Tooth whitener applicator and method

Abstract

An apparatus for practicing the inventive method includes a glass ampule having a tooth whitening solution vacuum sealed within a chamber of the ampule. The ampule is contained within a cylindrical plastic sleeve closed at one end and enclosed at its other open end by the proximal termination of a brush-type applicator. An adhesive such as glue is used to adhere the periphery of the brush to the inner surfaces of the plastic cylinder. The bristles preferably have circular cross-sections so that when they are tightly packed together and adhered to the plastic cylinder, interstices between adjacent bristles are sufficiently large enough to permit flow through of the tooth whitening composition while being sufficiently small enough to prevent shards of glass from the ampule, when broken open, to pass through the brush. A cardboard sleeve surrounds the plastic cylinder to protect the user from the glass ampule when broken. The method of using the inventive apparatus is also disclosed.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a tooth whitener applicator and method. In the prior art, it is known to whiten teeth using various well known tooth whitening compositions. However, the tooth whitening process is often cumbersome and messy. Most dentists offer services involving tooth whitening, however, for the average patient, it is expensive to have the dentist perform the whitening services. As such, a need has developed for a tooth whitening applicator that is both inexpensive and easy to use. [0002] Applicant is aware of U.S. Pat. No. 5,098,297 to Chari et al. which discloses an apparatus for application of a tooth desensitizing composition. Chari et al. fail to teach or suggest tooth whitening and disclose the use of a swab-type applicator that retains and dispenses a tooth desensitizer onto the teeth. Chari et al. disclose a separate filter disc designed to prevent shards of glass from an ampule containing the desensitizing solution from e...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is a tooth whitening applicator and method that includes a glass ampule containing tooth whitening solution, a plastic cylinder with one end closed and the other end open, and a brush with tightly packed bristles. The bristles are adhered to the inner surfaces of the open end of the plastic cylinder using adhesive. The brush is designed to brush into the tooth enamel where stains often accrue. The method involves squeezing the glass ampule until it shatters, releasing the tooth whitening composition into the plastic cylinder. The composition flows between the bristles and is applied to the teeth until it is completely applied. The elevated viscosity of the tooth whitening solution allows it to adhere to the teeth for a sufficient period of time. After a prescribed time period, the mouth is rinsed to rinse away the tooth whitening composition. The technical effects of this invention include a more effective and efficient tooth whitening method that is easy to use and safe."

Problems solved by technology

However, the tooth whitening process is often cumbersome and messy.

Most dentists offer services involving tooth whitening, however, for the average patient, it is expensive to have the dentist perform the whitening services.

Chari et al. fail to teach or suggest tooth whitening and disclose the use of a swab-type applicator that retains and dispenses a tooth desensitizer onto the teeth.

Images