectangular in shape with a rounded cross-section, for example, with rounded edges. At the rear end 36 of the housing 35, the spiral arrangement 18 is inserted into the housing 35, in which a hose line 37 and electrical conductors 38 and a spiral-shaped elastic stabilizing element are arranged. The hose 37 leads through the housing 35 to the opposite coupling end 39, to which a mouthpiece, for example the mouthpiece 19, can be connected in a sealed and latchable manner. In the coupling section 39 there is not only a seal (not shown), but also a sensor 40 and a sensor valve 41. The sensor 40 responds to the presence of a connected mouthpiece, and the sensor valve 41 is able to block the hose cross-section, for example when Remove the mouthpiece. Both sensors are connected to electronics 42 which in turn is connected to the lines 38. Splash-proof switches 43 and 44 for operating control and a tube oscillator 45 with large-amplitude sound transducers for approximately 30 kHz are also located on housing 35.

FIG. 3 shows a modified handpiece 17 ', which differs from the handpiece 17 according to FIG. 2 essentially by the modified design of the coupling section 39' with two outlet channels 45 and 46, to which sensor valves 47 and 48 are assigned. This handpiece 17 'is provided for the upper jaw mouthpiece shown in FIG. 6 with two different cleaning channels.

FIG. 4 schematically shows a top view of a lower jaw mouthpiece 50, the closer structure of which can be seen in connection with the section of FIG. 5. The lower jaw mouthpiece has a coupling section 51 with an integrated cleaning agent connection 52 which branches into a cleaning agent line 53 and a cleaning agent line 54 in the coupling section 51. The cleaning agent line 54 leads to an outer cleaning agent channel 55, which is provided for the outside of the tooth of the lower jaw, while the cleaning agent line 53 leads to a cleaning agent channel 56, which is to serve for the inside of the tooth. The cleaning channels 55 and 56 are each connected in the area behind the wisdom teeth by means of a channel 57 and 58, respectively. The cleaning channels 55 and 56 for the sealing contact in the gum area are closed off by means of an elastic, hollow-profile sealing lip 60, which closes the cleaning agent channels 55 and 56 all round and has a tubular cross section, as shown in FIG. FIG. 5 also shows a bite-on sensor 61 connected to the control electronics and lateral passage slots 62 and 63 as well as an upper passage slot 64. Mason horns 65 can also be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5. A filling sensor that is usually provided has been omitted for simplification. FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of a modified lower jaw mouthpiece 50 ', which differs from the mouthpiece according to FIG. 4 essentially in that it has two separate cleaning agent connections 52' and 52 "in a modified coupling section 51 ', which independently of one another contain cleaning agent and can be loaded with ultrasound in order to achieve the thrust and pressure effect described above for strong cleaning requirements after appropriate switching of the device.

FIG. 7 discloses a schematic plan view of an upper jaw mouthpiece 68, the structure of which corresponds to the lower jaw mouthpiece except for the radii of the curvature of the teeth.

Figure 8 illustrates in an enlarged section along the section line VIII-VIII of Figure 7, the formation of the mouthpiece 68 in the area behind the last teeth of a row of teeth or the wisdom teeth. The connection channel 58 ', the sensor 61' provided in the bite area, the side wall slots 62 ', the passage slot 64' and the mason horn 65 'are clearly visible. The elastic sealing lip 60 'is connected to the mouthpiece by means of an engagement profile design 69, wherein a securing glue can also be provided here.

The contact conditions of the upper jaw mouthpiece 68 after attachment to the upper jaw are shown schematically in FIG. It can be clearly seen that the sealing lip 60 'lies sealingly on the upper jaw at a distance from the beginning of the gums and that gum pockets (sulcus) can also be effectively treated by the Masonhorn 65'.

To use the device 10, a mouthpiece is flanged to the handpiece via a quick coupling (not shown) in the coupling connection section, the mouthpiece is placed slightly pressed onto the respective jaw and fixed with the opposing jaw. The mouthpiece has a plastic coating on the roof. As soon as the mouthpiece fits properly, about filling the cleaning channels via the handpiece for three seconds, and then the cleaning liquid is controlled and controlled with ultrasound during a predeterminable time interval in order to achieve the cleaning effect. After this time interval has elapsed, an optical and / or acoustic signal gives the user a message that the cleaning has been completed, and he can now either dispense the used cleaning agent or discharge it via a brackish water hose. The treatment is then carried out in the same way for the opposite jaw. After the cleaning of the upper jaw and the lower jaw has been completed, the mouthpieces are placed in the storage container as used, and after the attachment of a mouthpiece the device is ready for reuse. If no mouthpiece is attached, neither the cleaning liquid can be supplied nor the ultrasonic power can be given off due to the sensors present. The same applies to the insufficient filling of the cleaning channels of the mouthpieces. For stubborn food residues, a modified version of the handpiece and mouthpiece can also exert a pushing and pushing effect on the teeth, especially on the tooth gaps. For this purpose, it can also be provided that the rear end of the handpiece is also provided with a coupling device for the spiral arrangement in order to exchange this handpiece for a modified handpiece. On the other hand, a modified handpiece can also be provided, in which both channels are sounded evenly.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

1. A method for cleaning teeth, characterized in that liquid and / or gaseous cleaning agent is supplied to an external area of all teeth of an upper and / or lower jaw and is subjected to ultrasound.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the ultrasound exposure time, the amplitude and the frequency and the power of the ultrasound are regulated below the damage value of cells / tissue and Zahnhartsub¬ substance.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that all teeth are subjected to rectified stronger sound waves from the inside to the outside or vice versa to achieve a thrust and suction effect.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that liquid is used as a cleaning agent, which is adapted to the plaque and surface-active substances and / or catalase and peroxidase inhibitors and / or fluorescent compounds as a micromolecule and, if necessary, constructive protective substances as additives having.

5. Device for cleaning teeth, consisting of a handpiece (17, 17 ') which can be supplied with cleaning agent (14) and in which an ultrasonic oscillator (45) is arranged in front of at least one cleaning agent outlet, and from at least one upper jaw and / or lower jaw mouthpiece (19, 50, 50 ', 68) which can be coupled to each cleaning agent outlet of the handpiece (17, 17') and by the cleaning agent (14) an external area of all teeth which is closed off from the outside an upper and / or lower jaw can be supplied and can be subjected to ultrasound.

6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that each mouthpiece (17, 17 ') has an impression tray-like shape with at least one cleaning agent channel (55-58, 55'-58') which extends from a connecting section (51, 51 ') extends to a recess formed for the teeth to be cleaned, the cleaning channel in the gum contact area provided being closed off with a sealing lip (60, 60 ') and having passage slots (62-64, 62'-64') to the recess.

7. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that the cleaning agent channel (55-58, 55 '-58') has on its sides and in the bottom through slots (62-64, 62 '-64').

8. The device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the distance between the through slots (62-64, 62 '-64') is provided for a large-scale sonication of the teeth and the Mund¬ mucous membrane.

9. The device according to claim 6, 7 or 8, characterized in that the cleaning agent channel (55-58, 55 '-58') at least partially in the region of the tooth sides and at each Zahnrei¬ hen end Masonhorns.

10. Device according to one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the mouthpiece (19, 50, 50 ', 68) at least one cleaning agent channel (56, 56') for the inside of the tooth and at least one cleaning agent channel (57, 57 ') for has the outside of the tooth, which can be alternately fed with ultrasound to produce a pressure-assisted suction or pushing function.

11. Device according to one of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that a mouthpiece is provided for the simultaneous cleaning of the upper and lower jaw.

12. Device according to one of claims 5 to 11, characterized in that at least one contact sensor (61, 61 ') is provided on each mouthpiece (19, 50, 50', 68), after its activation cleaning agents (14) in the mouthpiece is conveyable.

13. Device according to one of claims 5 to 12, characterized in that at least one filling sensor is provided on each mouthpiece (19, 50, 50 ', 68), after its activation each cleaning agent channel (55-58, 55' -58 ') is sonicated.

14. Device according to one of claims 5 to 13, characterized in that arranged in the handpiece (17, 17 ') Ultrasonic transducer (45) from a tube transducer with a resonance frequency in the longitudinal direction and from a large-amplitude transducer for about 30 kHz exists, wherein the exposure time and the frequency and / or the power can be regulated below the damage value of cells and hard tooth substance.

15. Device according to one of claims 5 to 14, characterized in that the handpiece (17, 17 ') has at least one preferably moisture-protected operating switch (43, 44).

16. The device according to one of claims 5 to 15, characterized in that the handpiece (17, 17 ') has a quick coupling with ball valve (41, 48 49) for connecting a mouthpiece (19, 50, 50', 68).

17. Device according to one of claims 5 to 16, characterized in that for the supply of cleaning agent (14), a basic device (11) is provided with a housing (12) in which at least one cleaning agent conveying device (27), control electronics (24th ) and a power supply are arranged, each cleaning agent conveying device (27) being connectable to a storage container (13) for cleaning agents (14).

18. Device according to one of claims 5 to 17, characterized in that the reservoir (13) for cleaning agent (14) on the housing (12) can be placed and in its fitting position via at least one outlet (20) with an associated preferably by means of a valve closable inlet of an electrical heating device (26) is connected in the housing (12), the outlet of which is connected to at least one cleaning agent conveying device (27).

19. Device according to one of claims 17 or 18, characterized in that the storage container (13) is designed as a lid for the housing (12) of the base unit (11).

20. Device according to one of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that each cleaning agent conveying device (27) consists of at least one pump in the case of liquid cleaning agent and of at least one outlet-controllable compressed gas supply in the case of gaseous cleaning agent.

21. Device according to one of claims 17 to 20, characterized in that the basic device (11) has a physical and / or chemical treatment device for cleaning agents (14).

22. Device according to one of claims 17 to 21, characterized in that the control electronics (24) has a sensor interrogation logic, an automatic frequency adjustment and a time control.

23. Device according to one of claims 17 to 22, characterized in that the handpiece (17, 17 ') by means of a preferably self-winding arrangement (18) from at least one spiral hose (37) and power lines (38) with the basic device (11th ) connected is.

24. Device according to one of claims 17 to 23, characterized in that the housing (12) of the base unit (11) has optical and / or acoustic display devices (30, 31).

25. Device according to one of claims 17 to 24, characterized in that the housing (12) of the base unit (11) in the lid attachment area has a powerful, preferably flat ultrasonic oscillator (22) through which the cleaning agent (14) in Storage container (13) can be charged with ultrasound for cleaning purposes.

26. Device according to one of claims 17 to 25, characterized in that on the housing (12) a separate, preferably with a hinged cover (16) closable receiving chamber (15) for mouthpieces (19, 50, 50 ', 68) with a optical and / or acoustic display of the need for cleaning of the mouthpieces and preferably a deactivation circuit for the device is formed when the cleaning has not taken place.

27. The device according to one of claims 17 to 26, characterized in that on the housing (12) of the base unit (11) a magnifying mirror with a fluorescent lamp and a fluorescent solution removal device are provided for cleaning control.

28. The device according to any one of claims 5 to 27, characterized in that the cleaning agent (14) consists of a liquid adapted to the plaque, which dissolves the plaque or improves the sound wave absorption and surface-active substances and / or catalase and Has peroxidase inhibitors and / or fluorescent compounds as a micromolecule and, if necessary, protective substances as additives.