Disposable dental tray for topical application of fluoride gel and other dental medications

Abstract

A disposable applicator tray, for topical application of fluoride gel and other dental medications, in the form of an arcuate mouthpiece having a U-shaped cross-section and comprised of flexible polymeric foam material. The interior channeled recess of the tray is anatomically contoured to fit respectively over either of the upper and lower teeth with the walls of the tray contacting the adjacent periodontal tissue. The flexibility of the tray provides a relatively snug seal between the tray perimeter and the periodontal tissue so as to prevent excessive loss of fluoride or other medication contained in the tray and the contamination and dilution thereof with saliva. The applicator tray, which can also serve as a protective mouthpiece for use during athletic activities, is vacuum formed in quantity from a sheet of inexpensive polymeric foam material, thereby permitting it to be economically disposed of after a single use. The bottom surface of the interior recess of the applicator tray, against which the biting edges of the teeth bear when the tray is inserted in the mouth, is provided with indentations anatomically configured to mate with the mouth's dentition pattern and the walls of the tray are similarly anatomically configured so as to provide a comfortable, natural fit and a more thorough and extensive contact of the dental medication with the teeth surfaces.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.