Non-Absorbent Orthodontic Cord Segments for Tissue Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Orthodontic hardware causes pain and irritation due to contact with oral tissues, and existing solutions like cotton rolls and orthodontic wax are inconvenient, time-consuming, or pose health risks.
Innovation Solution
Elongated cord segments made of non-absorbent, food-grade materials, such as silicone or Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM), designed to create a separation between orthodontic hardware and oral tissues, providing comfort and hygiene without absorption or irritation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If absorbent cotton rolls are used to separate orthodontic hardware and tissue, then tissue separation is achieved, but the cotton rolls trap food and liquid and absorb bacteria creating hygiene issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from absorbent cotton to non-absorbent silicone, fundamentally altering the interaction with food, liquid, and bacteria. The silicone material maintains tissue separation capability while eliminating the harmful absorption of bacteria, food, and liquid that occurs with cotton rolls.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from disposable absorbent cotton rolls to reusable non-absorbent silicone cord segments. The reusable nature eliminates the need for frequent disposal and replacement, while the non-absorbent material prevents bacterial accumulation that would occur with repeated use of absorbent materials.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If orthodontic wax or medical-grade silicone dots are applied to cover irritating hardware, then pain and irritation are reduced, but installation is time-consuming and they may fall off requiring reapplication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the protective covering into segmented cord pieces that can be individually placed between specific pieces of hardware and tissue. This segmentation allows for targeted protection only where needed, rather than applying wax or dots to multiple hardware components, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining pain relief.
Solution Approach 2:
The silicone cord segments act as an intermediary barrier between the orthodontic hardware and oral tissue. This intermediary approach provides more reliable and durable protection compared to wax or dots, as the cord segments are less likely to dislodge and require reapplication.
3Ease of operation
If cotton rolls are used for tissue separation, then separation is achieved, but they are uncomfortable to wear for long durations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from soft absorbent cotton to smooth non-absorbent silicone, fundamentally altering the comfort characteristics. The silicone material does not become saturated with food and liquid over time, maintaining its comfort and effectiveness for extended wear periods, unlike cotton rolls that become uncomfortable when saturated.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If orthodontic wax or silicone dots are used to cover hardware, then protection is provided, but they may be accidentally swallowed or clog plumbing when washed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from small disposable wax or dot coverings to larger reusable silicone cord segments. The increased size makes accidental swallowing less likely, and the reusable nature means they are removed and cleaned rather than washed down drains, eliminating plumbing clog risks.
Data Source
AI summary
An elongated cord segment is inserted into a mouth. The elongated cord segment comprises at least one non-absorbent food-grade material. The elongated cord segment having a cross-sectional shape consisting of convex surfaces, and a uniform density. The elongated cord segment is positioned to cause separation between orthodontic hardware and at least one of the following: cheek tissue inside the mouth, or lip tissue inside the mouth, without the elongated cord segment contacting the orthodontic hardware.