Device for maintaining oral hygiene in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances using the process of electrolysis

Abstract

This invention falls under the category of items for general use and non-medical devices, and it is designed for maintaining oral hygiene in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances. According to the International Patent Classification (IPC), this invention fails within category A - 'HUMAN NECESSITIES,' particularly in the subclass A61C. The problem addressed by the device is the challenging maintenance of oral hygiene due to the presence of a fixed orthodontic appliance. The device utilizes electrolysis as an active principle to remove bacteria from the surface of teeth, gums, and the orthodontic appliance. Its design and mode of use enable application at any location and between two toothbrushing. It is sufficient to simultaneously place the electrodes (3) on the upper and lower arches of the fixed orthodontic appliance and wait for 30 seconds. Due to the closure of the electrical circuit through saliva and a voltage of 3V, the device, powered by two AAA batteries (2) of 1.5V each, facilitates the rapid migration of bacteria. These bacteria are drawn from the negatively charged area to the positively charged area, released into saliva, and easily removed by rinsing the mouth with a sip of water.

Description

[0001] DEVICE FOR MAINTAINING ORAL HYGIENE IN PATIENTS WITH FIXED ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCES USING THE PROCESS OF ELECTROLYSIS

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] According to the International Patent Classification (IPC), this invention fall within the category A - “HUMAN NECESSITIES” particularly in the category A61 C, considering that it is a device for maintaining oral hygiene.

[0004] The technical solutions applied in this invention allow the use of the electrolysis process to remove bacteria from surfaces in the oral cavity that are hard to reach with existing oral hygiene tools, thereby enhancing overall oral hygiene for patients with fixed orthodontic appliances.

[0005] Background Art

[0006] Existing solutions, such as toothbrushes, interdental brushes, oral irrigators (water picks), mouthwash solutions, and dental floss, primarily rely on mechanical and chemical actions. However, they are limited in their ability to access microscopic areas in the oral cavity.

[0007] - Toothbrushes mechanically remove food residues, plaque, and bacteria but have limitations in reaching all tooth surfaces.

[0008] - Interdental brushes mechanically clean between teeth where a regular toothbrush cannot reach.

[0009] - Dental floss is a mechanical tool for removing food debris and plaque between teeth.

[0010] - Mouthwash solutions refresh breath and have limited chemical action on deposits and food residues but cannot replace the fundamental tool - the toothbrush.

[0011] - Dental foam, as an additional oral hygiene tool, chemically influences dental plaque and bacteria.

[0012] - Dental irrigators use the mechanical action of a pressurized water jet to remove food residues between teeth and gums, mainly for home use.

[0013] Existing solutions, based on mechanical and chemical principles, lack the capability to eliminate bacteria from inaccessible areas and microscopic spaces in the oral cavity. Inaccessibility refers to spaces created by the morphology, shape, and position of teeth, including interdental and subgingival spaces. For patients with fixed orthodontic appliances, this also includes spaces between tooth surfaces, brackets, adhesive materials, and the surfaces of the prosthesis created by wire placement. Another factor contributing to the insufficient efficiency of existing solutions is the chemical composition of dental plaque and the strong chemical bonds between bacteria and dental deposits. Retention of bacteria in these areas leads to a higher incidence of cavities (caries) in these patients compared to conditions without fixed orthodontic appliances.

[0014] Disclosure of Invention

[0015] The novelty of the present invention lies in the application of the electrolysis process to remove bacteria from the surfaces of teeth, gums, and metal structures in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances.

[0016] The application of this invention is exclusive to patients with fixed orthodontic appliances, as the presence of metal elements in the fixed appliance is necessary to establish the flow of electrical current The invention utilizes a potential difference (voltage) of 3V, obtained from two 1.5V AAA batteries. By simultaneously placing two electrodes of the invention, one on the upper arch and the other on the lower arch of the patients fixed dental prosthesis, the electrical circuit is closed with the help of saliva, allowing the flow of electrical current.

[0017] This electrical current influences bacterial movement, as bacteria are mostly negatively charged due to their cell membrane chemistry. The bacteria are attracted to the positive charge and repelled by the negative charge, which leads to their effective release into the saliva. This process takes 30 seconds, and rinsing the mouth with a sip of water afterward is sufficient to remove the bacteria from the mouth.

[0018] The use of the invention does not require the application of additional substances during the process. No existing means for maintaining oral hygiene utilize the electrolysis process of saliva to clean surfaces in the oral cavity. The invention employs electrical current, while all other means rely on mechanical and chemical actions.

[0019] Brief Description of Drawings

[0020] FIG. 1 : Represents an oblique exploratory view of the invention with all its constituent parts.

[0021] FIG. 2A: Invention's body - view from the top.

[0022] FIG. 2B: Invention's body - view from the side, vertical.

[0023] FIG. 2C: Invention's body - view oblique.

[0024] FIG. 2D: Invention's body - view from the side, horizontal.

[0025] FIG. 3A: Invention's cover - view from the top.

[0026] FIG. 3B: Invention's cover - view from the side, vertical.

[0027] FIG. 3C: Invention's cover - view oblique.

[0028] FIG. 3D: Invention's cover - view from the side, horizontal. FIG. 3E: Electrode - view from the side, cross-section.

[0029] FIG. 3F: Electrode - view from the side.

[0030] FIG. 3G: Electrode - view from the top.

[0031] FIG. 3H: Metal connector - view from the top.

[0032] FIG. 31: Metal connector - view from the side.

[0033] Best Mode for Carrying Out of the Invention

[0034] The subject invention, a device for maintaining oral hygiene in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances using the process of electrolysis, is composed of the following structural elements:

[0035] Body (1) of the invention is onstructed from injection-molded ABS plastic. Features an opening (1b) corresponding to the shape and size of the cross-section of two AAA batteries (2). Two openings (1c) on the flat lateral sides of the body (1) accommodate the tabs (5c) of the cover (5), facilitating the closure of the invention's body (1). Plastic-molded holders (1a) for batteries (2) are integrated into the interior of the body (1). At the bottom of the interior, there is an aluminum connector (4) ensuring interconnection of the two non-rechargeable and non- replaceable batteries (2).

[0036] Batteries (2) used for powering the invention are two 1 ,5V AAA batteries are housed in the recess (1b) molded into the body (1) of the invention.

[0037] Cover (5) of the invention is also made of injection-molded ABS plastic. It ensures the closure of the body (1) to protect the two batteries (2) and prevent water ingress into the body (1). It is oval-shaped for ease of maintenance. Features a special electrode (3) holder (5e) molded into the plastic, connected to the cover (5) by a connector (5b). Two circular openings (5a) on the cover (5) align with the dimensions of two cylindrical metal contact connectors (6).

[0038] Electrodes (3), made of brass alloy and coated with a layer of gold via the galvanization process, have a cylindrical shape with a rounded end and a circular cross-sectional indentation (3i) matching the shape and dimensions of the holder (5e) on which they are placed. On the lateral side of the electrodes (3), there is a circular recess (3h) corresponding to the shape and dimensions of the cross- sectional profile of the metal contact connectors (6).

[0039] Metal contact connectors (6) fit into the circular openings (3h) on the electrodes (3), establishing contact by adhering to the edges over the entire surface. The other end of the contact connectors (6), passed through the openings (5a) on the cover (5) and makes direct contact with the batteries (2). These contact connectors (6) are crafted from brass alloy and coated with a layer of gold using the galvanization process, same as electrodes (3). Industrial Applicability

[0040] The subject invention, device for maintaining oral hygiene in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances using the process of electrolysis, is intended exclusively for maintaining oral hygiene in these patients as an additional means. Moreover, it cannot replace any other means mentioned in the section "Background Art".

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS1. A device for maintaining oral hygiene in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances using the electrolysis process, characterized by: a body (1) made of injection-molded ABS plastic containing two non-rechargeable and non- replaceable 1.5V AAA batteries (2) interconnected by an aluminum connector (4). The body (1) of the invention is sealed by a cover (5) made of injection-molded ABS plastic. The cover (5) has, on its external side, two molded electrode holders (5e) made of injection-molded ABS plastic, two circular cross-section openings (5a) onto which one electrode (3) made of brass alloy and coated with a layer of gold applied by the galvanization process is fitted. Each opening (5a) accommodates one cylindrical roller-shaped contact connector (6) made of brass alloy and coated with a layer of gold applied by the galvanization process. One end of the contact connector (6) contacts the electrode (3), while the other end contacts the battery (2) inside the body (1) of the device.

2. The device as per claim 1. is characterized by having the cover part (5) of the device, oval in shape, made of injection-molded ABS plastic. This cover ensures the closure of the invention's body (1 ) to protect the two AAA batteries (2) of 1.5V and prevent water ingress into the body (1). On its external side, the cover (5) has a molded-in-one-piece special holder (5e) for electrodes (3), connected to the cover (5) by a connector (5b). This construction includes two circular openings (5a) of the same diameter as two metal contact connectors (6) in the shape of a roller, through which the mentioned connectors (6) are inserted, enabling contact between the batteries (2) housed in the body (1) of the invention and the electrodes (3) placed on the holders (5e). Two electrodes (3) are cylindrical, with a rounded end, circular cross-section, an indentation (3i) on the inside corresponding to the shape and dimensions of the holder (5e) on which the electrodes (3) are placed. On the lateral side of the electrodes (3), there is a circular recess (3h) corresponding to the shape and dimensions of the cross- sectional profile of the metal contact connectors (6), into which tire contact connectors (6) fit.

3. The application of the subject invention, based on the construction of the cover (5) as per claim 2., allows for cleaning the surfaces of fixed prostheses, teeth, and gums in 30 seconds. This is achieved by simultaneously pressing the electrodes (3) onto the upper and lower arch wires of the fixed orthodontic appliance, utilizing saliva as an excellent conductor of electricity. This results in closing the electrical circuit with a voltage of 3V, powered by two 1.5V AAA batteries (2), leading to the immediate movement of bacteria due to negative charge of bacterial surfaces, from negative to positive electrification. Subsequently, the bacteria remain free in saliva and are rinsed away with a sip of water.

Images