Interdental brush

Abstract

In an interdental brush, the filaments are retained between two wire sections (1a, 1b) which are twisted with one another. The wire sections (1a, 1b) have a diameter (D) of 0.3 mm or less and consist of a nickel-free or low-nickel steel. These brushes are distinguished by an increased level of rigidity and an improved restoring force and are stable even if the wire has a small diameter.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an interdental brush in which filaments (or bristles) are retained between wire sections which are twisted with one another. The invention also relates to a method for producing such brushes.PRIOR ART[0002] Cleaning the spaces between the teeth with the aid of interdental brushes has long been an indispensable part of thorough dental care. These interdental brushes essentially comprise two thin, twisted pieces of wire between which the bristles or synthetic filaments are firmly clamped. Whereas the wire ends of the small brushes formerly had to be inserted into a handle by the user (see U.S. Pat. No. 4,222,143, Tarrson), modern interdental brushes have a plastic part which can easily be inserted in the handle (see, for example, EP 0 001 044 A1, Georg; EP 0 203 082 B1, Curaden A G). Large or small brushes are required depending on the width of the spaces between the teeth. There is thus a series of brushes with different wire and bristle diameters. Sys...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006] Interdental brushes according to the invention are distinguished by an increased level of rigidity and an improved restoring force. If the brushes, during use, are introduced, for example, obliquely into the space between the teeth and strike against something with the tips or bend, then the twisted section will not deform so easily or, if it deforms, it is not so easily subjected to permanent deformation. The properties of thin brushes in particular may thus be noticeably improved for the user. Using nickel-free wire, in addition, increases the biocompatibility of the brush, without any protective coatings being necessary.

[0009] It is preferable, but not absolutely necessary, for the wires to consist of an austenite. Tests have shown that the robustness of the filament carrier, which is formed by the twisted wires, is favourably influenced as a result. In addition, the corrosion resistance ensures that brushes which have been kept in storage, or are left lying around, for a long period of time do not result in problems for the user during use (on account of corrosion having occurred in the meantime).

Problems solved by technology

It has repeatedly been found to be the case in practice that the fine interdental brushes, i.e. the brushes for the narrow spaces between the teeth, are problematic to use, i.e. easily bend during use and, in some circumstances, even break.

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