Dental brackets for retaining a medicament-releasing pellet on a tooth and kits including such brackets
US7097449B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 4, 2004 |
| Grant date | Aug 29, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 29, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61C19/06
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention is directed to a dental bracket and associated kit used to attach a medicament-releasing pellet on a tooth. The kit is designed to provide slow release of fluoride or other medicament over a desired period of time. The medicament release kit includes a medicament-releasing pellet and a dental bracket. The bracket comprises a base and a socket configured to receive and retain the pellet at least partially therein. The device may be installed by a dental practitioner and remain attached to a patient's tooth for a few months or up to 20 years. The medicament-releasing pellet, designed to slowly release small quantities of fluoride or another medicament, may be replaced, for example, every 6 months to 2 years. Replacement of the medicament-releasing pellet may be performed at home or at a dentist's office.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.