42 results about "Interproximal space" patented technology

The invention is an interproximal dental appliance, comprising an over-molded interproximal cleaning tip for insertion into interproximal spaces between teeth, and further comprising an adapter arm for detachably coupling the over-molded interproximal cleaning tip to the interproximal dental appliance, where a sonic energy director located between the adapter arm and a sonic power generator transfers acoustic vibration energy through the adapter arm to the over-molded interproximal cleaning tip. The adapter arm includes an angled end to enable positioning the over-molded interproximal cleaning tip into the interproximal spaces between teeth.

A toothbrush is disclosed, in which wing hairs are arranged in a V-shape in left and right sides with respect to the center hairs which are the center toothbrush hairs planted in forward and backward directions in a toothbrush head, and the V-shaped wing hairs of the left and right sides are arranged in a X-shape, and auxiliary hairs are arranged between the forward and backward wing hairs in part of the X-shaped toothbrush hairs. With the above arrangements, a contact surface area of each tooth is widened, and a more effective tooth brushing can be performed in three fossas (mesial fossa (mesial pit), a central fossa (central pit) and a distal fossa (distal pit)), a buccal developmental groove, a lingual developmental groove, an accessory groove, a triangular groove and a buccal groove of a buccal aspect, which correspond to a dental caries portion, an interproximal space in which a food debris might be accumulated, and a contact area peripherals of a buccal aspect in which a food debris might be impacted, so dental caries and tooth diseases (periodontitis) can be advantageously prevented, and a pain due to a temporomandibular disorder and a facial muscle fatigue might be reduced and recovered by protruding a cushion layer from an upper side of a toothbrush.

An internal gear pump includes a recessed portion communicating with each corresponding interproximal space and defined in a way that the inlet port and the outlet port are prevented from communicating with each corresponding interproximal space at the position where each corresponding interproximal space attains the maximum volume. The recessed portion opens in a direction between a radial direction of the one of the driving rotor and the driven rotor and a circumferential direction thereof at each tooth of the one of the driving rotor and the driven rotor.

Teeth cleaning apparatus comprises a cylindrical cleaning implement. The cleaning implement includes a resilient support shaft and an engagement thread and is drivingly rotatable. The implement is so configured that, when presented between a pair of adjacent teeth, a rotating implement threads itself into the interproximal space and extracts interproximal debris.

A dental implement for cleaning interproximal spaces and a method of use. The implement includes a sleeve with first and second ends and a bore defined therebetween. A stack of cartridges is insertable into the bore. Each cartridge includes a cleaning tip such as an interproximal brush. A cap may be engaged with the sleeve to protect the tip and keep it hygienic. The cartridges are progressively advanced along the bore to present their cleaning tip for use. A locking member secures the uppermost cartridge in place. Once used, a cartridge is removed from the sleeve and may be discarded or inserted into an opening to the bore in the sleeve's second end. The tip may be snapped off prior to insertion. The cartridge stack is drawn along the bore as the uppermost cartridge is removed or insertion of the spent cartridge will advance the cartridge stack along the bore.

A floss pick including a body with a handle and a head. The head has first and second arms defining a cavity between them, and a length of dental floss extending between the arms and across the cavity. Preferably, the handle is oval in shape for easier grasping by the user. The body includes a toothpick member that preferably is disposed on the head and extends outwardly from one of the first and second arms into the cavity. The floss extends between the other of the first and second arms and the toothpick member and during use guides the toothpick member into interproximal spaces between teeth. Alternatively, a toothpick member may be provided in a recessed region of the handle and extend forwardly toward the head. The latter toothpick member is able to be detached from the handle for separate use.

A matrix ring comprising includes a biasing ring and a pair of opposing tines. The biasing ring includes a substantially hoop-like configuration terminating at two opposing ends. The pair of opposing tines extend inwardly from each of the two ends of the biasing ring toward each other. Each of the pair of opposing tines is coupled to the respective opposing end about a central region thereof and extends radially outwardly therefrom. Each tine includes a frame body having a central ridge and opposing lower extensions, the lower extensions terminating at an exposed face. The portion of the lower extensions proximate the exposed face being able to move relative to the rest of the frame body so as to better position on the teeth of a patient. A superimposed pad over portions of the frame body provides a deformable surface for engagement with the surface of the tooth of a patient.In the SpecificationThe opposing tines 14a, 14b are shown in FIG. 1. The opposing tines in the preferred embodiment are substantial mirror images of each other about a vertical plane substantial positioned between the interproximal space of the opposing tines. As a result, the opposing tine 14a will be described with the understanding that the opposing tine 14b is a 20 substantial mirror image thereof. To the extent that any structures are identified on the opposing tine 14b with reference numbers, these structures are denoted with the same reference number as on the opposing tine 14a.

The present invention is direct to a device and method for diagnosis of enamel cavitation of an interproximal dental surface. And in particular, the invention is directed to a device and method for diagnosing enamel cavitation of an interproximal tooth surface that is not visible or probe-able by instrumentation in human permanent and deciduous teeth. More specifically, the device has a substrate of generally rectangular shape and of a sufficient thickness such that it may be inserted into the interproximal space of teeth. On the substrate is disposed an impressionable material for contacting the interproximal surface and forming an impression thereof. The impressionable material has visco-elastic properties such that an impression of enamel cavitation on the interproximal surface remains on the impressionable material following removal of the substrate from the interproximal surface.

The present invention relates to a tooth coating applicator (10), typically in the form of a strip (11), and a method for applying a dental sealant to a surface of a tooth (T), and specifically to the interproximal surface (S) thereof. The applicator (10) is elongated and is adapted to be typically inserted into an interproximal space (I) defined between a pair of adjacent teeth (T, T′) and to be gradually slid against a dental surface of one of the teeth. The applicator (10) comprises a series of substrates (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 36, 40, 42) for generally successively removing debris and deposits from the interproximal dental surface (S), etching (20) the dental surface (S), washing (22) the dental surface (S), drying (24, 26) the dental surface (S), carrying (28) the sealing agent and applying the sealing agent to the dental surface (S), exerting pressure (30) on the dental surface (S) during the hardening of the sealing agent, and polishing (36, 38) the dental surface (S) and its cured sealing agent.

A flossing appliance with a body portion which includes a system for generating bursts of liquid and / or a liquid / gas mixture. A neck portion extends from the body portion through which the bursts are delivered to a nozzle, which is shaped and adapted to fit into the interproximal spaces of a user's teeth. A use reminder system comprises a reminder timer which begins to time following the activation cycle of the appliance. An indicator is responsive to the timer, providing an indication to the user that the timer has exceeded a predetermined time, such as 24 hours, without use.

This invention is dental floss or dental tape whose cross-sectional size can be adjusted after it is inserted into the proximal space. This is accomplished by making floss or tape with two or more members, wherein longitudinally pulling a subset of those members relative to the other members increases the cross-sectional size of the floss or tape. The size of the floss can be optimally adjusted to match the size of the interproximal space and clean the space most efficiently.

A dental insertion for a tooth filling, the insertion having a surface and a body extending from the surface, wherein at least one cavity is arranged in the surface, the cavity extending at least from the surface to a center of the body. Further, a dental insertion dummy having similar dimensions to a dental insertion, a device for handling of a dental insertion, a device of an electromagnetic radiation-conducting material for insertion into a dental insertion, a method for incorporating a dental insertion for a tooth filling into an interproximal space, a system including one or more of the insertions and devices and a method for production of insertions for dental treatment.

The present invention is direct to a device and method for diagnosis of enamel cavitation of an interproximal dental surface. And in particular, the invention is directed to a device and method for diagnosing enamel cavitation of an interproximal tooth surface that is not visible or probe-able by instrumentation in human permanent and deciduous teeth. More specifically, the device has a substrate of generally rectangular shape and of a sufficient thickness such that it may be inserted into the interproximal space of teeth. On the substrate is disposed an impressionable material for contacting the interproximal surface and forming an impression thereof. The impressionable material has visco-elastic properties such that an impression of enamel cavitation on the interproximal surface remains on the impressionable material following removal of the substrate from the interproximal surface.

Interproximal cleaning is produced by a combination of fluid droplets producing a certain impact shear stress on the interproximal biofilm combined with shear stress created by the effect of air driving a liquid film (18, 20) in the interproximal surfaces. The shear stress created by the droplets decreases with the depth of the interproximal space, while the shear stress produced by the air-driven liquid film increases with interproximal depth. The combined shear is at least as great as the shear stress necessary to remove biofilm from the interproximal surfaces.

Teeth cleaning apparatus comprises a cylindrical cleaning implement. The cleaning implement includes a resilient support shaft and an engagement thread and is drivingly rotatable. The implement is so configured that, when presented between a pair of adjacent teeth, a rotating implement threads itself into the interproximal space and extracts interproximal debris.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to an oral hygiene device for use in cleaning the teeth as well as the interproximal spaces between the teeth, and methods of manufacturing and using same. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, an oral hygiene device comprises a substantially rigid member having a dental cleaner on a first end and an interdental cleaner substantially terminating in an apex on a second end, the substantially rigid member being substantially free of filaments and bristles, and a coating material disposed on an outer surface of the dental cleaner, the coating material comprising at least an abradant.

The present invention relates to a tooth coating applicator (10), typically in the form of a strip (11), and a method for applying a dental sealant to a surface of a tooth (T), and specifically to the interproximal surface (S) thereof. The applicator (10) is elongated and is adapted to be typically inserted into an interproximal space (I) defined between a pair of adjacent teeth (T, T′) and to be gradually slid against a dental surface of one of the teeth. The applicator (10) comprises a series of substrates (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 36, 40, 42) for generally successively removing debris and deposits from the interproximal dental surface (S), etching (20) the dental surface (S), washing (22) the dental surface (S), drying (24, 26) the dental surface (S), carrying (28) the sealing agent and applying the sealing agent to the dental surface (S), exerting pressure (30) on the dental surface (S) during the hardening of the sealing agent, and polishing (36, 38) the dental surface (S) and its cured sealing agent.

A dental matrix includes a band with an edge for placement toward the gingival margin of a tooth to be restored, and a strip of material such as dental floss, attached to and extending along an edge of the band. In the preferred embodiment, buccal and lingual extensions are located beyond a central portion of the band along the edge. The extensions are folded over the strip of material so as to secure the strip of dental floss to the edge. The strip of material facilitates the insertion of the band in the interproximal space between two teeth.

The guidance assembly is used for precise cleaning of interproximal spaces of teeth. The guidance assembly includes a base portion (30) for contacting the surfaces of teeth and gum region, adjacent the interproximal space, the base portion being approximately 12 mm in diameter to provide stable contact with the teeth and gum region. The guidance assembly also includes a tip portion (28) which extends forward of the base portion and includes an opening (31) through which the droplet spray is directed coincident with the plane of the interproximal space.

A floss pick including a body with a handle and a head. The head has first and second arms defining a cavity between them, and a length of dental floss extending between the arms and across the cavity. Preferably, the handle is oval in shape for easier grasping by the user. The body includes a toothpick member that preferably is disposed on the head and extends outwardly from one of the first and second arms into the cavity. The floss extends between the other of the first and second arms and the toothpick member and during use guides the toothpick member into interproximal spaces between teeth. Alternatively, a toothpick member may be provided in a recessed region of the handle and extend forwardly toward the head. The latter toothpick member is able to be detached from the handle for separate use.

An apparatus for dental irrigation may be provided to project fluid onto the surfaces of, and the interproximal spaces between, a user's teeth and gum-line. The apparatus may comprise two hollow U-shaped manifolds having orifices located on their interior faces used as fluid jets. The manifolds may be connected, at a central point of reflection, by a rotating inlet joint which supplies the fluid flow. When placed in the user's mouth, the apparatus may be designed to receive the top and bottom sets of teeth in each corresponding U-shaped manifold, with orifices configured to provide fluid jets aligned towards the lingual and buccal side of the teeth. The orifices may be staggered to provide staggered fluid flow. A user's teeth may be cleaned with a controlled fluid flow by moving the apparatus in a sweeping motion between each set of rear molars.

A dental appliance for abrading dental resin, particularly in the interproximal space, is characterized by a length of dental tape formed of a supple, synthetic monofilament material of a rectangular cross section having an abrading material on an exterior portion thereof suitable for abrading dental resin, and a plastic threading element attached to an end of the dental tape for allowing the insertion of the dental tape into the interproximal space via the side. In one form, the dental abrading appliance has an abrading section formed of a continuous abrader or having an alternating pattern of non-abrading and abrading portions along a length of the dental tape. The abrading portions may be a single grit of the dental abrading material or may be different grits of the dental abrading material. In another form, the dental abrading tape has a single grit of a dental abrading material about its entire length.

An apparatus for dental irrigation may be provided to project fluid onto the surfaces of, and the interproximal spaces between, a user's teeth and gum-line. The apparatus may comprise two hollow U-shaped manifolds having orifices located on their interior faces used as fluid jets. The manifolds may be connected, at a central point of reflection, by a rotating inlet joint which supplies the fluid flow. When placed in the user's mouth, the apparatus may be designed to receive the top and bottom sets of teeth in each corresponding U-shaped manifold, with orifices configured to provide fluid jets aligned towards the lingual and buccal side of the teeth. The orifices may be staggered to provide staggered fluid flow. A user's teeth may be cleaned with a controlled fluid flow by moving the apparatus in a sweeping motion between each set of rear molars.

The spray assembly for a droplet spray teeth cleaning system includes a guidance member (40, 56, 80, 86) at the end thereof. The spray assembly includes a nozzle (24) through which a spray of liquid is directed to the teeth for cleaning. The guidance member is configured and mounted relative to the nozzle to provide a selected standoff distance between the nozzle and the teeth and includes a portion which is configured to fit in the interproximal space between adjacent teeth and gums, or against the frontal portions of the teeth, so that the user knows the location of the spray relative to the teeth.

A guide for dental interproximal reduction, the guide including a tray shaped to substantially conform to one or more teeth, wherein the tray holds at least one of the one or more teeth stationary during the interproximal reduction; one or more grooves in the tray, each groove positioned to allow access to an interproximal space between a first tooth and a second tooth; and a first lateral edge in each of the one or more grooves, wherein the first lateral edge is shaped to guide an instrument for interproximal reduction of the first tooth.

The present invention provides a preparation for attaching to teeth or tooth peripheries. The preparation for attaching to teeth or tooth peripheries of the present invention can give high adhesive force to the desired site despite interproximal space or curves of teeth. It is easy to hand while controlling drug release.

The guide assembly is used for precise cleaning of the interproximal spaces of the teeth. The guide assembly includes a base portion (30) for contacting the surface of the tooth and gum area adjacent the interproximal space, the base portion being approximately 12 mm in diameter to provide stable contact with the tooth and gum area. The guide assembly also includes a tip portion (28) extending forwardly from the base portion and including an opening (31) through which the droplet spray is directed in line with the plane of the interproximal space.

A method (800) for adjusting a user's oral care routine by an oral care device (10) based on interproximal spacing, the method including the steps of: (i) obtaining (820), using the oral care device, information about an interproximal space (66) in the user's mouth; and (ii) automatically adjusting (850), based on the obtained information, a parameter of the oral care device, wherein the dynamic adjustment is configured to improve oral care of the interproximal space.

The present invention relates to a tooth coating applicator (10), typically in the form of a strip (11), and a method for applying a dental sealant to a surface of a tooth (T), and specifically to the interproximal surface (S) thereof. The applicator (10) is elongated and is adapted to be typically inserted into an interproximal space (I) defined between a pair of adjacent teeth (T, T′) and to be gradually slid against a dental surface of one of the teeth. The applicator (10) comprises a series of substrates (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 36, 40, 42) for generally successively removing debris and deposits from the interproximal dental surface (S), etching (20) the dental surface (S), washing (22) the dental surface (S), drying (24, 26) the dental surface (S), carrying (28) the sealing agent and applying the sealing agent to the dental surface (S), exerting pressure (30) on the dental surface (S) during the hardening of the sealing agent, and polishing (36, 38) the dental surface (S) and its cured sealing agent.