ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 10 -- United States Patent no. 12,409,016, issued on Sept. 9.
"Orthodontic cord segment methods" was invented by Ruth A. Page (Aliso Viejo, Calif.).
According to the abstract* released by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office: "An elongated cord segment is inserted into a mouth. The elongated cord segment comprises at least one non-absorbent food-grade material. The elongated cord segment having a cross-sectional shape consisting of convex surfaces, and a uniform density. The elongated cord segment is positioned to cause separation between orthodontic hardware and at least one of the following: cheek tissue inside the mouth, or lip tissue inside the mouth, without the elongated cord segment contacting the orthodontic h...