This invention pertains to health hygiene, and more particularly to improved interproximal tools that provide greater efficacy in approaching dental surfaces about the oral cavity. The tools can be presented individually, or as a kit of stylized probes that fit a single handle.
It is well known in the art of interproximal cleaning of the teeth, to provide brushes at the distal end of oral tools. These brushes are sometimes angled at ninety degrees to the distal end of the handheld probe, and sometimes they are angled at one hundred and thirty five degrees. The brushes are sometimes straight, and sometimes they are tapered towards a proximal point. A typical type of interproximal brush of which is spoken of here, can be viewed in the United States patents to Simms, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,309,596 and 5,377,377.
The problem with the above types of interproximal tools are their inability to reach certain areas of the mouth. The inner cavities and spaces of the jaw present daunting and inaccessible challenges to ordinary interproximal brush elements that are described above.
In addition to the problem of inaccessibility, is the problem of the inability of these soft bristle brushes to remove hardened plaque that clings to the recessed enamel surfaces.
The present invention seeks to solve the problem of cleaning inaccessible gum and tooth surfaces, by providing a series of tools, or a tool kit. Each handheld tool comprises a cleaning probe disposed at an approximate zero angle of attack from the distal handle end of the tool. Each probe is rigid, and has brushes or hard plastic spaced-apart beads, (EVA) rubber filaments, or semi-abrasive sleeves of hardened foam. The brushes or beads are disposed upon an arcuate or curved, elongated surface of the probe. The curved, rigid probe projects from the distal end of the handheld tool.
The rigid nature of the probe is contraindicated from the teachings of similar interproximal probes. Most interproximal probes are flexible. The present invention has discovered that by making the elongated wire of the probe substantially inflexible, one is able to provide a robust cleaning of interproximal areas, with greater access and efficacy.
The arcuate nature of the elongated probe provides greater accessibility to curving tooth surfaces, and inner reaches of the jaw cavity.
The hardened rubber or plastic beads disposed along the curved length of the probe, also provide a more efficacious surface-to-surface cleaning of hardened plaque surfaces of the teeth. Spaced-apart hardened filaments can also be used.
In accordance with the present invention, a series of interproximal tools for cleaning hard to reach surfaces of the oral cavity, are described. The handheld tools each have a cleaning attachment probe disposed at approximate zero angle of attack from the distal handle end of the probe, as illustrated hereinafter, in the figures and detailed description. Each of the probe wires are rigid and essentially non-flexible. Each wire comprises a tooth cleaning means comprising brushes, filaments, or hard plastic or (EVA) rubber beads. The brushes, filaments, or beads are spaced-apart along the arcuate or curved, elongated probe surface. The arcuate nature of the elongated probe provides greater accessibility to curving tooth surfaces, and inner reaches of the jaw cavity. The hardened rubber or plastic beads disposed along the curved length of the probe, provide a more robust surface-to-surface cleaning of hardened plaque surfaces of the teeth. The rigid nature of the probe wire, allows the user to more forcefully, and efficaciously interpose the wire between and around the teeth. The curvature, rigidity, and hardened surfaces of the probe combine to provide a superior interproximal tool for cleaning teeth.
It is also contemplated by this invention to provide a single handle, with various probe attachments, so that a versatile tool kit can be achieved.
It is an object of this invention to provide a tool kit of versatile curved probes for cleaning teeth.
It is another object of the invention to provide improved interproximal cleaning tools for teeth.
A complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings, when considered in conjunction with the subsequent detailed description, in which:
Generally speaking, a series of tools for interproximal cleaning of teeth are shown. The tools can be part of a kit of tools, each having a single handheld base, or they can be part of a kit of separate handheld tools. Each tool has a curved, or arcuate, rigid probe wire disposed at the distal end of the handheld tool. Cleaning elements, such as brushes, filaments, or hardened rubber or plastic beads are respectively disposed along the curved surface of each probe. The filaments may be soft, flexible, and brush-like.
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Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to the skilled practitioner of this art, the invention is not considered limited to the example given for purposes of disclosure, but rather is deemed to cover all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of the invention.
Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims.