Orthodontic flossing guide

• US 20040023181A1
• Filed: 08/01/2002
• Published: 02/05/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 08/01/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Sturdy Floss Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Sturdy Floss Incorporated
• Inventors: Stallings, Joann Marie
• Granted Patent: US 6,814,086 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 433/3
• CPC Class Codes: A61C 15/041 Dental floss chemical aspects A61Q11/00

Abstract

The invention provides a flossing device to remove debris, food, plaque, and bacteria from in between the proximal surfaces of teeth undergoing orthodontic treatment. In an embodiment of the invention, a dental flossing guide comprises a lead portion and floss filament attached thereto and extending therefrom. The lead portion comprises two wires mechanically entwined with the floss filament and a soft flexible coating, with a good portion of the floss filament extending long enough to be grabbed by two hands. The flossing guide features a small diameter to fit between the orthodontic wire and the front portion of the tooth. The soft coating and a curvilinear tip of the flossing guide protects the gingival tissue when inserted into a patient'"'"'s mouth. The flossing guide is used on patients that are undergoing orthodontic treatment to promote a healthy oral cavity environment. The flossing guide is easy to use by all ages.

Claims

1. A flossing device comprising:

a lead portion, wherein said lead portion comprises a curved tip, an end, and a first wire; and

floss filament fixedly attached to said lead portion and extending from said end of said lead portion.

2. The flossing device of claim 1, wherein said floss filament is entwined with said first wire.

3. The flossing device of claim 1, wherein said floss filament has a length suitable for flossing between teeth.

4. The flossing device of claim 1, wherein said lead portion further comprises a soft flexible coating.

5. The flossing device of claim 4, wherein said soft flexible coating is selected from the group consisting of:

nylon, rubber, plastic, or a combination thereof.

6. The flossing device of claim 4, wherein said soft flexible coating completely covers said first wire.

7. The flossing device of claim 6, wherein said first wire is flexible.

8. The flossing guide of claim 1, wherein said lead portion prevents damage to gingival tissue when reasonably inserted into a patient'"'"'s mouth.

9. The flossing device of claim 1, wherein said end is opposite said tip.

10. The flossing device of claim 1, wherein said lead portion can be shaped to fit through a gap formed between orthodontic wire and teeth attached to said orthodontic wire.

11. A method for flossing teeth undergoing orthodontic treatment comprising the steps of:

inserting the flossing device of claim 1 in a gap formed between an orthodontic wire and a tooth;

pulling said flossing device through said gap; and

flossing a proximal surface of said tooth with said floss filament.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of forming said lead portion into a shape suitable for insertion through said gap.

13. An orthodontic flossing device comprising:

a string of dental floss,

a first wire, and

a coating, wherein said coating completely coats said first wire and a portion of said string of dental floss.

14. The device of claim 13 further comprising a second wire, wherein said coating completely coats said second wire.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein said first and second wires are intertwined with said string of dental floss.

16. The device of claim 13, wherein said string of dental floss is wrapped around or intertwined with said first wire.

17. The device of claim 13, wherein said string of dental floss comprises a material selected from the group consisting of:

nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene, or a combination thereof.

18. The device of claim 13, wherein said first wire comprises a rigid, but flexible material.

19. The device of claim 13, wherein said coating comprises a soft material, which is not harmful to gingival tissue.

20. The flossing device of claim 19, wherein said soft flexible coating is selected from the group consisting of:

nylon, rubber, plastic, or a combination thereof.