| abstract |
A mouth shield system configured to protect the lips and tongue of a user from an installed orthodontic appliance, dental work, or the like. The preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a strip formed from a light material such as, for example, mesh gauze, impregnated and surrounded by a plastic material such as, for example, dental wax or the like, the strip laminated on one outer side with a cover of, for example, cling wrap or the like. The strip is of an adequate width to envelope the raised portion of a dental appliance or other dental work, and of sufficient length preferably to cover the length of the appliance or dental work. In use, the user cuts the strip to the desired length so as to envelop the bracket and/or wire of the appliance, applying pressure to the strip and manipulating same so that it wraps about the exterior of the brackets, so as to allow the malleable properties of the strip to engage the brackets and retain the strip to same. The bracket and wires are then shielded from the inner lips of the user, and the user may enjoy foods and beverages as normal. The may be removed after eating for cleaning or brushing of the teeth, and replaced with a new strip when shielding is again desired. An alternative embodiment of the present invention contemplates the wax of the invention being infused with a breath freshener, fluoride, teeth whitener or medication, such as a topical anesthetic to relieve pain, an anticoagulant to prevent bleeding, or an antibiotic to prevent infection. |