Compositions and methods for whitening teeth

Abstract

Compositions and methods for whitening the teeth of a patient or subject are described for performing a dental prophylaxis or cleaning procedure during which at least one tooth whitening composition is applied to the surface of a stained tooth, said compositions and methods resulting in a tooth color change that is noticeable to the patient or subject immediately following the procedure. The novel procedure allows for a high degree of tooth whitening to be safely achieved in a short period of time while under the control of a dentist, dental hygienist, or other dental professional, and which at least partially coincides with the performance of a dental prophylaxis or cleaning procedure in order to save significant clinical operatory chair time compared to cleaning and whitening procedures that are performed in non-overlapping time frames or appointments. Light may also be used to enhance whitening.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]As the connections between healthy teeth and gums, and general overall health, have become increasingly evident in the past 100 years, oral care has become an important part of people's daily health maintenance regimens. In the process, a healthy looking smile has become representative of one's level of personal grooming and even social status, with straight, white and well shaped teeth being promoted in advertising and by cosmetic dentists as an integral part of one's self-image. Over the past 20 years, the availability of tooth whitening products and services has exploded in the marketplace, ranging from low priced over-the-counter (OTC) self-applied trays, strips, pens, mouthwashes and toothpastes, to expensive professionally applied or monitored products and procedures capable of effectively whitening teeth in as little as 45 minutes. In general, professionally applied products and services administered to a patient in a dental office or other cl...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text is about a method for tooth cleaning and whitening using a combination of light energy and heat energy. The method is based on the theory that a higher PC (porous capillary substrate) allows liquids with lower viscosities to penetrate the substrate faster. The use of light energy, particularly in the blue region of the light spectrum, can accelerate the tooth whitening process by increasing the oxidizing composition penetration and reducing the viability of periodontal pathogens. The method may also contribute to the reduction of the bacterial burden and associated risks of systemic diseases.

Problems solved by technology

Over the past 20 years, the availability of tooth whitening products and services has exploded in the marketplace, ranging from low priced over-the-counter (OTC) self-applied trays, strips, pens, mouthwashes and toothpastes, to expensive professionally applied or monitored products and procedures capable of effectively whitening teeth in as little as 45 minutes.

Such high concentrations, typically above 15% hydrogen peroxide by weight and often as high as 50% hydrogen peroxide by weight, can only be safely administered in a controlled setting where a professionally trained individual can isolate soft tissues from contact with these highly oxidative compositions.

There is speculation as to the reasons why so many adults neglect the benefits obtainable from regular tooth cleanings, ranging from lack of health insurance to the fear of dental procedures.

Lack of patient knowledge is a problem that can be managed, however studies have shown that better education of patients only leads to modest changes in behavior and attitudes towards preventative dentistry.

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