Vibrating Interproximal Pick for Gingival Sulcus Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tooth cleaning technologies, including sonic toothbrushes and interproximal cleaning devices, are ineffective in cleaning interproximal spaces between teeth and the gingival sulcus, and may cause harm if used incorrectly.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a vibration generating handle with an interproximal pick device featuring an elongate resilient pick and pH indicator coating, which transmits sonic vibrations for effective cleaning and provides real-time pH indication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sonic toothbrushes are used for cleaning teeth, then outer surfaces of teeth can be cleaned, but interproximal spaces and gingival sulcus cannot be effectively cleaned
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a handle portion and a separate pick head portion that can be removably coupled. The pick head includes a pointed pick member specifically designed for interproximal spaces, while the handle can provide vibrations. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, enabling effective cleaning of both outer surfaces and interproximal areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines multiple functions in one system: the handle can provide sonic vibrations for general cleaning, while the pick head with pointed pick member enables cleaning of interproximal spaces and gingival sulcus. The removable pick head interface allows different pick heads to be used for different cleaning needs, making the device versatile for various oral hygiene requirements.
2Power
If steel tips with ultrasonic vibrations are used for professional cleaning, then cleaning power is improved, but pain and harm can occur if used incorrectly
Solution Approach 1:
The pick member is specifically designed with a pointed tip geometry that is optimized for accessing and cleaning interproximal spaces and gingival sulcus. The local quality of the pointed tip allows it to reach into narrow spaces without requiring excessive force, thereby reducing the risk of pain and harm while maintaining effective cleaning power in the specific area where it is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes sonic or ultrasonic vibrations generated by the handle and transmitted to the pick head to enhance cleaning effectiveness. The vibrations help break down plaque and biofilm with minimal mechanical force, reducing the risk of pain and tissue damage compared to manual scraping methods, while still providing powerful cleaning action.
3Ease of operation
If simple pick devices are used for interproximal cleaning, then ease of use is improved, but cleaning effectiveness in gingival sulcus is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The pick head is designed to be removably coupled to the handle, allowing users to easily attach and detach the pick head as needed. The resilient pick member can flex and adapt to different tooth contours and depths of gingival sulcus, providing dynamic adaptation during use. This combination of easy operation for attachment/detachment with dynamic flexibility during cleaning maintains both ease of use and cleaning effectiveness.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively removes plaque, biofilm, and bacterial colonies from interproximal spaces and gingival sulcus while detecting potential dental issues through pH changes, promoting better oral hygiene and early detection of dental problems.
Implementation Method 1
The interproximal pick device is mounted on the mounting post of the vibration generating handle such that the mounting post frictionally engages the resilient tube
Implementation Method 2
providing an interproximal pick device that is adapted for use with the vibration generating handle... the distal end being sized and shaped for cleaning between the teeth
Implementation Method 3
an elongate resilient pick that extends from a proximal end to a distal end, the distal end being sized and shaped for cleaning between the teeth
Data Source
AI summary
A method of cleaning teeth includes the steps of providing a vibration generating handle that generates vibrations via a mounting post. An interproximal pick device is adapted to be mounted on the mounting post and includes an elongate resilient pick that is sized and shaped for cleaning between the teeth. A rigid tubular housing defines an inner conduit, with a proximal end of the elongate resilient pick being fixedly secured within the inner conduit adjacent a top end, and a resilient tube positioned within the inner conduit adjacent a bottom end. The interproximal pick device is mounted on the mounting post of the vibration generating handle such that the mounting post frictionally engages the resilient tube and transmits vibrations through the resilient tube to the elongate resilient pick.