초록 ▼

A device useful for delivering a predetermined treatment agent using a non-adhesive carrier for controlled regional release where the relationship between pore size, molecular weight, concentration and the like are predetermined to achieve specific predetermined time and quantity of release. The dev

A device useful for delivering a predetermined treatment agent using a non-adhesive carrier for controlled regional release where the relationship between pore size, molecular weight, concentration and the like are predetermined to achieve specific predetermined time and quantity of release. The device includes a mouthguard shaped for extended contact with a substantial portion of the users mouth, such as all of the teeth and gums, for example, so as to provide treatment to a major region of the mouth as opposed to specific topical points of treatment. The mouthguard is held in position by properly fitting it to the patient, such as by softening and molding in situ. The portion of the mouthguard that is in direct contact with the region of treatment is formed from a polymeric material having a network of porous cavities that are sized to incorporate the treatment agent and release that agent over a predetermined period of time. The specific rate of release is controlled by balancing the molecular weight, molecule size, cavity dimensions, and specific properties of the carrying fluid, such as surface tension, solubility and viscosity. Specific preferred treating agents are sodium fluoride for cavity prevention and saliva control agents used during athletic sport participation.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] A dual tray assembly useful for delivering a predetermined treatment agent to a major region of a user's mouth, comprising:an outer tray with a horseshoe shaped configuration having an open U-shaped cross section; andmeans for forming a non-adhesive mouthguard carrier for controlle

[ We claim:] [1.] A dual tray assembly useful for delivering a predetermined treatment agent to a major region of a user's mouth, comprising:an outer tray with a horseshoe shaped configuration having an open U-shaped cross section; andmeans for forming a non-adhesive mouthguard carrier for controlled regional release, said carrier means being formed from a polymeric material having a network of porous cavities defining a treatment release region, said cavities being sized to incorporate a treatment agent and release said agent over a predetermined period of time, said carrier comprising an inner tray with a horseshoe shaped configuration having an open U-shaped cross section which extends over the teeth that removably nests inside the outer carrier tray making a dual tray assembly; the inner tray being made of a thermoplastic compound that is soft and pliable at elevated temperatures but is hard and flexible at body temperatures after the dual tray assembly at elevated temperature is placed in the patient's mouth and is conformed by pressure applied to the inner tray through the dual tray assembly; anda treating agent in a treating fluid for release from said porous cavities in said treatment release region to provide for release of said agent over a predetermined contact time with a substantial portion of the users mouth, said agent having a molecular weight and concentration in said treating fluid such that the specific rate of release of said agent is controlled by the relationship of the molecular weight and molecule size of said agent, the cavity dimensions, and the specific properties of the carrying fluid.