Color changing matrix as wear indicator
First Claim
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1. An oral brush comprising:
- a body comprising a handle and head;
a brush portion connected to the head of said body; and
a sustained-release matrix comprising a support resin, a water-soluble substance, and an anti-microbial agent.
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Abstract
A sustained-release matrix for dental application includes either an anti-microbial agent or a colorant that is released from the matrix when the matrix contacts water. The preferred matrices include a water-soluble polymer and a water-insoluble support resin.
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Citations
44 Claims
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1. An oral brush comprising:
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a body comprising a handle and head;
a brush portion connected to the head of said body; and
a sustained-release matrix comprising a support resin, a water-soluble substance, and an anti-microbial agent. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. An oral brush comprising:
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a body including a head and a handle;
a brush portion attached to said head; and
a sustained-release matrix comprising a polymer and an anti-microbial agent. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A sustained-release matrix comprising:
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a resin comprising ethylene vinyl acetate;
a water-soluble polymer comprising polyethylene oxide; and
an anti-microbial agent. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24)
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- 25. A sustained-release matrix comprising a first layer comprising a polymer and an anti-microbial agent, and a second layer joined to the first and comprising a support resin.
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28. A method of releasing an anti-microbial agent from an oral brush, comprising
providing an oral brush including a body with a handle and a head, a brush portion attached to said head, and a sustained-release matrix comprising a water insoluble resin, a water-soluble polymer, and an anti-microbial agent; - and
contacting the portion of said brush including said matrix with water, causing said water-soluble polymer in said matrix to dissolve, thereby releasing said anti-microbial agent into said water. - View Dependent Claims (29, 30, 31, 32)
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33. A method of releasing an anti-microbial agent into a mouth of an animal, comprising
providing a matrix including a resin, a water-soluble substance, and an anti-microbial agent; - and
inserting said matrix into a mouth of an animal, said matrix releasing said anti-microbial agent into said mouth. - View Dependent Claims (34, 35)
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36. A wear-indicator oral brush, comprising
a body comprising a handle and head; -
a brush portion connected to the head of said body; and
a matrix that is attached to said head of said body, said matrix comprising a colorant and a water-leachable substance that leaches into water when the oral brush is used to cause said matrix to change color after repeated uses. - View Dependent Claims (37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44)
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Specification