Abstract: A toothbrush comprising an elongate, flexible, one-piece bristle 10 having a rounded end and textured with tooth cleansing elements 14 on the side of the bristle. A free end 18 of the bristle is thin enough to penetrate the space between the teeth and the gums. Opposite its free end, the bristle has a generally cylindrical stem 20. A toothbrush holder 50 is provided having a conventionally shaped handle end 52 and a tip end 54 defining a cylindrical opening 56. The cylindrical stem 20 of the bristle is rotatably engageable in the cylindrical opening 56 of the tip 54. In an alternative embodiment, the cleansing elements 14 are offset from and directed toward the toothbrush holder 50 pivot axis.

Abstract: A dental tool for the cleaning of teeth interproximally is disclosed. The dental tool includes an elongate shank with a resilient tip located around one end of the shank. The tip is designed to be deformably insertable interproximally and has a pear-shaped cross section. Preferably, the shank is attached to a handle which is conveniently the end of a toothbrush. The tip and shank can be integrally formed of a rubber material, or the shank can be made of metal and the tip of a rubber material. Ribs are also provided around the periphery of the tip.

Abstract: A disc of semi-rigid material has side surfaces and a rounded working edge. The disc has minimum thickness allowing it to be forced into the contact areas between teeth for smoothening such areas and also allowing the working edge to remove excess bonding material in proximal areas. The disc is provided with a grip on the end opposite from the working edge. One or both of the side surfaces of the disc has abrasive means to assist in smoothening the contact areas. The instrument has an aperture therethrough for tying a retrieving line thereto. The grip is installed on the disc by injection molding, the disc having a pair of apertures therein through which molded plugs of the grip connect the side portions of the grip together and also securely attach the grip to the disc.The disc has also been used as a matrix in special cases so as to keep contact area free of excess restorative material.

Abstract: A method and manufacture for orthodontic bracket application and removal, employing an orthodontic bracket adhesive containing a non-toxic, inorganic filler which is insoluble in mouth fluids and has a Mohs hardness less than about 4.5, together with an abrasive for removal of the adhesive. The abrasive is a non-toxic, inorganic material having a Mohs hardness greater than that of the adhesive filler but less than about 5.

Abstract: A claw having a sharp edged tip is disposed at the extremity of a handle supported shank. The configuration of the tip provides a cutting edge adapted for removing denture material in confined as well as open areas of a denture. The surfaces of the shank, including at least a side surface of the claw, are abrasive for grinding and smoothing surfaces of the denture.