User:Aaroncu

Platypus Ortho Flosser is a flossing device for individuals with braces. The device was co-created by registered dental hygienist Laura Morgan and President of Paradise Dental Technologies, Fred Van De Perre. It was brought to market in May 2008 and already 1,500,000 flossers have been sold.



Development
Laura Morgan created the first prototype of the Platypus Ortho Flosser in 2006 with a toothbrush she de-bristled and orthodontic wire she melted into the handle. The first attempt was shaped more like a typical orthodontic tool and functioned more as a floss holder. After 1 year of refining the designs, Morgan submitted a 25 page patent application.

Due to the high costs of getting the flosser manufactured herself, Morgan began seeking out another company that might be interested in producing the product. In May 2007 at the Texas Dental Meeting she met Fred Van De Perre. She first witnessed his passion and enthusiasm at a meeting where Fred was pounding his dental instruments against the table to show their strength and durability. Directly after, Fred and Laura arranged a meeting for the following morning and began their co-creation of the final product.

Fred Van De Perre pushed for the product to be a disposable flossing tool rather than a floss holder that would need to be threaded by the users. Due to his manufacturing facilities he was also able to ensure the product would be 100% manufactured in the United States and 100% guaranteed to all of their customers.