Clinical dispenser and applicator

Abstract

The present invention relates to a clinical dispenser and applicator and, more particularly, to a clinical dispenser and applicator that is structured to hold and dispense a micro amount (one to several drops) of liquids / solvents in a clinical setting.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to a clinical dispenser and applicator and, more particularly, to a clinical dispenser and applicator that is structured to hold and dispense a micro amount (one to several drops) of liquids / solvents in a clinical setting.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Conventional dispensers / applicators include Microbrush® products which are used to clinically apply liquids / solvents to areas of limited access in the field of dentistry (among other uses). FIG. 1 shows a Microbrush® dispenser / applicator 100, which includes a fiber applicator tip 10, an angled neck 20, and a shaft 30.[0005]The most common use of a Microbrush® applicator is the application of costly liquids that require one or 2 drops clinically, such as application of bonding agents and primers to tooth structure or application of silane, or Viscostat® / hemostatic agents. Current dispensers contain syringe type reservoirs that at...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a clinical dispenser and applicator designed to deliver liquids and solvents with little or no evaporation in a clinical setting. It allows for easier and safer dispensing of bonding materials to teeth, reduces the possibility of contamination, and provides a more accurate amount of material for use. The dispenser has a hollowed-out distal shaft with an exit hole that can be squeezed to create a vacuum to suction the bonding material into the reservoir by negative pressure and capillary action. When used, the bonding material is held in the reservoir until the clinician squeezes the handle, which ensures controlled and safe dispensing without wasting. This design provides improved efficiency and accuracy in dental treatment.

Problems solved by technology

First, bonding materials evaporate as they sit dispensed in a well waiting to be applied to teeth.

Evaporation decreases effectiveness of bonding materials.

Second, repeated dipping of dispensers / applicators to transfer bonding materials to teeth is cumbersome for the clinician.

Third, repeated dipping of dispensers / applicators to transfer bonding materials to teeth takes more time and provides opportunity for contamination by saliva and / or possibility of moisture in the bonding process.

Fourth, not having the exact amount available for use promotes waste of bonding materials as more drops are dispensed because there is ineffectiveness / inefficiency of bonding agent application.

Fifth, repeated dipping provides a possibility of droplets splatter on the patient as it drops during carry over from the well to the mouth.

Sixth, dispensing liquids from a syringe-type dispenser is hard to control by the operator and results in splatter of the liquid and resulting waste of the costly liquid (ex: silane dispensing in ceramic restorations).

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