WO2023250273A2

WO2023250273A2 - Heat scaler for orthodontics or dentistry

Info

Publication number: WO2023250273A2
Application number: PCT/US2023/068489
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dr. Mohammad IZADI
Original assignee: Izadi Dr Mohammad
Priority date: 2022-06-22
Filing date: 2023-06-15
Publication date: 2023-12-28
Also published as: WO2023250273A3

Abstract

A heat scaler for use in a dental/orthodontal setting to selectively apply heat to a dental bracket, the heat scaler including: a longitudinally extending body, the body comprising a power supply, a controller, and a user interface; and a tip removably attached to the body, the tip connectable to the power supply and for use in a mouth of a patient, where, in operation, the power supply causes the tip to generate heat at a predetermined temperature.

Description

HEAT SCALER FOR ORTHODONTICS OR DENTISTRY

RELATED APPLICATION

[001] The present application is related to U.S. Patent No. 9,895,206, entitled, “ADJUSTABLE ORTHODONTIC BRACKET AND METHOD USING A MICROSTRUCTURED SHAPE MEMORY POLYMER SURFACE WITH REVERSIBLE DRY ADHESION,” issued on February 20, 2018, and incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The present application is related to U.S. Patent Application No. 63/354,413, entitled, “HEAT SCALER FOR ORTHODONTICS OR DENTISTRY,” filed on June 22, 2022, and incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[002] The practice of orthodontics requires a considerable amount of chair time with patients so that perfect or near perfect alignment of the patient's teeth can be achieved. When orthodontic brackets (braces) are bonded to the patient's teeth at an initial treatment, it is very difficult if not impossible to precisely position each bracket. The problem is exacerbated by a number of issues. For example, excess crowding of the teeth, angulations of the teeth, lack of access and at times human error or inability to precisely position a bracket on a specific tooth.

[003] A further problem confronting the orthodontist is that the realignment of the teeth following the initial treatment, it becomes apparent that some of the brackets that have been bonded to a patient's teeth need to be repositioned.

[004] This requires removal of the originally bonded bracket from the tooth enamel that causes pain and discomfort, frequently damages the bracket, requires a new bracket, requires removal of the existing bonding material on the patient's teeth, repairing the tooth surface and rebonding a new bracket in the ideal position. This procedure is costly, time consuming and may not necessarily be the last time the orthodontist is replacing that bracket. [005] After many years, it is still common practice to adhesively bond an orthodontic bracket directly onto a tooth. Nevertheless, there have been attempts to provide adjustable orthodontic brackets. For example, a prior approach discloses an adjustable orthodontic bracket that can be fixed to a band to surround a tooth. The bracket has a base to be carried by the tooth, and a movable member to which wires are attached, and a retainer to fix the movable member to the base. In the preferred embodiment, the base and the movable member have spherical surfaces so that motion of the movable member can dispose the bracket at any desired angle in any plane for the desired torque, and in all embodiments the movable member is rotatable about the retainer through 360 degrees and can be set at any desired angle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[006] Aspects of the present disclosure are best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying figures. It is noted that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion.

[007] Figure 1 is a schematic drawing of a Heat Scaler in accordance with some embodiments.

[008] Figure 2 is a schematic drawing of a digital display usable with the heat scaler in accordance with some embodiments.

[009] Figure 3 is a schematic drawing of a shape for a tip of the heat scaler in accordance with some embodiments.

[010] Figure 4 is a schematic drawing of a charging station versus a USB rechargeable battery usable in conjunction with the heat scaler, in accordance with some embodiments.

[Oil] Figure 5 is a schematic drawing of shapes for a tip of the heat scaler in accordance with some embodiments.

[012] Figure 6 is a schematic drawing of a removable and insulated 180 degrees screw mount with a heated 3mm tip usable with the heat scaler in accordance with some embodiments. [013] Figure 7 is a scaler part of the heat scaler, in accordance with some embodiments.

[014] Figure 8 is a photograph of a bracket on a tooth in accordance with some embodiments.

[015] Figure 9 is a photograph of a repositioned bracket on the tooth in accordance with some embodiments.

[016] Figure 10 is a photograph of a shape (thicker) tip of the heat scaler with a mild curve, in accordance with some embodiments.

[017] Figure 11 is a photograph of a curved cold and or hot scaler usable, in accordance with some embodiments.

[018] Figure 12 is a high-level block diagram of a controller usable in conjunction with the heat scaler in accordance with some embodiments.

[019] Figure 13 is a flowchart of operations of the heat scaler, in accordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[020] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments, or examples, for implementing different features of the provided subject matter. Specific examples of components, values, operations, materials, arrangements, or the like, are described below to simplify the present disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. Other components, values, operations, materials, arrangements, or the like, are contemplated. For example, the formation of a first feature over or on a second feature in the description that follows may include embodiments in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact, and may also include embodiments in which additional features may be formed between the first and second features, such that the first and second features may not be in direct contact. In addition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and/or configurations discussed.

[021] Further, spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature’s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. The spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. The apparatus may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may likewise be interpreted accordingly.

[022] This is to discuss the specific design that will be needed in one or more embodiments for the repositioning Heat Scaler in orthodontics and dentistry which will have many usages.

[023] One or more embodiments will be able to safely place the specific designed tip of the Heat Scaler on the bonded tooth bracket to heat the bracket and transfer the heat to the underlying thermoplastic bonding materials, (understood in connection with FIGs. 8 and 9) [024] After softening the material, one or more embodiments is able to move the bracket and effectively leave the bracket in a new position.

[025] In one or more embodiments, the Heat Scaler turns off automatically in order to cool off and be able to apply pressure on the newly positioned bracket for an effective proper re-bonding.

[026] In one or more embodiments, a cold designed scaler is used (e.g., FIGs. 10 or 11) to continue applying pressure to complete the task.

[027] In difficult areas behind the last bonded brackets or bands of the molar regions, the Heat Scaler (FIGs. 10 or 11, or similar designs) is used to quickly zap the wire and soften hard-to-bend ends of the wire (such as Nickel-Titanium, Copper- Nickel-Titanium, thick Stainless Steel, and Beta Titaniums) to do what is called “Heat Treating.” Heat treating will make the wire soft (dead) so it can be cinched with much ease and minimum discomfort to the patient.

[028] A similar technique is used to “segmentally and / or selectively” heat treat the wire to prevent any unwanted pressures on the brackets.

[029] Special Design

[030] The Heat Scaler according to one or more embodiments includes the following specific items:

[031] In one or more embodiments, the heat scaler is cordless to operate with ease, therefore in such embodiments it can be powered with a lithium-ion or other type rechargeable battery (FIG. 4). In at least one embodiment, the heat scaler remains on a charger after use to always keep the battery charged (FIG. 4) or possibly connected to a charger, e.g., a USB charger, when it is not in use. In an embodiment, connecting the heat scaler to a charger when not in use is possibly more cost effective. In at least one embodiment, the battery makes contact with the charger automatically to prevent the need for any wired connections (similar concept to a rechargeable toothbrush, e.g., rechargeable Oral-B or rechargeable razors). In general, Heat Irons that stay on for a longer period of time and are cordless with rechargeable batteries, have a higher power and therefore a higher Wattage. The Wattage can range usually anywhere from 15- 80W for the cordless heat irons. This Heat Scaler does not need to stay on for a long period during usage, and is used anywhere from 2-5 minutes maximum at a time. Therefore, in some embodiments 15W should be sufficient to generate heat up to 240 degrees Celsius or 464 degrees Fahrenheit. In some embodiments, a larger or smaller Wattage is used in conjunction with the Heat Scaler. In some embodiments, it is better to keep a lower wattage in order to have a smaller battery and keep it safe at a lighter weight for easier handling. The equation to calculate the Wattage is W= (Voltage)(Ampere). SO a voltage of 12v and current of 1.25 amp will be sufficient in this case to produce a 15W Heat Scaler. The resistance R= V/Amp so in this case in an embodiment it will be about 9.6 Ohm.

[032] In an embodiment, the battery is connected with the tip of the heat scaler via a controller connected with the digital display. In this manner, the controller controls the power being provided to the tip and thereby the temperature of the tip of the heat scaler. In an embodiment, the controller is the on-board computer system 1200 (FIG. 12).

[033] In an embodiment, the heat scaler 100 includes a digital display 102 (FIG. 2) to allow for setting a specific temperature and/or time that can be saved for a particular tooth (FIG. 1, List Button). For instance, in an embodiment after turning the unit on by pressing an “ON-OFF Button” 104 (FIG. 1) followed by pressing a “List Button” 106, the heat scaler will scroll through a list by displaying molar, bicuspid, lower anterior, upper central, upper lateral or cuspid. After the desired tooth is displayed, the selection is made by the user pressing the ON-OFF button 104. In an embodiment, the preset temperature to be reached by the tip of the heat scaler is 180°F and the timer is preset depending on the tooth type selected as follows: molars = 10 seconds; premolars, cuspids, and upper central incisors = 8 seconds; and lower incisors and upper laterals = 5 seconds.

[034] In an embodiment, as the user scrolls through the list to select the tooth type using the adjustment buttons 108, the temperature and preset time is caused to be displayed on display 102. The user is able to adjust the time and temperature as needed in this mode using the adjustment buttons 108.

[035] After a particular tooth type display, by pressing the List Button 106 again the assigned temperature and designated material softening time will (could) be chosen (if needed) by utilizing the Adjustment Buttons 108 (collectively referring to the up and down adjustment buttons) (FIG. 1) and saved by pressing the power button 104 again. Once the heat scaler is made at the factory, it will be pre-programmed with the specific temperature and/or softening time that will be ideal to heat the specific thermoplastic bonding material (PMMA) being used in the market to make it easier for the doctor. The recommended time for any specific material will be programmed according to the material softening temperature at the factory, it will be still manually programmable by the operator.

[036] Once the temperatures and/or times are saved, the unit can be turned off by pressing the “ON-OFF Button” 104, e.g., red color button. (FIG. 1)

[037] After the unit has turned on and it has reached the desired temperature, a beep will be generated for one second from an internal speaker (not shown) to inform the operator that the unit is ready to be used. In at least one embodiment, a green light (not shown) will illuminate in addition to or in place of the beep generation to inform the operator that the unit is ready to be used.

[038] The operator follows the new bonding technique instructions to clean around the periphery of the bracket using a self-etching primer, and then places a tip 110 of the Heat Scaler (FIG. 5) on the bracket (FIG. 8) and presses the “Timer Button” 112 which, in some embodiments, also turns on an LED light 114 so the operator can see the bracket in a well-lit environment (FIG. 1). The timer button again is programmed based on the type of the selected tooth as well as the chosen thermoplastic material specification. Therefore, it can instruct the operator by three second beeping again after the timer has allowed the thermoplastic bonding material to soften sufficiently so sliding of the bracket can be initiated for repositioning. This beeping instruction is important to prevent the operator from attempting prematurely to move the bracket, or the bracket could be accidentally de-bonded. When this beep is heard the unit turns off for at least three important reasons. 1) The operator will not accidentally overheat the material, and to prevent causing excessive heat from reaching the bonding layers underneath (to burn the materials which may lose their bonding capability) nor allowing excessive heat to reach the tooth itself. 2) It allows the operator to continue keeping the tip of the Heat Scaler on the bracket after sliding, firmly to allow the material to slightly cool off, and to keep the bracket in a new sturdy position (FIG. 9 depicts a rotated bracket). 3) By the time the operator removes the Heat Scaler, the Heat Scaler has cooled down sufficiently so it is taken out with ease without accidentally moving the bracket any further. Soon after, we apply a cold scaler (FIG. 10 or 11) to continue applying pressure for another 5-8 seconds to ensure a newly formed strong bond. We can apply some air and water using our dental syringe to continue and accelerate the cooling off process, if needed.

[039] In at least one embodiment, the tip 110 comprises a diode laser for heating the bracket.

[040] The tip 110 of the Heat Scaler shown in FIG. 5 should have one of the two particular shapes. It is broad shown in FIG. 3 (but still will fit in the middle of the bracket to have a firm grip for movement) and to transfer the heat evenly to the thermoplastic bonding material underneath. The Scaler part of this Heat Scaler must be insulated all the way to only about 3 mm from the tip (see FIG. 3) to prevent accidental burning of the surrounding soft tissues (e.g., cheeks and lips) similar to diode lasers currently being used in dentistry.

[041] The tip of the Heat Scaler should be removable as if it is screwed 180 degrees (half a turn as shown in FIG. 6) or in some embodiments clicked in and out (FIG. 3) onto the unit. Therefore, it will allow the operator to pick from different designs shown in FIG. 5. Orthodontists may have different preferences in shapes and angulation of the scaler parts based on their need in the future. Therefore, when it comes to repositioning or heat treating the wires, the operators will have a choice.

[042] In at least some embodiments, the tips are removable so that they can be sterilized after use. Different tips can be also designed such as a broad heat tolerable plastic cups similar to prophylaxis cups in dentistry for heating temporary or permanent crowns or for dental implants usage, as well.

[043] In some embodiments, the Heat Scaler can be used with a special tip for repairing broken solder joints on all orthodontic appliances such as retainers, expanders, space maintainers, or the like. That is another big plus/advantage for the Heat Scaler over other approaches. [044] In at least one embodiment, the Heat Scaler can be used to operate as a Debonding Heated Plier (DHP) with a heated tip or to work in conjunction with the regular debonding plier in difficult occasions (FIG. 7). This will facilitate the debonding of brackets at the end of the treatment, with much more ease and zero (or much less) discomfort for the patient. This DHP will essentially have the same capacity and characteristics as the Heat Scaler.

[045] The Heat Scaler design according to one or more embodiments has enormous advantages, and will take the orthodontic and dental treatments to a different level. To begin with, patients are in discomfort and nervous when braces and other orthodontic/dental devices are inserted in their mouths. Efforts are being made here to reduce their chairtime with much more comfort, and to enhance their experience. The Heat Scaler according to one or more embodiments will tremendously reduce stress on the orthodontist and the dentist, as well, because repositioning devices and recementations in general will be so much easier and more predictable. Imagine you are planning on repositioning a bracket on a tooth that is already sore and is not in an ideal position, and in the process of debonding you fracture the tooth or any restorations underneath. The chances are even so much higher when we want to remove ceramic braces that are usually bonded even at a higher bond strength to the teeth. On a day-to-day basis, the ceramic brackets shatter before the bonding fails, and the teeth are left with chunks of the ceramic particles on them. We do not want to put any additional pressure on the sore teeth of a frazzled patient, and are afraid that we can fracture the enamel or parts of the tooth in the process. A lot of times there is not much to grab on to mechanically to remove the remnants of the bracket. Therefore, a lot of time must be spent to grind the ceramic particles down on the teeth and then to polish the enamel. Again, a timely, stressful and costly procedure. With utilizing the bonding materials and the Heat Scaler, we can reposition with just sliding mechanics, or debond a bracket in less than 10 seconds. This device according to some embodiments will also be extremely effective in removing most appliances permanently thus making it in a variety of Debonding Heated Pliers, of course repositioning without debonding, and / or for recementations in case of crowns and other dental restorations with so much ease should the bonding technique (discussed separately) be followed accurately. [046] A similar design with a LED light could be used for regular scalers, periodontal probes, other dental instrument or bonding tools (FIG. 3). This way, the same battery and similar but leaner body design (without all the other gadgets) could be used and covered with a clear barrier film or wiped with disinfectants. It can be complemented with a turn off and on button, with different insertable tips. They can be installed with a half turn to secure and allow for just about any sterilizable dental tips/heads. It will help with shining additional light during the bonding procedures, periodontal scaling and root planing, or any other dental treatments or examinations.

[047] It is time to keep up with technology in Orthodontics and Dentistry like we see in a lot of other sectors such as medicine, robotics, electronics, automotive and aerospace industry. After reviewing and researching hundreds of articles, it is obvious that there is not a system or material that can deliver what has been discussed. This system has an enormous usage not only in all aspects of the dental field, but also is very promising in all the other fields mentioned above.

[048] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an on-board computer system 12 in accordance with some embodiments.

[049] In some embodiments, the on-board computer system 1200 is a general purpose computing device including a hardware processor 1202 and a non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium 1204. In some embodiments, the on-board computer system 1200 is a controller in place of hardware processor 1202 and/or a non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium 1204. In some embodiments, the controller includes integrated memory storage therein negating the need for storage medium 1204. In some embodiments, processor 1202 and storage medium 1204 are replaced by a field programmable gate array. Storage medium 1204, amongst other things, is encoded with, i.e., stores, computer program code 1206, i.e., a set of executable instructions. Execution of instructions 1206 by hardware processor 1202 represents (at least in part) an on-board computer tool which implements a portion or all of the methods described herein in accordance with one or more embodiments (hereinafter, the noted processes and/or methods).

[050] Processor 1202 is electrically coupled to computer-readable storage medium 1204 via a bus 1208. Processor 1202 is also electrically coupled to an I/O interface 1210 by bus 1208. A network interface 1212 is also electrically connected to processor 1202 via bus 1208. Network interface 1212 is connected to a network 1214, so that processor 1202 and computer-readable storage medium 1204 are capable of connecting to external elements via network 1214. Processor 1202 is configured to execute computer program code 1206 encoded in computer-readable storage medium 1204 in order to cause system 1200 to be usable for performing a portion or all of the noted processes and/or methods. In one or more embodiments, processor 1202 is a central processing unit (CPU), a multi-processor, a distributed processing system, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and/or a suitable processing unit.

[051] In one or more embodiments, computer-readable storage medium 1204 is an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, and/or a semiconductor system (or apparatus or device). For example, computer-readable storage medium 1204 includes a semiconductor or solid-state memory, a magnetic tape, a removable computer diskette, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a rigid magnetic disk, and/or an optical disk. In one or more embodiments using optical disks, computer-readable storage medium 1204 includes a compact disk-read only memory (CD-ROM), a compact disk-read/write (CD-R/W), and/or a digital video disc (DVD).

[052] In one or more embodiments, storage medium 1204 stores computer program code 1206 configured to cause system 1200 to be usable for performing a portion or all of the noted processes and/or methods. In one or more embodiments, storage medium 1204 also stores information which facilitates performing a portion or all of the noted processes and/or methods. In one or more embodiments, storage medium 1204 stores parameters 1207.

[053] On-board computer system 1200 includes I/O interface 1210. I/O interface 1210 is coupled to external circuitry. In one or more embodiments, I/O interface 1210 includes a keyboard, keypad, mouse, trackball, trackpad, touchscreen, and/or cursor direction keys for communicating information and commands to processor 1202.

[054] On-board computer system 1200 also includes network interface 1212 coupled to processor 1202. Network interface 1212 allows system 1200 to communicate with network 1214, to which one or more other computer systems are connected. Network interface 1212 includes wireless network interfaces such as BLUETOOTH, WIFI, WIMAX, GPRS, or WCDMA; or wired network interfaces such as ETHERNET, USB, or IEEE- 1364. In one or more embodiments, a portion or all of noted processes and/or methods, is implemented in two or more systems 1200.

[055] In at least one embodiment, on-board computer system 1200 is configured to receive information through I/O interface 1210. The information received through I/O interface 1210 includes one or more of instructions, data, temperature settings, and/or other parameters for processing by processor 1202. The information is transferred to processor 1202 via bus 1208. computer system 1200 is configured to receive information related to a UI through I/O interface 1210. The information is stored in computer-readable medium 1204 as user interface (UI) 1242.

[056] In some embodiments, a portion, or all of the noted processes and/or methods, is implemented as a standalone software application for execution by a processor. In some embodiments, a portion, or all of the noted processes and/or methods, is implemented as a software application that is a part of an additional software application. In some embodiments, a portion, or all of the noted processes and/or methods, is implemented as a plug-in to a software application.

[057] In some embodiments, the processes are realized as functions of a program stored in a non-transitory computer readable recording medium. Examples of a non- transitory computer readable recording medium include, but are not limited to, external/removable and/or internal/built-in storage or memory unit, e.g., one or more of an optical disk, such as a DVD, a magnetic disk, such as a hard disk, a semiconductor memory, such as a ROM, a RAM, a memory card, or the like.

[058] FIG. 2 includes a digital display portion of a heat scaler, in accordance with some embodiments. After the Heat Scaler is turned on, in this display we can see the actual temperature being shown and of course could be adjusted with the up or down arrow should the operator like to choose a specific and desired temperature without a timer (FIG. 2); which will be helpful in soldering situations or de-bonding the brackets, and not recommended for brackets repositioning to prevent any mistakes being made. Under the Red Power button, there will be a List Button that could be pushed after it is turned on, to scroll through the list of the teeth to pick from by using the arrows. So as we keep pressing the arrows the names of the teeth will be shown (ie: Molar, L. incisor, U. incisor, Cuspids, Bicuspids, or the like) and the preprogrammed softening temperature and/or time based on the commonly thermoplastic material being used is thereby selected. It will be designed so that when the particular tooth is listed on the display, the temperature as well as the softening time could be shown by pressing on the up or down arrow and be adjusted higher or lower, and saved by pressing the list button. As soon as soon as the desired temperature is reached the operator will hear a quick one second beep.

[059] FIG. l is a drawing of the heat scaler similar to a heat iron. The (eliminated pencil like) tip gets very hot in these heat irons. We must insulate this part in the Heat Scaler all the way up to 3mm away from the pointy tip to prevent accidental burning of the surrounding tissues (FIG. 6). Heat scaler's tip will be curved instead similar in FIGs. 1 and 6. This will allow the doctor to have a much better control in the mouth and to reach the brackets with ease.

[060] FIG. 6 is a photograph of an end part of a scaler tip usable in conjunction with the heat scaler, in accordance with some embodiments. This resembles what the end part of the thin and curved scaler tip will look like. This portion can be inserted into the body of the H. S. by clicking it in place or to be screwed in with like a half a turn to secure it safely. It therefore can be taken out or exchanged with much ease for the sterilization purposes or choosing from different tip designs that the orthodontist prefers.

[061] FIG. 6 is a schematic drawing of a tip usable in conjunction with the heat scaler, in accordance with some embodiments. This resembles one of the 3mm tip designs. This is to be placed on the bracket that needs to be repositioned or removed. It will be by transferring the heat from the bracket to soften the underlying thermoplastic bonding material.

[062] FIG. 2 is a close up schematic drawing of a digital display usable in conjunction with the heat scaler, in accordance with some embodiments.

[063] FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a thin, curved portion of a tip usable in conjunction with the heat scaler, in accordance with some embodiments. You can see the thin curved part of the tip. I like a timer button placed right on the body before it thins out (in the grooved section). This will help with beeping instructions for the operator as well as turning on a LED light below the curve on the body. This light to shine straight on the tip to light the area for the operator. Once the scaler tip is placed on the bracket, the timer button must be pushed. As soon as the required and saved time is passed based on the selected tooth, the operator hears the timer with 3 second beep to receive a signal to proceed with movement of the bracket. The unit turns off automatically as soon as the beep is heard, but the LED light stays on for another two more minutes to turn off automatically or by pressing the timer button again. The automatic shut-off will help the scaler tip to cool off immediately so the operator can press on the bracket firmly after moving it, while the material is starting to cool off as well and to slowly remove the tip away from the bracket. This will leave the bracket in an ideal position without moving it further or accidentally de-bonding it. The automatic shut-off prevents making any mistakes by accidentally overheating or burning the thermoplastic bonding material, the bonding layer underneath or sensitizing or overheating the tooth itself.

[064] FIG. 4 is a charging station with an extra battery usable in conjunction with the heat scaler, in accordance with some embodiments. This could resemble a charging station with an extra battery if need be for a back up. The battery can be removed to charge in a chamber next to it, or while attached on the unit. It can also be designed so that it can be charged with a USB charger.

[065] FIG. 13 is a high-level flowchart of operation 1300 of a heat scaler, in accordance with an embodiment. At operation 1302, the heat scaler is turned on, e.g., by activation of power button 104. The flow proceeds to operation 1304 where the digital display 102 is activated. After the user activates the list button 106, the display is caused to display an entry from a list of possible tooth types for application of the heat scaler 100. The user manipulates the adjustment buttons 108 to scroll up or down through the list of tooth types on the digital display 102.

[066] After the user selects the tooth type, the user activates the power button 104 again and the flow proceeds to operation 1306 where the battery is used to heat the tip 110 to the preset temperature corresponding to the tooth type, as described above. [067] In operation 1308, a check is performed to determine if the preset temperature has been reached by the tip 110. In an optional operation 1310, the user activates the adjustment buttons 108 to manually assign a preset temperature for the tip 110. After the preset temperature is set, the flow proceeds to operation 1306. In another embodiment in optional operation 1310, the user activates the adjustment buttons 108 to manually assign a preset temperature and preset time for the tip 110.

[068] After the preset temperature has been reached, the flow proceeds to operation 1312 and the heat scaler 100 is caused to indicate that the preset temperature has been reached. In some embodiments, the indication of reaching the preset temperature includes one or more of an audible alert, a visual alert (e.g., using light 114), a haptic alert, or the like to alert the user that the preset temperature has been reached. Based on this indication, the user then applies the heat scaler 100 to the bracket on the tooth in order to reposition or remove the bracket.

[069] After operation 1312, the flow proceeds to operation 1314 and a timer is started corresponding to the preset time period for the tooth type, described above. After the time period has elapsed, the flow proceeds to operation 1316 and an indication that the preset time period has been reached is caused to be generated. In some embodiments, the indication of reaching the preset time period includes one or more of an audible alert, a visual alert (e.g., using light 114), a haptic alert, or the like to alert the user that the preset time period has been reached. The user can then remove the heat scaler 100 from the bracket.

[070] The flow then proceeds to operation 1318 and the heat scaler 100 is turned off.

[071] The foregoing outlines features of several embodiments so that those skilled in the art may better understand the aspects of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes and/or achieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that they may make various changes, substitutions, and alterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A heat scaler for use in a dental/orthodontic setting to selectively apply heat to a dental bracket to ultimately soften the underlying thermoplastic adhesive, the heat scaler comprising: a longitudinally extending body, the body comprising a power supply, a controller, and a user interface; and a tip removably attached to the body, the tip connectable to the power supply and for use in a mouth of a patient, wherein, in operation, the power supply causes the tip to generate heat at a predetermined temperature.

2. The heat scaler of claim 1, wherein the controller stores the predetermined temperature.

3. The heat scaler of claim 1, wherein the controller stores a set of predetermined temperatures corresponding to one or more tooth types.

4. The heat scaler of claim 3, wherein the user interface is configured to display the predetermined temperature.

5. The heat scaler of claim 3, wherein the user interface is configured to receive a user input for selecting the predetermined temperature.

6. The heat scaler of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to control the operation of the power supply to cause the tip to generate heat for a predetermined time period.

7. The heat scaler of claim 6, wherein the predetermined time period ranges from 2 to 10 seconds in length.

8. The heat scaler of claim 6, wherein the predetermined time period varies with respect to one or more tooth types.

9. The heat scaler of claim 1, wherein the power supply is a removable and rechargeable lithium ion battery -based power supply.

10. The heat scaler of claim 1, wherein the tip is a designated and procedure-dependent scaler tip.

11. The heat scaler of claim 1, wherein the controller stores the predetermined temperature and a predetermined time period.

12. The heat scaler of claim 1, wherein the controller stores a set of predetermined temperatures and time periods corresponding to one or more tooth types.

13. The heat scaler of claim 3, wherein the user interface is configured to display the predetermined temperature and a predetermined time period.

14. The heat scaler of claim 3, wherein the user interface is configured to receive a user input for selecting, modifying, and storing the predetermined temperature and predetermined time period (programming) depending on the type of adhesive being used.

15. The heat scaler of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to control the operation of the power supply to cause the tip to generate programmed heat for a predetermined time period.

16. The heat scaler of claim 6, wherein the predetermined heat and time period varies with respect to one or more tooth types (bracket size) and the thermoplastic adhesive.