| 摘要 |
A mouthpiece for a dental hygiene apparatus is formed of a relatively rigid tray having a plurality of orifices connected by tubes to a source of dental cleaning solution, a vacuum source, and a vent. A first group of the orifices are selectively formed and positioned in the tray such that they lie adjacent the interproximal crevices of the teeth. These orifices are connected to the source of cleaning solution. A second group of orifices, which are substantially larger in diameter and fewer in number than the first orifices, are connected to the vacuum source for evacuating the cleaning solution and other substances from the mouth. The second orifices are formed in the tray in a position which is inferior to (i.e., below) the first orifices. A pair of third orifices are formed in the tray superior to (i.e., above) the first orifices, and are connected to a vent to prevent formation of a vacuum within the mouth during operation. The apparatus further includes a vacuum operated valve for allowing user control of the flow of cleaning solution to the mouthpiece. An additional source of cleaning solution, such as a foam presoak, may be provided through one or more of the orifices. Another aspect of the invention involves an apparatus and method for selecting one of a plurality of different size mouthpieces for use by a prospective user. The sizing apparatus includes a bite registration device and one or more templates.
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