IP Library › Patent Application 16379353
Patent Application
App. No. 16/379,353

Orthodontic Cord Segment

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US None
App. No.
16/379,353
Abstract

An elongated cord segment comprises at least one non-absorbent food-grade material. The elongated cord segment comprises a uniform density. The elongated cord segment comprises a first shape, mechanically configured, when fitted in a mouth of a user, to cause separation between orthodontic hardware and at least one of: cheek tissue inside the mouth, and lip tissue inside the mouth. The elongated cord segment comprises a first length.

Claims (37)

1 . An elongated cord segment comprising:

a) at least one non-absorbent food-grade material;

b) a uniform density;

c) a first shape mechanically configured, when fitted in a mouth of a user, to cause separation between orthodontic hardware and at least one of: cheek tissue inside the mouth, and lip tissue inside the mouth; and

d) a first length.

2 . The elongated cord segment according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one non-absorbent food-grade material comprises at least one of the following:

a) a polymer; and

b) synthetic rubber.

3 . The elongated cord segment according to claim 1 , further comprising one of the following:

a) closed cell foam;

b) closed cell sponge;

c) closed cell foam sponge;

d) open cell foam;

e) open cell sponge; and

f) open cell foam sponge.

4 . The elongated cord segment according to claim 1 , wherein the elongated cord segment is compressible.

5 . The elongated cord segment according to claim 1 , wherein the elongated cord segment is compression set resistant.

6 . The elongated cord segment according to claim 1 , wherein the elongated cord segment is recyclable.

7 . The elongated cord segment according to claim 1 , wherein the elongated cord segment is reusable.

8 . The elongated cord segment according to claim 1 , wherein the uniform density comprises a medium density.

9 . The elongated cord segment according to claim 1 , wherein a cross-section of the first shape comprises one of the following:

a) round;

b) elliptical; and

c) oval.

10 . The elongated cord segment according to claim 1 , wherein a cross-sectional diameter of the first shape is within a range of 0.15 inch to 0.75 inch.

11 . The elongated cord segment according to claim 1 , wherein a major axis of a cross-section of the first shape is within a range of 0.25 inch to 0.75 inch.

12 . The elongated cord segment according to claim 1 , wherein a minor axis of a cross-section of the first shape is within a range of 0.15 inch to 0.5 inch.

13 . The elongated cord segment according to claim 1 , wherein the orthodontic hardware is mounted on at least one tooth of the user.

14 . The elongated cord segment according to claim 1 , wherein the first length is less than or equal to 6 inches.

15 . The elongated cord segment according to claim 1 , wherein the first length is within a range of 1.5 inches to 6 inches.

16 . The elongated cord segment according to claim 1 , further comprising an antimicrobial agent.

17 . A method comprising:

a) inserting an elongated cord segment into a mouth, the elongated cord segment comprising at least one non-absorbent food-grade material; and

b) positioning the elongated cord segment to cause separation between orthodontic hardware and at least one of: cheek tissue inside the mouth, and lip tissue inside the mouth.

18 . The method according to claim 17 , wherein the elongated cord segment is configured to be reusable.

19 . The method according to claim 17 , further comprising cutting the elongated cord segment to length.

20 . The method according to claim 17 , further comprising positioning the elongated cord segment to avoid contact between the elongated cord segment and the orthodontic hardware.