| abstract |
A prescription fitted unitary tooth-cleansing and gingival therapeutic device is disclosed which is fabricated from study models taken by a dentist of a patient''s individual dentition. The device of the invention includes opposed channels which are formed integrally with a common handle. Each channel is bent into an arcuate shape so as to form an arch which conforms to the exact shape of the teeth and adjacent structures. In addition, the interior of each channel, which is formed of an elastic plastic material, is molded to closely conform to the contour of the teeth and adjacent soft tissue structures of the person utilizing the device. In the interior channel portion of the device are positioned, in two sections, a plurality of bristles or similar projections, which extend generally in a perpendicular direction from the inner walls of the channels. The material of said channels is sufficiently elastic so that when the person chews into the upper and lower channels with his teeth, the projections effectively and exactly clean food particles and bacteria from every surface of every tooth except the interproximal contact areas and interdental Col, and in addition, the device cleanses the area between the teeth and gums known as the Gingival Crevice while also properly massaging and stimulating the Free Marginal Gingival, by reason of the fact that it is provided with ledges beyond the several gingival lines to permit compression of the gingiva. |