Teeth whitening compositions and methods

Abstract

Disclosed herein are teeth whitening compositions generally including an oxidizing agent (e.g., a peroxide), and an activating agent that has an emission wavelength between about 400 nm and about 570 nm (e.g., Eosin B, Eosin Y, or Erythrosine B). Methods of employing these compositions to whiten teeth, methods of making these compositions and kits that include some or part of the composition ingredients, are also described.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 598,206 filed on Nov. 9, 2006 and hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to teeth whitening compositions. More specifically, the invention relates to teeth whitening compositions and kits that can be employed to provide a desired whitening effect (e.g., at least two shades of whitening) in less than about 5 minutes of total exposure to actinic light without significant post-treatment sensitivity.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Peroxide and peroxyacid compounds, such as hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide, have been disclosed as useful in teeth whitening compositions. Application of UV or visible light from, e.g., Argon lasers, has been employed to accelerate whitening after application of peroxide compositions to the teeth. Additionally, whitening compositions have been described that include...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]Another advantage of the present invention is that the compositions can be effective when applied only for a short period of time (e.g., 1 minute in some embodiments). Accordingly, sensitivity due to, e.g., percolation of hydrogen peroxide to the pulp tissue causing (e.g., pulpal inflammation), may be minimized or eliminated. Another advantage of the present invention is that the compositions do not require compounds that generate heat, and therefore, discomfort associated with compositions that generate heat may be minimized or eliminated. Yet another advantage is that dyes can be used (e.g., Eosin) that are less toxic than dyes such as Rhodamine B.

[0009]In one aspect, the present invention features a tooth whitening composition which includes an oxidizing agent and an activating agent having an emission wavelength between about 400 nm and about 570 nm.

[0010]In one embodiment, the activating agent is capable of emitting green light, blue light or blue-green light, and / or absorbs green light, blue light or blue-green light. In another embodiment, the activating agent comprises Eosin, Erythrosine, or both.

[0011]In another embodiment, the composition further includes a stabilizing agent. In one embodiment, the stabilizing agent is sodium acetate.

[0012]In one embodiment, the composition further includes a thickening agent.

[0013]In one embodiment, the thickening agent is silicon dioxide and / or fumed silica having a particle size less than one micron.

Problems solved by technology

Tooth sensitivity following treatment, and the time required for teeth whitening compositions (typically requiring about an hour of time or multiple applications or both), however, remains a significant drawback.

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