Method for orthodontia care

Abstract

A composition for orthodontia care, a system including the composition, a kit including multiple systems and methods of using the composition, system, and kit and forming the composition, system, and kit are disclosed. The composition is designed to maintain contact with a portion of a surface for an extended period of time to, for example, prevent or reduce plaque and calculus buildup.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 800,632, entitled SYSTEM FOR MEASURABLY IMPROVING ORAL HEALTH AND METHOD OF USING SAME, filed May 15, 2006.FIELD OF INVENTION [0002] The present invention generally relates to methods for orthodontia care. More particularly, the invention relates to orthodontia care that includes preventing or reducing an amount of plaque, tartar and / or the like. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Unfortunately, poor oral health affects millions of people every year. Poor oral health may result in symptoms ranging from bad breath, tooth decay, and tooth discoloration, to more serious health problems, such as gingivitis, periodontitis, and even general health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, poorly controlled diabetes and preterm labor. [0004] The presence of dental plaque, or simply plaque, in an oral cavity can lead to such oral and general health problems. P...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014] In accordance with various embodiments and aspects of the present invention, methods for orthodontia care are provided. Exemplary methods provide a relatively inexpensive and safe treatment for facilitating maintenance and improvement of oral health and / or hygiene, such as through the prevention and / or reduction of an amount of plaque, tartar and / or the like in connection with orthodontia. In addition, exemplary oral health methods are relatively easy to use or perform, do not require a visit to a dentist office, and do not damage the surface of orthodontia.

[0019] In accordance further embodiments, the viscous composition is designed to maintain the active ingredient(s) in contact with a surface for an extended period of time. Suitable active ingredients include cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), zinc salts, other antimicrobial agents, and other ingredients to prevent or reduce an amount of plaque, tartar and / or the like.

[0021] In accordance with further embodiments, the container configured to dispense the composition includes an expulsion or vessel portion, configured to store and facilitate expulsion or other like transfer of the composition, and an applicator portion, configured to receive the composition and to facilitate delivery of the composition to a surface. In accordance with various aspects of exemplary embodiments, the applicator portion includes an angled spout to facilitate targeted delivery of the composition—e.g., to a gum / tooth interface. In accordance with further aspects, an exemplary container is configured with an access / closure portion to maintain the composition within the container. In accordance with additional aspects of this embodiment, an exemplary container encases multiple doses of the composition. Alternatively, an exemplary container may encase a single dose. In accordance with yet further aspects, the container is configured to facilitate delivery of the composition to specific portions on a surface.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, poor oral health affects millions of people every year.

Poor oral health may result in symptoms ranging from bad breath, tooth decay, and tooth discoloration, to more serious health problems, such as gingivitis, periodontitis, and even general health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, poorly controlled diabetes and preterm labor.

The presence of dental plaque, or simply plaque, in an oral cavity can lead to such oral and general health problems.

If not removed, however, the presence of plaque can give rise to tartar formation, gum bleeding, tooth decay, gingivitis, periodontitis, and other health problems.

Tartar adheres to hard surfaces such as enamel, roots, and dental devices, such as orthodontia (e.g., braces), dentures, bridges, crowns, fillings, and the like, and is generally more difficult to remove than plaque.

Brushing and flossing are normally not sufficient to remove tartar from a surface.

If left untreated, tartar buildup can be problematic in several regards.

The bacteria growth can, in turn, lead to gum bleeding, tooth decay, gingivitis, periodontitis, and other health problems.

In addition to the health concerns, tartar is a cosmetic problem due to its discoloration of teeth.

Moreover, because the surface of tartar is rough and porous, the tartar absorbs colors from other sources (e.g., coffee, tea, tobacco, smoke, red wine and the like), and thus the presence of tartar exacerbates cosmetic tooth discoloration typically associated with such other sources.

Although such toothpastes, if used regularly, may prevent buildup of additional tartar, the toothpastes are not thought to be effective at removing existing tartar from tooth enamel and dental device surfaces.

Although these techniques work well, they are relatively expensive and time consuming.

Furthermore, various methods for inhibiting tartar may cause damage to tooth enamel and / or to dental devices and can be particularly difficult for subjects receiving orthodontia care.

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