Orthodontic Cord Segment Methods

An elongated cord segment is inserted into a mouth. The elongated cord segment comprises at least one non-absorbent food-grade material. The elongated cord segment having a cross-sectional shape consisting of convex surfaces, and a uniform density. The elongated cord segment is positioned to cause separation between orthodontic hardware and at least one of the following: cheek tissue inside the mouth, or lip tissue inside the mouth, without the elongated cord segment contacting the orthodontic hardware.

BACKGROUND

In many cases, orthodontic hardware may cause pain and/or irritation when contacted by tissue inside the mouth. Examples of tissue include cheek tissue and lip tissue.

Many patients with orthodontic hardware may be given absorbent cotton rolls (may also be referred to as dental rolls) to cause separation between the orthodontic hardware and the tissue. Many cotton rolls may be absorbent, trapping food or liquid consumed by the patient, and/or absorbing bacteria. Many cotton rolls may only be offered in a specific diameter. Many cotton rolls may only be offered in a specific length. Many cotton rolls may be uncomfortable to wear for long durations. The surface of many cotton rolls may snag on the orthodontic hardware. Many cotton rolls may have a coating which may stick to the tissue and cause painful sloughing or ulcers when removed.

Many patients with orthodontic hardware may be given orthodontic wax (may also be referred to as dental wax) or medical-grade silicone dots to cover pieces of orthodontic hardware causing the pain and/or irritation. Installing orthodontic wax or medical-grade silicone dots over each piece of orthodontic hardware that causes the pain and/or irritation may be time consuming. In many cases, the orthodontic wax or medical-grade silicone dots may fall off the orthodontic hardware. In many cases, patients may be required to remove the orthodontic wax or medical-grade silicone dots prior to consuming food and or fluid. In these cases, patients may be required to reinstall orthodontic wax or medical-grade silicone dots an additional time. Orthodontic wax may absorb bacteria. Pieces of orthodontic wax or medical-grade silicone dots may be easy to swallow accidentally. Pieces of orthodontic wax or medical-grade silicone dots may clog plumbing if washed down a drain.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments comprise elongated cord segment(s) configured to cause separation between orthodontic hardware and tissue inside the mouth of a user.

According to an embodiment, an elongated cord segment may comprise at least one non-absorbent food-grade material. The elongated cord segment may be referred to as an elongated rope segment. The at least one non-absorbent food-grade material may comprise at least one medical grade and/or FDA (Food and Drug Administration) grade non-absorbent food-grade material. The at least one non-absorbent food-grade material may be fully cured or finished. The at least one non-absorbent food-grade material may be non-marking. The at least one non-absorbent food-grade material may be synthetic. The elongated cord segment may comprise a uniform density. The elongated cord segment may comprise a first shape. The first shape may be mechanically configured, when fitted in a mouth of a user, to cause separation between orthodontic hardware and at least one of the following: cheek tissue inside the mouth, or lip tissue inside the mouth. The orthodontic hardware may be mounted on at least one tooth of the user. The orthodontic hardware may comprise a bracket, buccal tube, wire, retainer, aligner, band, crown, spring, pin, combinations thereof, and/or the like. The elongated cord segment may comprise a first length. The first length may be relative to at least a portion of a span of the orthodontic hardware. The first length may be configured to span a range of one tooth to an entire jawline. The elongated cord segment may be reusable.

According to an embodiment, at least one non-absorbent food-grade material may comprise at least one polymer and/or at least one synthetic rubber. An example of a polymer is silicone. An example of a synthetic rubber is Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM).

According to an embodiment, at least one non-absorbent food-grade material may comprise at least one non-polymer.

According to an embodiment, an elongated cord segment may comprise a closed cell foam. An elongated cord segment may comprise a closed cell sponge. An elongated cord segment may comprise a closed cell foam sponge. An elongated cord segment may comprise an open cell foam. An elongated cord segment may comprise an open cell sponge. An elongated cord segment may comprise an open cell foam sponge. An elongated cord segment may be compressible. An elongated cord segment may be compression set resistant. An elongated cord segment may be recyclable.

According to an embodiment, a uniform density may comprise a medium density. The medium density may, for example, correspond to a Shore hardness type 00 in the range of 10 to 85. The medium density may, for example, correspond to a Shore hardness type A in the range of 0 to 55.

According to an embodiment, an elongated cord segment may be flexible. The elongated cord segment may be at least partially formed to a shape of a human gum line.

According to an embodiment, a cross-section of a first shape may comprise a round shape. A cross-section of a first shape may comprise an elliptical shape. A cross-section of a first shape may comprise an oval shape.

FIGS.1A,1B,1C, and1Dillustrate example elongated cord segments (100,110,120, and130) as per an aspect of various embodiments. Elongated cord segments (for example,100and120) may comprise open cell structures. Elongated cord segments (for example,110and130) may comprise closed cell structures. Elongated cord segments (for example,100and110) may comprise a round cross-section. Elongated cord segments (for example,120and130) may comprise an elliptical cross-section. Persons skilled in the art will recognize that a non-absorbent material employed to create an open cell structure (for example, open cell foam, open cell sponge, or open cell foam sponge) may not absorb and/or may be resistant to absorbing foreign particles even though foreign particles may be trapped in one or more open cells.

FIGS.2A,2B, and2Cillustrate example cross-sections (200,210, and220) of elongated cord segments as per an aspect of various embodiments. Example cross-section200may comprise a round shape. Example cross-section210may comprise an elliptical shape. Example cross-section220may comprise an oval shape.

According to an embodiment, a cross-sectional diameter of a first shape may be within a range of, for example, 0.15 inch to 0.75 inch.

According to an embodiment, a major axis of a cross-section of a first shape may be within a range of, for example, 0.25 inch to 0.75 inch. A minor axis of the cross-section of the first shape may be within a range of, for example, 0.15 inch to 0.5 inch.

According to an embodiment, a first length may, for example, be less than or equal to 6 inches. The first length may be, for example, within a range of 1.5 inches to 6 inches.

According to an example embodiment, an elongated cord segment may comprise an antimicrobial agent. The antimicrobial agent may be part of a non-absorbent food-grade material.

FIG.2Dillustrates example elongated cord segments240of various cross-sectional shapes as per an aspect of various embodiments.

According to an embodiment, a package may comprise at least one elongated cord segment. Each of the at least one elongated cord segment may comprise at least one non-absorbent food-grade material. The package may comprise a container. The container may comprise food-grade materials. The container may comprise at least one material that meets FDA approval for food packaging. The container may comprise the at least one elongated cord segment. Examples of a container include a tube, a box, a bag, combinations thereof, and/or the like. The package may comprise instructions for employment of the at least one elongated cord segment. The container may comprise the instructions. The instructions may be attached to the container. The instructions may be located on the container. The instructions may be provided to inform a user to insert an elongated cord segment into a mouth. The instructions may be provided to inform a user to position the elongated cord segment to cause separation between orthodontic hardware and at least one of the following: cheek tissue inside the mouth, or lip tissue inside the mouth. The instructions may be provided to inform a user to position the elongated cord segment facing cheek tissue and/or lip tissue. Cheek tissue may be referred to as buccal mucosa. Upper and lower lip tissue may be referred to as “Labium superius oris” and “Labium inferius oris” respectively. The instructions may be provided to inform a user to orient the elongated cord segment towards or away from a gum. The instructions may be provided to inform a user to position the elongated cord segment along a portion of an upper jaw and/or a lower jaw. The instructions may inform the user to position the elongated cord segment to avoid contact between the elongated cord segment and the orthodontic hardware. The instructions may inform the user to position the elongated cord segment to avoid contact between the elongated cord segment and the orthodontic hardware once the positioning is complete. The instructions may inform the user to cut the elongated cord segment to a desired length. The instructions may inform the user that the elongated cord segment is washable. The instructions may inform the user to wash the elongated cord segment after use. The elongated cord segment may be dishwasher safe. The instructions may inform the user to wash the elongated cord segment in a dishwasher. The instructions may be accessible via a hyperlink. The instructions may be indirectly accessible via a hyperlink. The instructions may be illustrated through at least one drawing and/or image. The instructions may be presented in a video.

FIG.3Aillustrates an example package300as per an aspect of an embodiment. The package300may comprise at least one elongated cord segment340. The at least one elongated cord segment340may comprise a plurality of similarly shaped and similarly sized elongated cord segments (as shown). The package300may comprise a container380. The container380may comprise a plastic bag. The plastic bag may be configured to be reclosable. The package300may comprise instructions390.

FIG.3Billustrates an example package301as per an aspect of an embodiment. The package301may comprise at least one elongated cord segment341. The at least one elongated cord segment341may comprise a plurality of cross-sectional diameters (as shown). The package301may comprise a container381. The container381may comprise a pillow box. The pillow box may comprise plastic, paper, cardboard, combinations thereof, and/or the like. The package301may comprise instructions391.

FIG.4illustrates an example package400as per an aspect of an embodiment. The package400may comprise at least one elongated cord segment440. The at least one elongated cord segment440may comprise a plurality of cross-sectional shapes (as shown). The package400may comprise a container480. The container480may comprise a clamshell. The clamshell may comprise plastic, paper, cardboard, combinations thereof, and/or the like. The package400may comprise instructions490.

According to an embodiment, an elongated cord segment may be inserted into a mouth. The elongated cord segment may comprise at least one non-absorbent food-grade material. The elongated cord segment may be positioned to cause separation between orthodontic hardware and at least one of the following: cheek tissue inside the mouth, or lip tissue inside the mouth. The elongated cord segment may be cut to a desired length. The elongated cord segment may be cut without impacting a non-absorbent characteristic of at least one food-grade material. The elongated cord segment may be cut for each individual user based on: a span of orthodontic hardware, and/or length of gum line. The elongated cord segment may be positioned to avoid contact between the elongated cord segment and the orthodontic hardware. The elongated cord segment may be positioned to avoid contact between the elongated cord segment and the orthodontic hardware once positioning is complete. Contact between the elongated cord segment and the orthodontic hardware during installation and/or removal of the elongated cord segment may be acceptable.

FIG.5is an example flow diagram of employing an elongated cord segment as per an aspect of various embodiments. An elongated cord segment may be inserted into a mouth at510. The elongated cord segment may comprise at least one non-absorbent food-grade material. The elongated cord segment may be cut to a length at520. The elongated cord segment may be positioned to cause separation between orthodontic hardware and at least one of the following: cheek tissue inside the mouth, or lip tissue inside the mouth at530. The elongated cord segment may be positioned to avoid contact between the elongated cord segment and the orthodontic hardware at540.

According to an embodiment, manufacture of at least one elongated cord segment may comprise combining at least one substance into an extrusion mixture. At least one foaming agent may be injected into the extrusion mixture. The extrusion mixture may be forced through a die to form an extrudate of a first shape. The extrudate may be formed through extrusion. The extrudate may be formed employing an extruder. The extrudate may be cured to form an elongated cord. The elongated cord may comprise a non-absorbent food-grade material. The elongated cord may comprise at least one of a plurality of colors. The plurality of colors may include human gum tissue colors. Curing may comprise heating and/or cooling. Heating may comprise a plurality of stages at a plurality of temperatures. Curing may cause skin to form on an exterior surface of the extrudate. The elongated cord may be cut into the at least one elongated cord segment. Each of the at least one elongated cord segment may comprise a first length. Additional curing may take place after cutting. The first shape may be mechanically configured, when fitted in a mouth, to cause separation between orthodontic hardware and at least one of the following: cheek tissue inside the mouth, or lip tissue inside the mouth. One or more of the above disclosed processes may be performed in a clean room.

FIG.6is an example flow diagram of manufacturing at least one elongated cord segment as per an aspect of various embodiments. At least one substance may be combined into an extrusion mixture at610. At least one foaming agent may be injected into the extrusion mixture at620. The extrusion mixture may be forced through a die to form an extrudate of a first shape at630. The extrudate may be cured to form an elongated cord at640. The elongated cord may comprise a non-absorbent food-grade material. The elongated cord may be cut into the at least one elongated cord segment at650. Each of the at least one elongated cord segment may comprise a first length.

According to an embodiment, manufacture of at least one elongated cord segment may comprise combining at least one substance into a molding mixture. The molding mixture may comprise at least one foaming agent. At least a portion of the molding mixture may be placed into a portion of at least one first mold cavity. Each of the at least one first mold cavity may comprise a first compression mold shape. The molding mixture may be compressed into the at least one first mold cavity through employment of at least one second mold cavity. Each of the at least one second mold cavity may comprise a second compression mold shape. The molding mixture may be heated. The at least one first mold cavity and/or the at least one second mold cavity may be heated. The first compression mold shape and the second compression mold shape may comprise the same shape. The molding mixture may be at least partially cured. Curing may comprise cooling a heated mixture. Curing may comprise heating and cooling the at least one first and/or the at least one second mold cavity. Heating may comprise a plurality of stages at a plurality of temperatures. The at least one elongated cord segment may be released from the at least one first mold cavity and/or the at least one second mold cavity. Additional curing may take place after releasing. The at least one elongated cord segment may comprise a non-absorbent food-grade material. The at least one elongated cord segment may comprise at least one of a plurality of colors. The plurality of colors may include human gum tissue colors. Each of the at least one elongated cord segment may comprise a first length. Flash may be removed from the at least one elongated cord segment. One or more of the above disclosed processes may be performed in a clean room.

FIG.7is an example flow diagram of manufacturing at least one elongated cord segment as per an aspect of various embodiments. At least one substance may be combined into a molding mixture at710. At least a portion of the molding mixture may be placed into a portion of at least one first mold cavity at720. Each of the at least one first mold cavity may comprise a first compression mold shape. The molding mixture may be compressed into the at least one first mold cavity through employment of at least one second mold cavity at730. Each of the at least one second mold cavity may comprise a second compression mold shape. The molding mixture may be cured, at least in part, at740. The at least one elongated cord segment may be released at750. The at least one elongated cord segment may comprise a non-absorbent food-grade material. The at least one elongated cord segment may be released from the at least one first mold cavity and the at least one second mold cavity. Each of the at least one elongated cord segment may comprise a first length. Flash may be removed from the at least one elongated cord segment at760.

According to an embodiment, manufacture of at least one elongated cord segment may comprise combining at least one substance into a molding mixture. At least a portion of the molding mixture may be injected into at least one injection mold cavity. Each of the at least one injection mold cavity may comprise an injection mold shape. The injection mold shape may comprise the shape of an elongated cord segment. The injection mold cavity may comprise a first plate and a second plate. The first plate and the second plate may be combined to create the shape of the elongated cord segment. The injection mold cavity may comprise a first injection mold cavity and a second injection mold cavity. The first injection mold cavity and the second injection mold cavity may be combined to create the shape of the elongated cord segment. The molding mixture and/or the at least one injection mold cavity may be heated. Heating may comprise a plurality of stages at a plurality of temperatures. The molding mixture may be cured. Curing may comprise cooling a heated molding mixture. Curing may comprise allowing a heated molding mixture to cool. Curing may comprise heating and cooling the at least one injection mold cavity. Curing may comprise allowing at least one heated injection mold cavity to cool. At least one elongated cord segment may be released from the at least one injection mold cavity. Additional curing may take place after releasing. The at least one elongated cord segment may comprise a non-absorbent food-grade material. The at least one elongated cord segment may comprise at least one of a plurality of colors. The plurality of colors may include human gum tissue colors. Each of the at least one elongated cord segment may comprise a first length. Flash may be removed from the at least one elongated cord segment. Examples of flash include a runner, a sprue, and/or the like. One or more of the above disclosed processes may be performed in a clean room.

FIG.8is an example flow diagram of manufacturing at least one elongated cord segment as per an aspect of various embodiments. At least one substance may be combined into a molding mixture at810. At least a portion of the molding mixture may be injected into at least one injection mold cavity at820. Each of the at least one injection mold cavity may comprise an injection mold shape. The molding mixture may be cured at830. The at least one elongated cord segment may be released from the at least one injection mold cavity at840. The at least one elongated cord segment may comprise a non-absorbent food-grade material. Each of the at least one elongated cord segment may comprise a first length. Flash may be removed from the at least one elongated cord segment at850.

According to an embodiment, manufacture of at least one elongated cord segment may comprise combining at least one substance into a molding mixture. At least a portion of the molding mixture may be placed into a pot. The pot may be connected to at least one transfer mold cavity. The at least one transfer mold cavity may be part of a bottom plate. Each of the at least one transfer mold cavity may comprise a transfer mold shape. The transfer mold shape may comprise the shape of an elongated cord segment. The molding mixture may be compressed into the at least one transfer mold cavity. The molding mixture may be compressed through employment of at least one plunger. The at least one plunger may be at least part of a top plate. The molding mixture may be heated. The pot may be heated. The plunger may be heated. The at least one transfer mold cavity may be heated. Heating may comprise a plurality of stages at a plurality of temperatures. The molding mixture may be cured. Curing may comprise cooling a heated molding mixture. Curing may comprise allowing a heated molding mixture to cool. Curing may comprise heating and cooling the pot. Curing may comprise heating and cooling the plunger. Curing may comprise heating and cooling the at least one transfer mold cavity. Curing may comprise allowing the pot, the plunger, and/or the at least one transfer mold cavity to cool. The at least one elongated cord segment may be released from the at least one transfer mold cavity. Additional curing may take place after releasing. The at least one elongated cord segment may comprise a non-absorbent food-grade material. The at least one elongated cord segment may comprise at least one of a plurality of colors. The plurality of colors may include human gum tissue colors. Each of the at least one elongated cord segment may comprise a first length. Flash may be removed from the at least one elongated cord segment. Examples of flash include a runner, a sprue, and/or the like. One or more of the above disclosed processes may be performed in a clean room.

FIG.9is an example flow diagram of manufacturing at least one elongated cord segment as per an aspect of various embodiments. At least one substance may be combined into a molding mixture at910. At least a portion of the molding mixture may be placed into a pot connected to at least one transfer mold cavity at920. Each of the at least one transfer mold cavity may comprise a transfer mold shape. The molding mixture may be compressed into the at least one transfer mold cavity at930. The molding mixture may be cured at940. The at least one elongated cord segment may be released from the at least one transfer mold cavity at950. The at least one elongated cord segment may comprise a non-absorbent food-grade material. Each of the at least one elongated cord segment may comprise a first length. Flash may be removed from the at least one elongated cord segment at960.

In this specification, “a” and “an” and similar phrases are to be interpreted as “at least one” and “one or more.” References to “a”, “an”, and “one” are not to be interpreted as “only one”. In this specification, the term “may” is to be interpreted as “may, for example.” In other words, the term “may” is indicative that the phrase following the term “may” is an example of one of a multitude of suitable possibilities that may, or may not, be employed to one or more of the various embodiments. In this specification, the phrase “based on” is indicative that the phrase following the term “based on” is an example of one of a multitude of suitable possibilities that may, or may not, be employed to one or more of the various embodiments. References to “an” embodiment in this disclosure are not necessarily to the same embodiment.

In this specification, various embodiments are disclosed. Limitations, features, and/or elements from the disclosed example embodiments may be combined to create further embodiments within the scope of the disclosure.

In addition, it should be understood that any figures that highlight any functionality and/or advantages, are presented for example purposes only. The disclosed architecture is sufficiently flexible and configurable, such that it may be utilized in ways other than that shown. For example, the steps listed in any flowchart may be re-ordered or only optionally used in some embodiments.

Furthermore, many features presented above are described as being optional through the use of “may” or the use of parentheses. For the sake of brevity and legibility, the present disclosure does not explicitly recite each and every permutation that may be obtained by choosing from the set of optional features. However, the present disclosure is to be interpreted as explicitly disclosing all such permutations. For example, an item described as having three optional features may be embodied in seven different ways, namely with just one of the three possible features, with any two of the three possible features or with all three of the three possible features.