Dentistry – Orthodontics – Method of positioning or aligning teeth
Patent
1995-06-07
1997-10-07
Smith, Jeffrey A.
Dentistry
Orthodontics
Method of positioning or aligning teeth
433 18, 433 2, 433 19, A61C 300
Patent
active
056740670
ABSTRACT:
A flavored orthodontic elastic band has a substantially solid inner elastic band member for providing good tension characteristics, and a porous coating layer carrying a flavoring substance that is released upon exposure to saliva, for a predetermined time corresponding to the effective life of the elastic band member for exerting operative tension in an orthodontic fitting. The solid inner band is formed either in a general ring configuration, a series of interconnected rings configuration, or an elongated string configuration, or other configurations suitable for orthodontic application. The solid inner band is formed from natural rubbers, synthetic rubbers, thermoplastic elastomers, and blends thereof. The inner band member substantially determines the elasticity of the band, and is not flavored. The porous coating is applied over at least part of the solid core and can also include natural rubbers, synthetic rubbers, thermoplastic elastomers, and blends thereof. An effective amount of a soluble flavoring agent is incorporated in the coating layer to flavor the band and includes a flavoring oil, flavoring powder, and blends thereof, and is released from the porous elastic layer upon exposure to saliva, moisture, and/or acids in the patient's mouth. The flavoring substance preferably is dispersed in the outer porous elastic layer in an amount of about 0.1 to 20 percent by weight of the porous elastic layer. Multiple flavoring layers can also be provided having varying concentrations of flavoring substance therein to effect better control over the time release characteristics of the flavoring agent, such that the release of a constant and effective amount of flavoring substance occurs for a predetermined time, and thereafter the release rapidly drops off to impart little or no taste. Such an effect will alert the patient to replace the band. An effective amount of a swelling polymer can also be included in the outer porous elastic layer to induce additional porosity. An effective amount of a medicinal agent can further be included in the outer porous elastic layer in place of or in addition to the flavoring agent to provide a curative or soothing effect.
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Kirk-Othmer, Concise Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (1985), pp. 391-400 and pp. 1036-1038.
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