DE102019113140A1 - Orthodontic brushes and / or implant cleaning brushes and processes for their manufacture - Google Patents

Abstract

An orthodontic brush and / or implant cleaning brush comprising a bristle holder (2) and a brush head (3), the brush head (3) having a first segment (10) with bristles (5) of different lengths, which are arranged in such a way that the contour of the first Segment (10) has a radially circumferential concave rounding (6) and that the brush head (3) has a second insertion-side segment (20) with bristles (4) of different lengths, which are arranged such that the contour of the second segment (20) is mushroom-shaped is designed, and method for their manufacture.

Description

The present invention relates to an orthodontic brush and / or implant cleaning brush according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for their production according to the preamble of claim 12.

Orthodontic brushes are typically used to clean braces and brackets. Brushes of this type have a cylindrical or conical basic shape. Similar basic shapes can also be found with implant cleaning brushes.

The aforementioned shapes are usually made thin and are essentially guided past the wires of a brace from above, i.e. perpendicularly, in order to clean the tooth space behind the brace and the space around the brackets.

The cleaning of the transition area between the tooth and the gum is often insufficient, since the ends of the aforementioned brushes usually have very short bristles.

Starting from the aforementioned prior art, the object of the present invention now arises to provide an orthodontic brush and / or implant brush which allows more extensive cleaning.

The present invention solves this problem by an orthodontic brush and / or implant cleaning brush with the features of claim 1.

An orthodontic brush and / or implant cleaning brush according to the invention comprises a bristle holder and a brush head. The brush head has a first segment with bristles of different lengths, so that the contour of the brush head has a radially encircling concave rounding. The brush head also has a second insertion-side segment with bristles of different lengths, this segment being formed in the shape of a mushroom head.

The concave rounding can be in a space e.g. be arranged between the wire of a brace and the tooth, while the mushroom-like shape facilitates insertion into the space and cleaning of the tooth below the space. The mushroom shape has proven to be the most optimal shape for the aforementioned application.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the subclaims

The second segment can have a length L2 in the direction of the longitudinal axis, which is at least 15%, preferably at least 20%, in particular between 22-45%, based on the maximum width B2 of the second segment. The dominantly shaped mushroom head enables a massage of the gums while at the same time cleaning the tooth in the attachment area of the gums. Exposed tooth necks can also be cleaned very efficiently.

The second segment can be rounded towards a terminal end face, the radius of the rounding being at least 1.8 mm, preferably between 2.0 mm and 5.0 mm. Tests have shown that this rounding has a particularly efficient cleaning effect.

Such pronounced roundings are hitherto not known in the field of brushes in oral dental care, but are particularly advantageous for the field of application described above.

It is advantageous if the rounding of the second segment extends from the first segment to the end face.

The filament thickness of the bristles in the second segment can advantageously be less than the filament thickness of the bristles in the first segment.

The filament thickness of the bristles in the second segment can be less than the filament thickness of the bristles in the first segment by at least 10%, preferably by at least 20%, for improved flexibility.

The filament thickness of the bristles in the second segment can be at least 20%, preferably by 25-75%, in particular by 40-60%, less than the filament thickness of the bristles in the first segment. This ensures that the filament is thick enough to achieve a good cleaning effect.

For better visualization of the respective areas and their cleaning performance for the user, it is advantageous if bristles of different filament thicknesses are colored differently. In this way, the user can see at which point the brush has a high cleaning effect due to the thicker filament of the bristles and at which point the brush enables gentler cleaning due to the thinner and mostly longer bristles. Furthermore, the optimal positioning of the bristles and the brush as a whole is displayed to the user.

The minimum width of the brush head can be more than 2.2 mm, preferably 3.8 mm-6 mm. The maximum width of the brush head can be at least 150%, preferably more than 160% of the minimum width of the brush head.

The concave rounding, the rounding of the second segment and the filament thicknesses of the bristles can be coordinated in such a way that the bristles spring back when the orthodontic brush is pulled out of a space between a tooth and an orthodontic installation in the oral cavity. This enables an additional cleaning effect when caring for the teeth.

In the case of the orthodontic or implant cleaning brush, the possibility of cleaning the tooth roots is another advantage. This advantage results among other things by the design of the brush and, in particular, of the brush head. But since root caries is becoming more and more common in geriatric dentistry, the advantage of tooth root cleaning due to the particularly pronounced brush head is particularly remarkable. For cleaning tooth roots, it is particularly advantageous if the concave shape of the bristles provides a concave and thus narrow radius of the brush in the central area.

1. a) ein Bereitstellen einer beborsteten Bürste mit einem zentral-angeordneten Borstenhalter, insbesondere einem Haltedraht, und einer Anordnung von Borsten von im Wesentlichen gleicher Länge über die Länge der Bürste, wobei die Borsten radial umlaufend aus dem Borstenhalter hervorstehen und
2. b) eine Konturierung der beborsteten Bürste durch Rotation der beborsteten Bürste und/oder eines Profilierfräsrads in einer Fräse, wobei das Profilierfräsrad eine Schneidkante zum Abtrennen der Borsten aufweist.

A method for producing the orthodontic brush and / or implant cleaning brush or an interdental brush according to the invention is also according to the invention. The procedure includes

1. a) providing a bristle brush with a centrally arranged bristle holder, in particular a holding wire, and an arrangement of bristles of essentially the same length over the length of the brush, the bristles protruding radially all round from the bristle holder and
2. b) a contouring of the bristled brush by rotating the bristled brush and / or a profiling milling wheel in a milling cutter, the profiling milling wheel having a cutting edge for separating the bristles.

In principle, milling for contouring a brush is already known. However, in the present invention, at least one cutting edge of the profiling milling wheel has a first convex section which has the shape of the concave rounding of the brush contour.

The formation of a concave shape in a brush for tooth cleaning and for the care of the gums and the tooth necks can also be used to better absorb and apply varnishes, sealers, (tooth) pastes, gels etc. with fluorine, anti-inflammatory agents and other active ingredients. Thanks to the pronounced radial or concave shape of the brush, active substances can be applied directly on the spot.

Advantageous refinements of the method are the subject of the subclaims.

The cutting edge can have a second section for forming a brush head with longer bristles than in the area of the concave rounding of the brush head.

The bristled brush can have bristles with at least two filament thicknesses, the profiling milling wheel separating both types of bristles at a uniform relative rotational speed of the brush with respect to the profiling milling wheel.

The profiling milling wheel can have at least four counter knives each with an aforementioned cutting edge, in particular 6-12 counter knives each with the cutting edge.

A counter knife with a cutting edge advantageously enables a concavity in the design of the respective brush. A strong concavity of a central segment of the brush is particularly advantageous both for the orthodontic brush and for the implant cleaning brush.

With regard to the special field of application of the orthodontic or implant cleaning devices, it is also noteworthy in the present invention that cleaning has so far mostly been carried out with conventional vestibularly attached orthodontic devices from the labial, buccal and / or vestibular position or direction.

In contrast, the orthodontic brush according to the invention and also the implant cleaning brush are attached orally and particularly advantageously also allow cleaning in the oral, lingual and / or palatal area. This is not yet known in this form.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Kieferorthopädiebürste und/oder Implantatreinigungsbürste;
• 2 ein Teilausschnitt eines Profilierfräsrads einer Fräse zur Herstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Kieferorthopädie- und/oder Implantatreinigungsbürste oder einer Interdentalbürste;
• 3 eine Schnittansicht des Profilierfräsrads der 2;
• 4 eine Detailansicht der Kontur eines Gegenmessers des Profilierfräsrads der 3;
• 5 eine Darstellung der Reinigung eines kiefernorthopädischen Aufbaus im Oberkiefer durch die erfindungsgemäße Kiefernorthopädiebürste;
• 6 eine Darstellung der Reinigung eines kiefernorthopädischen Aufbaus im Oberkiefer durch die erfindungsgemäße Kiefernorthopädiebürste;

The invention is explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment with the aid of the accompanying drawings. The drawings also contain several features which, taken by themselves, can be combined in an obvious manner with other exemplary embodiments that are not shown. The exemplary embodiments in their entirety are in no way to be understood as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. It shows:

• 1 a schematic representation of an orthodontic brush and / or implant cleaning brush according to the invention;
• 2 a partial section of a profiling milling wheel of a milling cutter for producing an orthodontic and / or implant cleaning brush according to the invention or an interdental brush;
• 3 a sectional view of the Profilierfräsrad 2 ;
• 4th a detailed view of the contour of a counter knife of the profiling milling wheel 3 ;
• 5 a representation of the cleaning of an orthodontic structure in the upper jaw by the orthodontic brush according to the invention;
• 6th a representation of the cleaning of an orthodontic structure in the upper jaw by the orthodontic brush according to the invention;

1 shows an orthodontic brush 1 with a longitudinal axis A. , which is also suitable as an implant cleaning brush for cleaning dental implants.

The orthodontic brush 1 has a rod-shaped bristle holder 2 on. This can for example be a wire element with at least two wire segments twisted together.

Furthermore, the orthodontic brush 1 a brush head 3 with a plurality of bristles 4th and 5 which are not shown individually.

The bristles can be arranged between the wire segments and together form the in 1 shown contour. They are essentially perpendicular to the bristle holder 2 . Alternatively, the bristle holder can also be a rod-shaped plastic element into which the bristles are embedded.

The brush head 3 the orthodontic brush 1 is divided into two segments 10 and 20th . The first segment 10 has a symmetrical shape with a concave fillet 6th in the center so that the bristles are in the center of the first segment 10 are shorter than the bristles of the second segment. The concave rounding 6th is defined by a circular path with a radius R2 . This radius is between 30-70% of the length of the longest bristles of the orthodontic brush 1 . The longest bristles are at the end of the first segment 10 , especially in the transition to the second segment 20th .

The second segment 20th is mushroom-shaped. It has a length L2 parallel to the direction of the longitudinal axis A. which is at least 15%, preferably at least 20%, in particular between 22-45%, based on the maximum width B2 of the second segment 20th having.

The maximum width B2 of the second segment 20th can preferably be 6-11 mm, particularly preferably 7.5 to 9.5 mm.

The second segment 20th is to a terminal end face 8th rounded down. The second segment 20th it is the insertion-side segment which, when inserted into the space between the braces and the tooth, is first inserted into this space. The radius of the fillet 7th is at least 1.8 mm, preferably between 2.0 mm and 5.0 mm.

The shortest bristles are preferably located centrally, that is to say centrally in the longitudinal direction, in the first segment 10 . The centrally arranged bristles in this segment define a minimum width B1 of the brush head 3 of preferably more than 2.2 mm, particularly preferably less than 4 mm.

The filament thickness of the bristles in the second segment 20th is less than the filament thickness of the bristles in the first segment 10 . The filament thickness of the bristles in the second segment is advantageous 20th at least 10% less, preferably 20% less than the filament thickness of the bristles in the first segment 10 . As a result, the front bristles are more flexible, which facilitates the insertion through the evasive movement of the bristles in this area.

The filament thickness of the bristles in the second segment should also be advantageous 20th however, it should not be too low in order to achieve an effective cleaning effect or cleaning effect. The filament thickness of the bristles 4th in the second segment 20th should advantageously be 25-75%, in particular 40-60% less than the filament thickness of the bristles in the first segment. This ensures that the filament is thick enough to achieve a good cleaning effect.

A preferred filament size for the bristles in the first segment 10 is 2.4-2.7 mils (milli-inch) and a preferred filament size for the bristles in the second segment 20th is 1.7 to 2.1 mils.

With a different filament thickness and the same bristle material, the front filaments are more soft and flexible. This aspect was already discussed in the CH 711 465 B1 thematized, but contributes with the orthodontic brush to a better insertability between the wire and / or bracket construction and the tooth, where other forces, e.g. Pressure forces prevail than in an interdental space.

A preferred dimension for the rounding compared to the end bristles of the first segment 10 is 9.0 - 5.0 - 9.0 with a 10% deviation in length. The information relates to mm.

The length L1 of the first segment 10 is greater than the length L2 of the second segment 20th . The length of the first segment 10 is preferably at least twice as long as the length of the second segment 20th , but can also advantageously be up to 5 times as long. The length L1 and L2 result in the total length LT of the brush head 3 .

The above-described orthodontic brush is preferably used for cleaning orthodontic equipment inside a patient's mouth, such as braces, e.g. lingual braces, brackets, etc., which make cleaning with conventional toothbrushes impossible.

However, the in 1 The brush shown is also ideal for cleaning implants. This cleaning is much more extensive than with the previously known forms of brushes which are used in this field of application.

Through the second mushroom-shaped segment 20th a much more extensive cleaning of the teeth and gums can be done. Harmful biofilms are efficiently removed. This particular is off 5 and 6th recognizable in which the situation of a cleaning is shown schematically. The pronounced brush head massages and cleans the transition area between tooth and gum. At the same time, due to the concave area in the middle of the brush, the wire of the orthodontic device is not loosened or torn off during cleaning.

The different segments can have different colors for better handling by the user, so that the user can use the different filaments and their different cleaning effects e.g. can differentiate better in a mirror.

The radius B3 in 1 indicates how far the filaments in the second segment can be deformed. It is described as the so-called lead-in area in which the front soft filaments of the second segment 20th the bristle holder 2 invest.

The rounding off 6th allows in the design of the 1 in addition, an additional cleaning effect due to the springing back of the bristles when the orthodontic brush is pulled out due to restoring forces and the supporting forces of the neighboring filaments. This effect is comparable to that of a screen, which is deformed and returns to its original position.

Of course, the user does not have to grab the bristle holder to use the brush according to the invention. The bristle holder 2 can open into a base, for example, which enables it to be attached to a handle or holder. This is also from the representation of the 5 and 6th easily recognizable. Alternatively, the bristle holder can also open directly into a handle.

The following is based on the 2-4 a method for producing the aforementioned orthodontic and / or implant cleaning brush is described.

In a first step, a wire is cut to length, bent and a row of bristles is arranged between the two lengths of wire.

The wire is then twisted while providing a brush with a uniform bristle length along its longitudinal axis.

Finally, the brush is cut to the desired contour. This is done by milling with a counter knife, the cutting edges of the counter knife having a convex section and a section for forming the mushroom head.

2 - 4th shows a around the axis of rotation K rotatably mounted, disc-shaped profiling milling wheel 100 a milling cutter for producing an orthodontic brush and / or implant brush according to the invention. Interdental brushes can also be produced very quickly and efficiently in this way. The profiling milling wheel 100 has a variety of counter knives 110 on, which as a tooth-like formation radially from the Profilierfräsrad 100 protrude.

The specialty of the present counter knife 110 is the cutting edge 102 at the tip of the respective counter knife. This cutting edge 102 is in a first section 103 bent convex outwards, whereby the shaping of the brush takes place in such a way that a middle segment has shorter bristles than the two end sections of the corresponding brush.

Furthermore, the cutting edge 102 a second section 104 with a recess for the formation of a mushroom head or a brush head of a brush with a wider shape at the end.

The cutting edge is at the end 102 a third section 104 which extends up to the central wire of the brush and at this point separates the bristles from the wire over almost the entire length.

The cutting edge 102 is made overall by the rotating profiling milling wheel 100 brought up to the bristles at high speed and cuts the contour of the bristles so that the bristles are given a corresponding contour.

The profile milling wheel 100 has a central bore and a recess 101 for coupling with a shaft of the milling cutter on which the profiling milling wheel 100 can be attached.

List of reference symbols

1

Orthodontic brush

2

Bristle holder

3

Brush head

4th

Bristles

5

Bristles

6

concave rounding

7th

Rounding off

8th

Face

10

first segment

20th

second segment

100

Profiling milling wheel

101

Recess

102

Cutting edge

103

first convex section

104

second section for shaping the brush head

105

third section for the end separation of bristles

110

Counter knife

A.

Longitudinal axis

L1

Length of first segment

L2

Length of the second segment

LT

overall length

B1

shortest width of the brush head

B2

largest width of the brush head

B3

Width - lead-in area

R1

Rounding radius 7th

R2

Radius of the concave fillet 6th

K

Axis of rotation

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• CH 711465 B1 [0043]

Claims (16)

Orthodontic brush (1) and / or implant cleaning brush comprising a bristle holder (2) and a brush head (3), characterized in that the brush head (3) has a first segment (10) with bristles (5) of different lengths, which are arranged in such a way that that the contour of the first segment (10) has a radially circumferential concave rounding (6) and that the brush head (3) has a second insertion-side segment (20) with bristles of different lengths (4) which are arranged in such a way that the contour of the second Segment (20) is mushroom-shaped. Orthodontic brush and / or implant cleaning brush Claim 1 , characterized in that the second segment (20) has a length (L2) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (A) which is at least 15%, preferably at least 20%, in particular between 22-45%, based on the maximum width (B2) of the second segment (20). Orthodontic brush and / or implant cleaning brush Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the second segment (20) is rounded towards a terminal end face (8), the radius of the rounded portion (7) being at least 1.8 mm, preferably between 2.0 mm and 5.0 mm Orthodontic brush and / or implant cleaning brush according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filament thickness of the bristles (4) in the second segment (20) is less than the filament thickness of the bristles (5) in the first segment (10). Orthodontic brush and / or implant cleaning brush according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filament thickness of the bristles (4) in the second segment (20) is at least 10%, preferably at least 20%, less than the filament thickness of the bristles (5) in the first segment (10). Orthodontic brush and / or implant cleaning brush according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filament thickness of the bristles (4) in the second segment (20) is 25-75%, in particular 40-60% less than the filament thickness of the bristles (5) in the first segment (10). Orthodontic brush and / or implant cleaning brush according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the minimum width (B1) of the brush head (3) is more than 2.2 mm, preferably 3.8 mm-6 mm. Orthodontic brush and / or implant cleaning brush according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the maximum width (B2) of the brush head (3) is at least 150%, preferably more than 160% of the minimum width (B1) of the brush head (3). Orthodontic brush and / or implant cleaning brush according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rounding (8) of the second segment (20) extends from the first segment (10) to the end face (8) of the brush head (3). Orthodontic brush and / or implant cleaning brush according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that bristles of different filament thicknesses are colored differently. Orthodontic brush according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the concave rounded portion (6), the rounded portion (8) of the second segment (20) and the filament thicknesses of the bristles (4, 5) are matched to one another in such a way that the bristles ( 4, 5) takes place when the orthodontic brush (1) is pulled out of a space between a tooth and an orthodontic installation in the oral cavity. Method for producing an orthodontic brush (1) and / or an implant cleaning brush according to one of the preceding claims or an interdental brush, characterized by the following steps: a) Providing a bristle brush with a centrally arranged bristle holder (2), in particular a retaining wire, and a Arrangement of bristles of essentially the same length over the length of the brush, the bristles projecting radially all the way round from the bristle holder (2) and b) contouring of the bristled brush by rotating the bristled brush and / or a profiling milling wheel (100) in a milling machine, wherein the profiling milling wheel (100) has a cutting edge (102) for separating the bristles, and wherein the cutting edge (102) has a first convex section (103) for forming the concave rounding (6) of the brush contour. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cutting edge (102) has a second section (104) for shaping a brush head (3) with longer bristles (4) than in the area of the concave rounding (6). The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bristled brush has bristles (4, 5) with at least two filament thicknesses, the profiling milling wheel separating both types of bristles (4 and 5) at a uniform relative speed of rotation of the brush with respect to the profiling milling wheel (100). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the profiling milling wheel (100) has at least four counter knives (110) each with a aforementioned cutting edge (102), in particular 6-12 counter knives (110) each with the cutting edge (102). Use of an orthodontic brush (1) and / or implant cleaning brush for cleaning the oral, lingual and / or palatal area of a set of teeth, and for cleaning tooth necks.

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