Dental whitening systems

Abstract

A system and method for tooth whitening are disclosed wherein at least one peroxide-containing gel and at least one transition metal compound-containing gel, particularly at least one lower atomic number transition metal compound, more particularly at least a ferrous compound including gluconate, sulfate, nitrate, acetate or mixtures thereof, are applied to a patient's mouth. Gelling agent is also included. The activation of the peroxide whitens the patient's teeth. The system may be used with or without the application of light. The system further provides an additional gel including a sensitivity reduction compound including potassium nitrate, sodium nitrate or mixtures thereof for possible sensitivity treatment if needed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No. 60 / 626,407, filed Nov. 9, 2004, entitled “Tooth Whitening Compositions”; 60 / 631,121, filed Nov. 26, 2004, entitled “Whitening System”; 60 / 643,309, filed Jan. 22, 2005 entitled “Dental Whitening”; and 60 / 653,421, filed Feb. 15, 2005, entitled “Whitening System Capable of Effective Whitening Action”; the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD OF INVENTION [0002] This invention relates to tooth whitening compositions. More particularly, this invention relates to a two-component tooth whitening system. BACKGROUND OF INVENTION [0003] A tooth is composed of an inner dentin layer an inner dentin layer and outer hard enamel that is coated with a protective layer called the acquired pellicle. The enamel layer of a tooth is composed of hydroxyapatite mineral crystals that create a somewhat porous surface. The pellicle or the enamel may become...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] The present invention also discloses a two-component dental whitening system, a first gel component includes at least one peroxide compound and a second component includes an orally compatible Activator Gel including at least one lower oxidative state transition metal compound. The metal compound catalyzes the whitening action of the peroxide compound to produce faster effective whitening at lower peroxide concentrations.

[0012] The present invention further discloses a two-component dental photobleaching system, a first gel component includes at least one peroxide compound and a second component includes an orally compatible Activator Gel including at least one lower oxidative state transition metal compound. The metal compound catalyzes the whitening action of the peroxide to produce faster effective whitening at typical or lower peroxide concentrations upon irradiating with light.

[0017] Any of the composition disclosed above may be in an unfoamed, foam or foamable state, all capable of delivering faster whitening action.

[0019] The transition metal compound catalyzes the whitening action of the peroxide to produce improved whitening at typical to lower peroxide concentrations.

[0021] In another embodiment, the 2-component foamable composition includes a first component including at least one peroxide compound in an aqueous solution and at least one peroxide stabilizer in the form of an ion scavenger; and a second component including at least one foaming agent and at least one transition metal compound peroxide activator; wherein said activator promotes the rapid decomposition of the peroxide compound and additional foaming action not related to the foaming agent.

Problems solved by technology

In particular, food products, tobacco products and fluids such as tea and coffee that one consumes tend to stain one's teeth.

These staining and discoloring substances can then permeate the enamel and causing noticeable discoloration of one's teeth.

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