Intraoral medication releasing system

Abstract

Aa system for long term releasing of medication in the mouth, and especially an intra-oral fluoride releasing system (IFRS) for releasing fluoride over a long term for inhibiting the formation of caries in the teeth. The system uses a holder for retaining and protecting intra-oral fluoride tablets or other intra-oral medicament in the form of fluoride releasing devices (IFRD). The holder has a plate with retaining sides and retaining posts or a carrier. The tablet will fit within the holder. The tablet may be located in the carrier, or ligature bands can be tied around the tablet in order to releasably hold the IFRD within the holder. The system causes a level of fluoride to be maintained over a long term within the mouth which has been found chemically effective for caries control and without causing severe irritation to oral tissues. In another embodiment, the user of an orthodontic bracket is provided with a system where a post is attached to the orthodontic appliance, perhaps at the archwire slot, and the IFRD is placed within the mouth at a site removed from the orthodontic brackets themselves. This unique combination provides for better oral hygiene and yet delivery of a fluoride to the mouth through the IFRD.