System for protection of soft tissues against a teeth whitening substance

Abstract

The appliance includes a brushhead having conductive fiber bristles by which a potential is applied to electrochemically activate a teeth whitening substance, such as peroxide, in the vicinity of the teeth. An impedance appliance system (62) or an optical appliance system (27) provides information concerning whether the conductive fiber bristles are adjacent a tooth surface or gum region. The impedance system uses an electrical signal through the fiber to determine the impedance of a circuit which includes the tooth or gum surface, the impedance being different, depending on whether a tooth or gum surface is in the circuit. The optical system generates a light beam which is directed to the mouth surface through a conductive fiber, the color of the returning light indicating whether the surface is a tooth or gum region. If a tooth is determined, the teeth whitening substance is activated at that bristle, while if gum tissue is determined, the teeth whitening substance is not activated at that bristle.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates generally to hand-held appliances for bleaching teeth, and more particularly to such appliances that provide protection for the soft tissues of the mouth during the bleaching process. Background technique [0002] Teeth bleaching systems and appliances are generally known, especially in the professional setting. Bleaching systems typically use peroxide or urea ointment substances / formulations in combination with electrochemical activation or UV blue light activation to produce the bleaching effect. However, due to the corrosive nature of bleaching formulations, there are constraints on the strength of bleaching products, especially in the consumer market, to prevent damage to the soft tissues in the mouth, especially the gingival area. However, these constraints limit the efficacy of bleaching treatments. [0003] In professional settings, many strong bleaching preparations are permitted and used, but professionals use p...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0004] However, bleaching formulations in consumer settings are often inconvenient, if not difficult to use, then not very effective

Additionally, peroxides and other agents used in bleaching formulations may come in contact with the gum area and cause injury if extreme caution is not taken

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