Cavity prevention films, cavity prevention solutions, dental instruments having cavity prevention films, and methods of forming cavity prevention films on dental instruments

Abstract

One aspect of the present application provides a caries-preventive film comprising a fluorine-containing organosilane, a film-forming agent, and an acidic substance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application generally relates to anti-caries films, anti-caries solutions, dental instruments having anti-caries films, and methods for forming anti-caries films on dental instruments. Background Technology

[0002] Dental caries is one of the most common oral diseases. A survey by the National Health Organization shows that the caries rate in primary teeth among children in my country is as high as 70%, the caries rate in permanent teeth among twelve-year-old children is nearly 50%, and the caries rate in adults reaches 88%. Therefore, preventing dental caries is crucial.

[0003] It is generally believed that tooth decay is mainly caused by two types of bacteria. One type is acid-producing bacteria (e.g., Streptococcus mutans, Actinomyces, and Lactobacillus), which can decompose food residues (e.g., carbohydrates) to produce acid, thereby causing demineralization of the inorganic matter in teeth. The other type of bacteria (e.g., Gram-positive cocci) can destroy organic matter, forming cavities over a long period of time.

[0004] Tooth decay is preventable and controllable. Currently, fluoride is internationally recognized as an effective substance for preventing tooth decay. Fluoride inhibits the growth of cariogenic bacteria in the mouth, suppresses bacterial acid production, reduces the solubility of tooth enamel, and promotes the remineralization of demineralized enamel. Ingesting adequate fluoride during tooth development can round the cusps and shallow the fissures. This change in tooth morphology makes teeth easier to clean and enhances their resistance to tooth decay.

[0005] Currently, fluoride caries prevention technologies mainly fall into the following three categories:

[0006] Fluoride toothpaste is currently the most widely used anti-caries technology. Inorganic fluoride compounds such as sodium fluoride are added to toothpaste, allowing people to achieve a certain anti-caries effect while cleaning their teeth, which is convenient and quick. However, toothpaste stays in the mouth and its effect is relatively short-lived.

[0007] Fluoride foam is an internationally recognized, fast-acting, and effective caries prevention technology. High-concentration fluoride foam is applied to teeth for three minutes to prevent cavities. Currently, fluoride foam is primarily used for caries prevention in young children.

[0008] Fluoride varnish is a technique that involves applying a substance containing a high concentration of fluoride ions to the surface of teeth to prevent cavities. Typical examples include Colgate's Dole Fluoride and 3M's White Varnish. Applying fluoride varnish requires a professional dentist's application; currently, this technology is only used clinically and cannot be used by consumers in their daily lives.

[0009] The inventors of this application believe that, given the importance of caries prevention, it is necessary to provide different caries prevention methods. Summary of the Invention

[0010] One aspect of this application provides an anti-caries film containing a fluorinated organosilane, a film-forming agent, and an acidic substance.

[0011] In some embodiments, the fluoride content in the anti-caries film is greater than or equal to 500 ppm by weight.

[0012] In some embodiments, the fluoride content in the anti-caries film is 500–11200 ppm by weight.

[0013] In some embodiments, the acidic substance may be a weakly acidic antibacterial agent.

[0014] In some embodiments, the film-forming agent may be one of the following: aromatic isocyanates, acrylates, and mixtures thereof.

[0015] Another aspect of this application provides an anti-caries solution for forming an anti-caries film, which contains a fluorinated organosilane, a film-forming agent, an acidic substance, and an organic solvent.

[0016] In some embodiments, the fluorinated organosilane has a weight content of 0.1% to 10%, the film-forming agent has a weight content of 5% to 25%, the acidic substance has a weight content of 0.1% to 1%, and the organic solvent has a weight content of 75% to 90%.

[0017] In some embodiments, the acidic substance may be a weakly acidic antibacterial agent.

[0018] In some embodiments, the film-forming agent may be one of the following: aromatic isocyanates, acrylates, and mixtures thereof.

[0019] Another aspect of this application provides a dental instrument with an anti-caries film, comprising: a body having a surface opposite to a tooth; and an anti-caries film having a certain thickness formed on at least a portion of the surface opposite to the tooth, which is capable of reacting with saliva to release fluoride ions, the anti-caries film containing a fluorinated organosilane, a film-forming agent, and an acidic substance.

[0020] In some embodiments, the thickness of the anti-caries film is less than 50 μm.

[0021] In some embodiments, the dental instrument may be a shell-shaped dental instrument that forms a cavity to accommodate a tooth, the inner surface of which is the surface opposite to the tooth.

[0022] In some embodiments, the fluoride content in the anti-caries film is greater than or equal to 500 ppm by weight.

[0023] In some embodiments, the fluoride content in the anti-caries film is 500–11200 ppm by weight.

[0024] In some embodiments, the acidic substance may be a weakly acidic antibacterial agent.

[0025] In some embodiments, the film-forming agent may be one of the following: aromatic isocyanates, acrylates, and mixtures thereof.

[0026] Another aspect of this application provides a method for forming an anti-caries film on a dental instrument, comprising: applying an anti-caries solution to at least a portion of the surface of the dental instrument opposite to the teeth; and curing the anti-caries solution to form an anti-caries film, wherein the anti-caries solution contains a fluorinated organosilane, a film-forming agent, an acidic substance, and an organic solvent.

[0027] In some embodiments, the fluorinated organosilane has a weight content of 0.1% to 10%, the film-forming agent has a weight content of 5% to 25%, the acidic substance has a weight content of 0.1% to 1%, and the organic solvent has a weight content of 75% to 90%.

[0028] In some embodiments, the acidic substance may be a weakly acidic antibacterial agent.

[0029] In some embodiments, the film-forming agent may be one of the following: aromatic isocyanates, acrylates, and mixtures thereof.

[0030] In some embodiments, the dental instrument is a shell-shaped dental instrument that forms a cavity to accommodate a tooth, the inner surface of which is the surface opposite to the tooth.

[0031] In some embodiments, the application of the anti-caries solution is controlled so that the thickness of the anti-caries film is less than 50 μm.

[0032] In some embodiments, during the curing process of the anti-caries solution, the organic solvent gradually evaporates, so that the anti-caries film contains almost no organic solvent. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The above and other features of this application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and their detailed description. It should be understood that these drawings only illustrate several exemplary embodiments according to this application and should not be considered as limiting the scope of protection of this application. Unless otherwise specified, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, and similar reference numerals denote similar parts.

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a shell-shaped dental instrument in one embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 2 A shell-shaped dental instrument is schematically illustrated in one embodiment of this application; and

[0036] Figure 3 for Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of the shell-shaped dental instrument shown at point AA. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The following detailed description incorporates the accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification. The illustrative embodiments mentioned in the specification and drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Those skilled in the art will understand, based on the teachings of this application, that many other embodiments can be employed and various changes can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. It should be understood that the various aspects of this application illustrated herein can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in many different configurations, all of which are within the scope of this application.

[0038] Due to their aesthetic appeal, convenience, and ease of cleaning, shell-shaped dental instruments based on polymer materials (such as shell-shaped braces, retainers, and anti-snoring devices) are becoming increasingly popular.

[0039] Typically, shell-shaped dental instruments are worn for extended periods. For shell-shaped braces, patients are required to wear them 24 / 7, except for mealtimes and brushing, generally for at least 22 hours a day, and orthodontic treatment can last 1-3 years. For shell retainers and anti-snoring devices, patients need to wear them during sleep and may need to use them for life.

[0040] Shell-shaped dental instruments isolate teeth from the oral environment for extended periods, creating a relatively closed, oxygen-deficient environment and hindering the normal contact of saliva with the teeth (saliva is crucial for oral hygiene, as it washes away bacteria, maintains bacterial balance, and its enzymes break down food debris). Therefore, wearing shell-shaped dental instruments may accelerate the growth and reproduction of anaerobic bacteria on the tooth surface, leading to plaque and subsequently causing numerous problems such as tooth decay, yellow teeth, periodontal disease, and halitosis.

[0041] The inventors of this application, on the one hand, recognized the necessity of providing different anti-caries measures, and on the other hand, recognized the aforementioned problems of shell-shaped dental instruments. Driven by this, they developed an anti-caries film, a solution for forming the anti-caries film, a method for forming the anti-caries film, and a dental instrument with an anti-caries film.

[0042] Based on the teachings of this application, it is understood that, in addition to the shell-shaped dental instruments mentioned above, an anti-caries film can be formed on the surface of any other suitable dental instrument, especially the surface in contact with teeth, to achieve a caries-preventing effect. The following describes a method for forming an anti-caries film in one embodiment of this application, using a shell-shaped dental instrument as an example.

[0043] Please refer to Figure 1This is a schematic flowchart of a method 100 for forming an anti-caries film in one embodiment of this application.

[0044] In 101, obtain the shell-shaped dental instrument body.

[0045] The shell-shaped dental instrument body is made of polymer material and is a single shell that forms a cavity to accommodate the tooth. The shape of at least a portion of the cavity is substantially matched with the corresponding part of the patient's tooth layout.

[0046] Currently, the most common method for manufacturing shell-shaped dental instruments is thermoforming. The basic process involves pressing heated polymer film material onto a dental mold to form the shell-shaped dental instrument body after cooling.

[0047] In one embodiment, the shell-shaped dental instrument body may be made of a single layer of material. In another embodiment, the shell-shaped dental instrument body may also be made of two or more layers of material.

[0048] In one embodiment, the cavity of the shell-shaped dental instrument body is capable of accommodating the entire dentition. In another embodiment, the cavity of the shell-shaped dental instrument body only accommodates a portion of the dentition (multiple teeth).

[0049] In one embodiment, the shell-shaped dental instrument may be a shell-shaped orthodontic appliance used to reposition a patient's teeth from a current first layout to a second layout. In this example, the dental model used to fabricate the body of the shell-shaped dental instrument may substantially conform to the second layout of the patient's teeth, or may be offset slightly in the orthodontic direction, so that the shell-shaped dental instrument can reposition the patient's teeth to the second layout.

[0050] In yet another embodiment, 3D printing technology can be used to fabricate the shell-shaped dental instrument body. In yet another embodiment, a CNC machine tool can be used to cut the blank to fabricate the shell-shaped dental instrument body.

[0051] In 103, at least a portion of the inner surface of the shell-shaped dental instrument is coated with an anti-caries solution.

[0052] The inner surface of a shell-shaped dental instrument is the surface of the shell-shaped dental instrument that faces the teeth.

[0053] In one embodiment, the anti-caries solution can be applied only to areas where an anti-caries film is needed, as required. In another embodiment, the anti-caries solution can be applied to the entire inner surface of the shell-shaped dental instrument.

[0054] Based on the teachings of this application, it is understood that coating can be any applicable means of applying the anti-caries solution to a surface, such as brushing, spraying, and dipping.

[0055] In one embodiment, the anti-caries solution may include organic solvents, film-forming agents, fluorinated substances, and acidic substances.

[0056] The organic solvent is used to dissolve the film-forming agent and the fluorinated substance and to mix them uniformly. Examples of such solvents include, but are not limited to, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, isoamyl acetate, isoamyl propionate, isoamyl butyrate, and mixtures thereof. During the formation of the anti-caries film, the organic solvent in the anti-caries solution gradually evaporates, and the final anti-caries film contains almost no organic solvent. Therefore, when wearing the shell-shaped dental instrument of this application, the patient will not experience discomfort due to organic solvents.

[0057] The film-forming agent is a polymer capable of forming a continuous film, examples of which include, but are not limited to, aromatic isocyanates, acrylates, and mixtures thereof. It is understood that aromatic isocyanates and acrylates each refer to a class of substances, which may include different specific substances. Therefore, the film-forming agent can be a mixture of two or more aromatic isocyanates, a mixture of two or more acrylates, or a mixture of one or more aromatic isocyanates and one or more acrylates.

[0058] On the one hand, aromatic isocyanates and acrylate film-forming agents are colorless and transparent, enabling them to form a colorless and transparent film that maintains the appearance of shell-shaped dental instruments to the greatest extent possible. When it is necessary to change the color of the shell-shaped dental instrument, a colorant can be added to the anti-caries solution to give the portion of the instrument covered by the anti-caries film the desired color. On the other hand, aromatic isocyanates and acrylate film-forming agents have low viscosity, resulting in good leveling and even application of the anti-caries solution, and good workability.

[0059] Based on the teachings of this application, it can be understood that the physical properties of the anti-caries film (e.g., hardness and adhesion) depend primarily on the film-forming agent, which can be selected according to specific circumstances and needs.

[0060] The fluorinated substance can react with saliva to produce fluoride ions, thereby preventing tooth decay. In one embodiment, it can be a fluorinated organic compound capable of hydrolyzing and releasing fluoride ions. In another embodiment, it can be a fluorinated organosilane with the structural formula R-[SiF]. m (OH) 3-m ] n , where m ranges from 1 to 3 and n ranges from 1 to 4.

[0061] The mechanism by which fluorinated organosilanes release fluorine is through hydrolysis upon contact with water, ionizing fluoride ions and simultaneously generating silanols. The inventors of this application have discovered that this hydrolysis reaction is relatively slow under neutral conditions, while adding acidic substances can ionize hydrogen ions, catalyzing the hydrolysis reaction and increasing the fluorine release rate. Therefore, the fluorine release rate of the anti-caries film can be controlled by selecting acidic substances.

[0062] In one embodiment, a weakly acidic antibacterial agent can be selected as the acidic substance that promotes fluoride release, thereby promoting fluoride release while also exerting a certain antibacterial effect. Examples of weakly acidic antibacterial agents include, but are not limited to, tea polyphenols, catechins, theaflavins, lemon essential oil, chlorhexidine, and hexadecylpyridine chloride.

[0063] In one embodiment, the contents of each component in the anti-caries solution are as follows: fluoride content is 0.1% to 10% by weight, film-forming agent content is 5% to 25% by weight, organic solvent content is 75% to 90% by weight, and acidic substance content is 0.1% to 1% by weight.

[0064] In one embodiment, to enhance the wearing experience, the anti-caries solution may also include a fragrance. Examples include, but are not limited to, menthol, cooling agents, and fruit flavorings.

[0065] In one embodiment, the contents of each component in the anti-caries solution are as follows: fluoride content is 0.1% to 10% by weight, film-forming agent content is 5% to 25% by weight, organic solvent content is 75% to 90% by weight, acidic substance content is 0.1% to 1% by weight, and fragrance content is 0.05% to 0.1% by weight.

[0066] In step 105, the anti-caries solution on the inner surface of the shell-shaped dental instrument is cured to form an anti-caries film.

[0067] In one embodiment, after the organic solvent in the anti-caries solution applied to the inner surface of the shell-shaped dental instrument evaporates, the remaining substance forms an anti-caries film of a certain thickness on the inner surface of the shell-shaped dental instrument.

[0068] In one embodiment, the fluoride content in the anti-caries film is greater than or equal to 500 ppm by weight. In another embodiment, the fluoride content in the anti-caries film can be between 500 and 11200 ppm by weight.

[0069] Please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 ,in, Figure 2 The illustration schematically shows a shell-shaped dental instrument 200 according to one embodiment of this application. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of the shell-shaped dental instrument 200 at point AA is shown.

[0070] The shell-shaped dental instrument 200 includes a body 201, which is integrally shell-shaped and forms a cavity 203 for accommodating teeth. An anti-caries film 205 is formed on the inner surface of the body 201 (i.e., the surface of the cavity 203).

[0071] In one embodiment, the thickness of the anti-caries film 205 can be determined according to specific needs and circumstances. For example, for shell-shaped orthodontic appliances made based on hot-press molding process, if its tolerance for dental model error is ±100μm, then the thickness of the anti-caries film 205 can be controlled below 50μm (micrometers), or even below 25μm, so that the anti-caries film 205 basically does not affect the orthodontic performance of the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance.

[0072] The following is a comparison of the formation of anti-caries films containing acidic substances and those without, as well as the fluoride release rate.

[0073] Example 1

[0074] The components of the anti-caries solution are as follows:

[0075] Fluorinated organic compounds (using fluorinated organic compounds that are more soluble in organic solvents): 1% fluorinated organosilanes (fluorine content approximately 0.1%)

[0076] Film-forming agent: 11% aromatic isocyanate film-forming agent

[0077] Organic solvents: 62.9% ethyl acetate and 25% isoamyl propionate

[0078] Weakly acidic antibacterial agent: Epigallocatechin gallate 0.1%

[0079] Apply the anti-caries solution evenly to the inner surface of the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance with a brush and allow it to cure at room temperature.

[0080] The structural formula of the fluorinated organosilanes is as follows:

[0081]

[0082] In this example, the film-forming agent used is a toluene diisocyanate-trimethylolpropane-diethylene glycol adduct, which cures by reacting with water vapor in the air.

[0083] In this example, the anti-caries film adhered well to the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance, achieving the highest level of adhesion in the cross-cut test: ISO 2409:2013-2a-0.

[0084] The anti-caries film has a pencil hardness rating of H.

[0085] Example 2

[0086] The components of the anti-caries solution are as follows:

[0087] Fluorinated organic compounds: 1% fluorinated organosilanes (fluorine content approximately 0.1%) (same as Example 1)

[0088] Film-forming agent: 11% aromatic isocyanate film-forming agent

[0089] Organic solvents: 63% ethyl acetate and 25% isoamyl propionate

[0090] Apply the anti-caries solution evenly to the inner surface of the shell-shaped orthodontic appliance with a brush and allow it to cure at room temperature.

[0091] Please refer to Table 1 below, which shows a comparison of the fluoride release rates of the anti-caries films of Example 1 (containing acidic substances) and Example 2 (not containing acidic substances).

[0092] Table 1

[0093]

[0094] As shown in Table 1, the fluoride release rate of anti-caries films containing acidic substances is significantly higher than that of anti-caries films without acidic substances.

[0095] It's understandable that releasing a sufficient amount of fluoride ions is enough to provide adequate protection against cavities. The anti-caries films in the two examples above can guarantee a cavity-preventing effect for 3 to 6 months.

[0096] Although various aspects and embodiments of this application have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments of this application will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon inspiration from this application. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes. The scope and spirit of this application are determined solely by the appended claims.

[0097] Similarly, the diagrams may illustrate exemplary architectures or other configurations of the disclosed methods and systems, which aid in understanding the features and functions that may be included in the disclosed methods and systems. The claims are not limited to the exemplary architectures or configurations shown, and the desired features may be implemented with various alternative architectures and configurations. Furthermore, the order of the blocks given herein with respect to flowcharts, functional descriptions, and method claims should not be limited to various embodiments implemented in the same order to perform the said functions, unless explicitly indicated in the context.

[0098] Unless otherwise expressly stated, the terms and phrases used herein, and their variations thereof, should be interpreted as open-ended rather than restrictive. In some instances, the appearance of extended words and phrases such as “one or more,” “at least,” “but not limited to,” or other similar expressions should not be construed as an intention or necessity to indicate a narrower scope in examples where such extended expressions might not exist.

Claims

1. A caries-preventive film, characterized by, The caries-preventing film contains fluorine-containing organosilane, film-forming agent, and acidic substance; the film-forming agent is aromatic isocyanate; The caries-preventing film is formed by a caries-preventing solution which is composed of fluorine-containing organosilane, film-forming agent, acidic substance, and organic solvent; The fluorine-containing organosilane has the following structural formula I: The fluorine-containing organosilane has a weight content of 1%; The film-forming agent is toluene diisocyanate-trihydroxymethyl propane-diglycol adduct, and the film-forming agent has a weight content of 11%; The acidic substance is epigallocatechin gallate, and the acidic substance has a weight content of 0.1%; The organic solvent is ethyl acetate and isoamyl propionate, the ethyl acetate has a weight content of 62.9%, and the isoamyl propionate has a weight content of 25%.

2. The caries-preventive film according to claim 1, wherein The weight content of fluorine is greater than or equal to 500 ppm.

3. The caries-preventive film according to claim 2, wherein The weight content of fluorine is 500-11200 ppm.

4. A caries-preventive solution for forming a caries-preventive film, characterized by, The caries-preventing solution is composed of fluorine-containing organosilane, film-forming agent, acidic substance, and organic solvent; The fluorine-containing organosilane has the following structural formula I: The fluorine-containing organosilane has a weight content of 1%; The film-forming agent is toluene diisocyanate-trihydroxymethyl propane-diglycol adduct, and the film-forming agent has a weight content of 11%; The acidic substance is epigallocatechin gallate, and the acidic substance has a weight content of 0.1%; The organic solvent is ethyl acetate and isoamyl propionate, the ethyl acetate has a weight content of 62.9%, and the isoamyl propionate has a weight content of 25%.

5. A dental implement having a caries-preventive film, characterized by It comprises: a body having a surface opposite to teeth; and a caries-preventing film having a certain thickness formed on at least a part of the surface opposite to teeth, which can react with saliva to release fluoride ions, the caries-preventing film containing fluorine-containing organosilane, film-forming agent, and acidic substance; the film-forming agent is aromatic isocyanate; The caries-preventing film is formed by a caries-preventing solution which is composed of fluorine-containing organosilane, film-forming agent, acidic substance, and organic solvent; The fluorine-containing organosilane has the following structural formula I: The fluorine-containing organosilane has a weight content of 1%; The film-forming agent is toluene diisocyanate-trihydroxymethyl propane-diglycol adduct, and the film-forming agent has a weight content of 11%; The acidic substance is epigallocatechin gallate, and the acidic substance has a weight content of 0.1%; The organic solvent is ethyl acetate and isoamyl propionate, the ethyl acetate has a weight content of 62.9%, and the isoamyl propionate has a weight content of 25%.

6. The dental instrument of claim 5, wherein, The thickness of the caries-preventing film is less than 50 μm.

7. The dental instrument of claim 5, wherein, It is a shell-shaped dental instrument forming a cavity accommodating teeth, and the inner surface of the cavity, i.e. the surface opposite to teeth.

8. The dental instrument of claim 5, wherein, The weight content of fluorine in the caries-preventing film is greater than or equal to 500 ppm.

9. The dental instrument of claim 8, wherein, The weight content of fluorine in the caries-preventing film is 500-11200 ppm.

10. A method of forming a caries-preventive film on a dental instrument, characterized by, It comprises: applying a caries-preventing solution to at least a part of the surface of a dental instrument opposite to teeth; and solidifying the caries-preventing solution to form a caries-preventing film, The caries-preventing solution is composed of fluorine-containing organosilane, film-forming agent, acidic substance, and organic solvent; The structural formula of the fluorine-containing organosilane is shown as formula I: The weight content of the fluorine-containing organosilane is 1%; The film-forming agent is toluene diisocyanate-trihydroxymethyl propane-diglycol adduct, and the weight content of the film-forming agent is 11%; The acidic substance is epigallocatechin gallate, and the weight content of the acidic substance is 0.1%; The organic solvent is ethyl acetate and isoamyl propionate, and the weight content of the ethyl acetate is 62.9%, and the weight content of the isoamyl propionate is 25%.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, The dental instrument is a shell-shaped dental instrument forming a cavity accommodating a tooth, and an inner surface of the cavity is the surface opposite to the tooth.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, The coating of the anticariogenic solution is controlled so that the thickness of the anticariogenic film is less than 50 μm.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein, During the solidification of the anticariogenic solution, the organic solvent gradually volatilizes so that the anticariogenic film contains almost no organic solvent.

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