Abstract: A method and apparatus for the treatment of bruxism thorough biofeedback is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus consists of electronics mounted in a light-weight headband which may be worn comfortably by a user during sleep or while awake. Electrodes within the headband pick up surface EMG voltage signals indicative of bruxism, and bio-feedback is provided to the user by a piezoelectric transducer in mechanical contact with the head of the user. One electrode of the piezoelectric transducer also serves as the reference sense electrode. The electrodes require no chemistry, allowing the apparatus to be worn for considerable periods without skin irritation. Information detailing the timing, quantity, and duration of bruxing events may be stored internally for later retrieval via display, computer interface, or voice synthesis interface. When EMG signals satisfy certain pre-determined time and amplitude conditions, an acoustical bio-feedback signal is generated.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 15, 1999
Date of Patent:
August 7, 2001
Assignee:
BruxCare, L.L.C.
Inventors:
Lee Weinstein, Thomas E. Devlin, Karl T. Ulrich, Clay Burns
Abstract: A method and apparatus for the treatment of bruxism through biofeedback is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus consists of electronics (M1) mounted in a light-weight headband (HB1) which may be worn comfortably by a user during sleep or while awake. Electrodes (E) within the headband pick up surface EMG voltage signals indicative of bruxism, and biofeedback is provided to the user through an earphone (SK).
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 23, 1998
Date of Patent:
September 12, 2000
Assignee:
BruxCare L.L.C.
Inventors:
Lee Weinstein, Karl T. Ulrich, Thomas E. Devlin, Clay Burns
Abstract: A bruxism monitoring device comprising a thin shell formed to the shape of and elastically retained to one or more teeth, said shell further comprising: a plurality of layers having mutually distinguishable colors, each color distinguishable from the colors of adjacent layers; and a material thickness that is greater anteriorly than posteriorly. The outer layer of the shell, when worn away by grinding action, reveals an inner layer. The regions of wear may be analyzed to determine the extent of the bruxing activity.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 13, 1998
Date of Patent:
June 15, 1999
Assignee:
BruxCare, L.L.C.
Inventors:
Karl T. Ulrich, Lee Weinstein, K. Alex McDonald, Clay A. Burns