Tooth decal

Abstract

An embodiment provides a temporary tooth decal comprising a substrate layer; a first ink layer disposed on a side of the substrate layer; an adhesive layer disposed on a side of said first ink layer opposite said substrate layer; a protective layer disposed on a side of said adhesive layer opposite said first ink layer, said protective layer being manually removable; wherein the substrate layer is formed from a water-permeable, oral safe material and the adhesive layer comprises a oral safe, water activated adhesive. A corresponding method of applying a decal is also disclosed.

Description

[0001] TOOTH DECAL

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] Embodiments relate to a tooth decal and a related method of applying a tooth decal.

[0004] Cosmetics for teeth are known but generally involve some form of deformation to the teeth and are intended to be permanent.

[0005] Certain teeth cosmetics such as gems are fitted and adhered to the teeth using an adhesive such as UV-cured resin. Such gems are intended to be permanent.

[0006] Tooth gems may also be applied by etching the tooth enamel for better adhesion of the glue to the tooth surface. Etching is a process by which phosphoric acid is applied to the surface of the tooth to cause local demineralisation thereby roughening the surface. Typically, tooth gems are costly and not easily removed. Recently, tooth gems that can be applied using UV-activated resin at home are available on the market.

[0007] It is also known to adhere decals such as two-dimensional prints to the tooth enamel using UV-cured resin. Such decals are intended to be permanent and require a dentist to apply them due to the expertise required in dealing with UV-cured resin.

[0008] Temporary skin decals, which are often sold as 'temporary tattoos’, involve a transparent protective cover releasably engaged with a substrate. A design is provided between the substrate and the protective cover. In use a user removes the cover and applies the substrate to dry skin. The substrate is then activated by the application of water causing the design to adhere to the user’s skin. These decals are not suitable for application to teeth due to the toxic adhesive needed, and the need to keep the decals dry, once transferred.

[0009] Summary of the Disclosure

[0010] An embodiment provides a temporary tooth decal comprising a substrate layer a first ink layer disposed on a side of the substrate layer; an adhesive layer disposed on a side of said first ink layer opposite said substrate layer; a protective layer disposed on a side of said adhesive layer opposite said first ink layer, said protective layer being manually removable; wherein the substrate layer is formed from a water-permeable, oral safe material and the adhesive layer comprises an oral safe, water activated adhesive.

[0011] The temporary tooth decal may have a base wherein the base is formed as an arc corresponding to a shape of a base of a tooth in a mouth. The decal may have a width corresponding to a width of a tooth. The base may be U-shaped.

[0012] The decal may comprise a second ink layer disposed on a side of the substrate layer opposite the first ink layer. The second ink layer may comprise a print applied to the underside of the substrate layer.

[0013] The first ink layer may comprise a design. The second ink layer may comprise a registration mark. The registration mark of the second ink layer may be located at a centre of the design so that, if a user positions the registration mark at a centre of their tooth during application, the design will be centred on the tooth, once applied. A centre of the design may correspond to a centre of the registration mark.

[0014] The protective layer may be transparent.

[0015] The substrate layer may comprise paper or a paper-based material.

[0016] The decal may further comprise a foil layer disposed between the adhesive and the substrate layer. The first ink layer may comprise ink and a foil material.

[0017] A further embodiment extends to sheet comprising a plurality of temporary tooth decals, each of the temporary tooth decals being as described.

[0018] The sheet may include perforations to assist in removal of a decal from the sheet. The sheet may include perforations between each decal of the sheet. Each decal may comprise a plurality of perforated tear lines. A width of the decal may be variable by tearing along a selected tear line.

[0019] The sheet may include a plurality of decals of different sizes. A further embodiment provides a method of applying a temporary tooth decal to a surface of a tooth, the decal being as herein described, the method comprising: removing the protective layer to expose the adhesive layer; drying the surface of the tooth; wetting the decal; applying the decal by placing the adhesive layer in contact with the surface of the tooth; removing the substrate layer thereby leaving the first ink layer adhered to the surface of the tooth by the adhesive layer.

[0020] The step of wetting the decal may activate adhesive in the adhesive layer.

[0021] The step of wetting may be carried out for 1 to 3 seconds.

[0022] Where the decal comprises a second ink layer and the second ink layer comprises a registration mark, the method may comprise aligning the decal with the tooth using the registration mark.

[0023] Where the decal comprises a base formed as an arc corresponding to a shape of a base of a tooth in a mouth, the step of applying the decal may comprise aligning the decal with the tooth by aligning the arc with the shape of the tooth in the mouth.

[0024] Where the decal has a width corresponding to a width of a tooth the step of applying the decal may comprise aligning the decal with the tooth by aligning the width of the decal with the width of a tooth.

[0025] The step of applying the decal may further comprise pressing the decal to the surface of the tooth.

[0026] In an embodiment, the decal may be pressed to the surface of the tooth for a period of between 5 and 15 seconds. The decal may be pressed to the surface of the tooth for a period of about 10 seconds.

[0027] A further embodiment provides a method of removing a design from the surface of a tooth wherein the design was applied using a decal, the decal being as herein described, the method comprising using a toothbrush to remove the design from the surface of a tooth.

[0028] As used herein the terms “temporary” and “permanent” are relative terms which designate different time frames. “Temporary”, with reference to tooth decals, indicates a time frame measured in days or hours such as 12 hours. The term “permanent” is used to indicate a more permanent feature; a time frame measured in months such as six months or more.

[0029] As used herein the term “oral safe” is used to refer to a substance which has been cleared for use with the mouth. An oral safe substance need not be a nutrient and may be passed through the digestive tract. This need not be a food grade material.

[0030] Embodiments are herein described, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0031] Figure 1 is an exploded schematic drawing of a decal according to an embodiment;

[0032] Figure 2 is a top view of a decal according to an embodiment;

[0033] Figure 3 is a bottom view of the decal of Figure 2;

[0034] Figure 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of applying a temporary tooth decal according to an embodiment;

[0035] Figures 5A to 5H illustrate the application of a decal according to an embodiment;

[0036] Figure 6 is a top view of a sheet of decals according to an embodiment;

[0037] Figure 7 is a bottom view of the sheet of Figure 5;

[0038] Figure 8 illustrates the sheet of Figure 5 with a decal removed;

[0039] Figure 9 is a top view of a sheet of decals according to an embodiment;

[0040] Figure 10 is a bottom view of the sheet of Figure 9. Detailed Description of Specific Embodiment

[0041] By providing an adhesive layer comprising an oral safe adhesive, embodiments are safe for use in the mouth where toxic adhesives may poison or harm the user. In particular, the oral safe adhesive may be copolymer of Vinyl Acetate, vinyl neodecanoate and one or more monomers consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid or one of their simple esters. The oral safe adhesive may be Acrylates / VA / Vinyl Neodecanoate Copolymer.

[0042] The substrate layer and the ink and foil of the first and second ink layers, when present, may be made from oral safe materials. For example, the substrate layer may be made from paper. Further suitable oral safe materials are known in the art.

[0043] Suitable substances may be Aluminum (Cl 77000), Black 2 (Cl 77266), Blue 1 Lake (Cl 42090), Yellow 5 Lake (Cl 19140), Red 7 Lake (Cl 15850), Titanium Dioxide (Cl 77891).

[0044] Embodiments may provide a decal with a base wherein the base is formed as an arc corresponding to a shape of a base of a tooth in a mouth. Where a tooth meets the gum, the gum describes an arc. If the decal is formed with a corresponding shape with an arc at the base, this may assist the user in aligning the decal with the tooth during application and this may, in turn, result in a centred and aesthetically pleasing application of the decal, particularly where the decal includes a design smaller than the surface of the tooth.

[0045] The decal may have a width corresponding to a width of a tooth. This too may assist with registration of the decal during application and may contribute to a more effective application of the decal.

[0046] The decal may comprise a second ink layer disposed on a side of the substrate layer opposite the first ink layer. The second ink layer may comprise a print applied to the underside of the substrate layer where the second ink layer carries a registration mark. Since, during application, the first ink layer which carries the design or other artwork to be applied to the surface of the tooth is not visible to the user, a registration mark may assist the user during the application process. If the registration mark corresponds in position and size to the design or artwork then a user is able, during the application process, to position the design as required by positioning the registration mark.

[0047] The protective layer may be transparent. A transparent protective layer may allow the user to view and assess the design or art-work of the first ink layer whilst providing protection to the adhesive layer.

[0048] The substrate layer may be paper or paper-based. Paper may have the advantage of being non-toxic and recyclable.

[0049] A further embodiment extends to sheet comprising a plurality of temporary tooth decals, each of the temporary tooth decals being as described. Providing a sheet with a plurality of decals may assist in storage and transportation.

[0050] The sheet may include perforations to assist in removal of a decal from the sheet. The sheet may include perforations between each decal of the sheet. If such perforations are included a user may easily remove a decal from the sheet by tearing along the perforations. Furthermore, perforations may provide an easy visual clue to the user of how many decals are in a sheet, and whether any have been removed.

[0051] The sheet may include a plurality of decals of different sizes. Since any person will have teeth of different sizes, a sheet may be provided with different decals for different teeth. For example, a sheet may include a first sized decal for incisors, a second size for canines, a third size for premolars and a fourth size for molars. In a further embodiment, a sheet may have different sizes for mandibular and maxillary teeth.

[0052] A further embodiment extends to a method of applying a temporary tooth decal to a surface of a tooth, the decal being as herein described, the method comprising: removing the protective layer to expose the adhesive layer; drying the surface of the tooth; wetting the decal; applying the decal by placing the adhesive layer in contact with the surface of the tooth; removing the substrate layer thereby leaving the first ink layer adhered to the surface of the tooth by the adhesive layer.

[0053] It has been found that the step of drying the tooth prior to application of the decal may significantly improve adhesion between the surface of the tooth and the decal.

[0054] The method may comprise the step of wetting the decal to activate adhesive in the adhesive layer where the decal is wet for 1 to 3 seconds. This time period is significantly shorter than the time required for the wetting of temporary decals applied to skin. It has been found that a wetting time of about 1 to 3 seconds may provide a significantly better bond between the decal and tooth and therefore may provide a longer lasting decal. Furthermore, contrary to accepted practice in for skin tattoos, it was found that wetting the decal prior to applying to the tooth, and not wetting the decal on the tooth, may significantly improve the adhesion of the design to the surface of the tooth. Embodiments may extend to a method of applying a temporary tooth decal to a surface of a tooth where the only step of wetting the decal occurs prior to application of the decal to the tooth. The step of applying the decal by placing the adhesive layer in contact with the surface of the tooth may comprise applying the wetted decal to the surface of the tooth.

[0055] The step of applying the decal may further comprise pressing the decal to the surface of the tooth. It has been found that applying a pressure to the decal when first applied to the surface of the tooth may significantly improve the bond between the decal and the surface of the tooth.

[0056] Since decals according to embodiments may be removed using a toothbrush, such decals may be considered temporary. Therefore, decals according to embodiments may be more convenient than more permanent prior art alternatives, particularly where a dentist is required to remove the tooth decoration.

[0057] It is worth noting that embodiments extend to “temporary tooth decal”. In an embodiment, the decal may last about 12 hours. It is to be realised that there are many factors which may influence the longevity of the decal on the surface of a tooth and therefore embodiments may vary significantly in the longevity of the decal. The permanence of the decal may also be characterized by the ease with which it may be removed. Embodiments may be removed with the aid of a toothbrush which is significantly easier than dental jewellery which requires professional intervention to remove. If, for example, a UV-cured resin is used to adhere the jewellery to the surface of the tooth.

[0058] Figure 1 illustrates a tooth decal 10 according to an embodiment. The decal 10 comprises a substrate layer 12, a first ink layer 14 disposed on a side of the substrate layer 12. An adhesive layer 16 is disposed on a side of the first ink layer 14 opposite the substrate layer 12. A protective layer in the form of a transparent sheet 18 is disposed on a side of the adhesive layer 16 opposite the first ink layer 14. Furthermore, this embodiment comprises a second ink layer 20 disposed on a side of the substrate layer opposite the first ink layer 14.

[0059] However, it is to be realised that the second ink layer 20 may be optional.

[0060] The substrate layer 12 is made from an oral safe paper. The ink layers are made from edible, non-toxic (i.e. oral safe) pigments that may not interfere with the oral microbiome and may be resistant to fading or smudging.

[0061] The transparent sheet 18 is made from an oral safe transparent plastic such as PET film coated with silicone. Although the transparent sheet 18 is removed prior to application it may be preferable in certain embodiments that the transparent sheet 18 or other protective layer is made from an oral safe plastic to prevent toxic materials transferring from the protective layer onto the remainder of the decal which is then inserted into the mouth.

[0062] A further embodiment may comprise a foil layer and additional ink layers disposed between the adhesive layer and the first ink layer 14. A foil layer may be comprise of an oral safe aluminium foil.

[0063] It is to be realised that although each layer is shown as distinct, a layer may not be continuous. For example, the ink layer may not extend and cover the entire substrate layer but may be comprised of partial coverage of the substrate layer. Similar considerations apply to the other layers discussed.

[0064] Figure 2 illustrates a temporary tooth decal 100 according to an embodiment. The decal 100 is as shown in Figure 1 and the corresponding ink layer comprises a design 102 formed on a top of the decal 100. The decal 100 comprises a body 104 having a base 106. The edge of the base is formed with two arcs 108a and 108b joined by a straight section 110. In this manner, the base forms a U-shape with a flat bottom.

[0065] Figure 3 is a bottom view of the decal 100. In this embodiment, the decal 100 includes a second ink layer comprising a registration mark 112. The registration mark 112 and the design 102 are provided on opposite sides of the decal 100 so that a centre of the registration mark 112 corresponds to a centre of the design 102.

[0066] Figure 4 is a flow diagram 200 illustrating a method of applying the temporary tooth decal 100. At the initial step, step 201, the decal is removed from a sheet by tearing along a perforated tear line. This step will only apply where the decal is provided in such a sheet, and is therefore shown in dashed lines. This applies in respect of a further embodiment shown below Figure 6 and corresponding description.

[0067] At the next step, step 202 the transparent sheet 18 is peeled off from the adhesive layer 16. Then, at step 204, the surface of the tooth to which the decal is to be applied is dried with a towel, by exposing the surface of the tooth to air or other suitable means. It is to be realised that the order of steps 202 and 204 are interchangeable.

[0068] At the following step 206, the decal is wetted by dipping the decal in water or by applying water to the decal in a suitable manner. It has been found, for the embodiment described, that an optimal wetting time is between 1 and 3 seconds (the decal is submerged in water for between 1 and 3 seconds). However, a longer wetting period may not necessarily render the decal inoperable, but may adversely affect the ability of the adhesive to bond to the surface of the tooth.

[0069] Once the decal has been wet, the now-exposed adhesive layer 16 is applied to the surface of the tooth. This may be done by aligning the arcs 108a and 108b, and the straight section 110 of the base 106 of the decal 100 (Figure 2), with the line where the tooth meets the gum, which may assist with the vertical positioning of the decal relative to the tooth. The lateral positioning may be assisted by the registration mark 112 provided on the obverse side (Figure 3). By centring the registration mark 112 with the centre of the tooth, the user may ensure that the design, when applied, is applied to the centre of the tooth.

[0070] Once the correct positioning of the decal 100 on the surface of the tooth has been found, pressure is applied to the decal to push the decal onto the surface of the tooth. This pressure may assist in bonding by the adhesive to the surface of the tooth and may, for example, be applied by a user’s finger. In this embodiment, the pressure is applied for at least 10 seconds.

[0071] Once the decal 100 has been applied at step 208 the user removes the substrate layer 12 at step 210, thereby leaving the first ink layer 14 (as well as any other ink or foil layers between the adhesive layer and the substrate) attached to the surface of the tooth.

[0072] As mentioned, the design may be removed through normal wear and tear, or by brushing with a conventional toothbrush, shown as step 212 in Figure 4 and depicted in dashed outline.

[0073] Figures 5A to 51 illustrate stages of the application of the decal 100. Figure 5A illustrates removal of the decal 100 from a sheet (step 201). Figure 5B illustrates the removal of a protective layer 120 (step 202). Figure 5C shows the user’s mouth 300 with a plurality of teeth 302a, 302b, 302c,... The surface of the tooth 302a is being dried with the use of a towel 122 (step 204). Figure 5D illustrates the wetting of the decal 100 in a cup of water 124.

[0074] Figure 5E illustrates the application of the decal 100 to the surface of the tooth 302a (step 208). In particular, the process of using the base 106 of the decal 100 relative to the line 304a where tooth 302a meets the gum 306, as well as the registration mark 112, to align the decal is shown, corresponding to step 208.

[0075] Figure 5F illustrates applying pressure to the decal 100 once it has been aligned (step 208).

[0076] Figure 5G illustrates the removal of the substrate layer 142. The ink layer (corresponding to first ink layer 14 of the decal 10 of Figure 1) with the design 102 now adhering to the surface of tooth 302a (step 210) through action of the adhesive of the adhesive layer (corresponding to adhesive layer 16 of the decal 10 of Figure 1). Figure 5H illustrates the design 102 in place after application.

[0077] Figure 51 illustrates the removal of the design 102 with the use of a toothbrush 160 (step 212).

[0078] Figure 6 illustrates a sheet 400 of decals according to an embodiment. The sheet 400 comprises decals 402. Decals 402 have a design 406. The sheet 400 is provided with a perforated tear line 410 between adjacent decals.

[0079] Figure 7 illustrates the bottom of the sheet 400. As shown, decals 402 are provided with registration marks 412.

[0080] Figure 8 illustrates how a single decal, here designated 402a, is removed from the sheet 400 by tearing along the perforated line 410.

[0081] Figure 9 illustrates a sheet 500 of decals according to an embodiment. The sheet 500 comprises decals 502. Decals 502 have a design 506 whereas decals 504 have smaller designs 508 applied thereto. The sheet 500 is provided with a perforated tear line 510 between adjacent decals with the decals 502 arranged on one side of the sheet, and decal 504 arranged on the other side of the sheet.

[0082] Figure 10 illustrates the bottom of the sheet 500. As shown, decals 502 are provided with registration marks 512 and decals 504 are provided with registration marks 514. The registration marks 512 are larger, corresponding to the larger designs 506 of decals 502. Registration marks 514 are smaller, corresponding to the smaller designs 508 of decals 504. in an alternate embodiment, each decal may comprise a plurality of perforated tear lines. A width of the decal may be variable by tearing along a selected tear line. For example, the decal may be provided with a set of substantially parallel perforated tear lines running laterally along a width of the decal. A user may then select the desired width of the decal by tearing along the appropriate tear line.

[0083] It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

[0084] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments. Similarly, the word “device” is used in a broad sense and is intended to cover the constituent parts provided as an integral whole as well as an instantiation where one or more of the constituent parts are provided separate to one another.

[0085] - Il

Claims

Claims1. A temporary tooth decal comprising a substrate layer a first ink layer disposed on a side of the substrate layer; an adhesive layer disposed on a side of said first ink layer opposite said substrate layer; a protective layer disposed on a side of said adhesive layer opposite said first ink layer, said protective layer being manually removable; wherein the substrate layer is formed from a water-permeable, oral safe material and the adhesive layer comprises an oral safe, water activated adhesive.

2. The temporary tooth decal according to claim 1 further comprising a base wherein the base is formed as an arc corresponding to a shape of a base of a tooth in a mouth.

3. The temporary tooth decal according to claim 2 wherein the base is U- shaped.

4. The temporary tooth decal according to any preceding claim wherein the decal has a width corresponding to a width of a tooth.

5. The temporary tooth decal according to any preceding step further comprising a second ink layer disposed on a side of the substrate layer opposite the first ink layer.

6. The temporary tooth decal according to claim 5 wherein the second ink layer comprises a print applied to the underside of the substrate layer.

7. The temporary tooth decal according to claim 6 wherein the first ink layer comprises a design.

8. The temporary tooth decal according to claim 7 wherein the second ink layer comprises a registration mark.

9. The temporary tooth decal according to claim 8 wherein the registration mark of the second ink layer is located at a centre of the design so that, if a user positions the registration mark at a centre of their tooth during application, the design will be centred on the tooth, once applied.

10. The temporary tooth decal according to claim 9 wherein a centre of the design corresponds to a centre of the registration mark.

11. The temporary tooth decal according to any preceding claim wherein the protective layer is transparent.

12. The temporary tooth decal according to any preceding claim wherein the substrate layer comprises paper or a paper-based material.

13. The temporary tooth decal according to any preceding claim wherein the decal further comprises a foil layer disposed between the adhesive and the substrate layer.

14. A sheet comprising a plurality of temporary tooth decals, each of the temporary tooth decals being according to any preceding claim.

15. The sheet according to claim 14 further comprising perforations to assist in removal of a decal from the sheet.

16. The sheet according to claim 15 further comprising perforations between each decal of the sheet.

17. The sheet according to any of claims 14 to 16 further comprising a plurality of decals of different sizes.

18. A method of applying a temporary tooth decal to a surface of a tooth, the decal being as herein described, the method comprising: removing the protective layer to expose the adhesive layer; drying the surface of the tooth; wetting the decal;applying the decal by placing the adhesive layer in contact with the surface of the tooth; removing the substrate layer thereby leaving the first ink layer adhered to the surface of the tooth by the adhesive layer.

19. The method according to claim 18 wherein the step of wetting the decal activates adhesive in the adhesive layer.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein the step of wetting is carried out for 1 to 3 seconds.

21. The method of claim 19 or claim 20 wherein, when the decal comprises a second ink layer and the second ink layer comprises a registration mark, the method comprises aligning the decal with the tooth using the registration mark.

22. The method of any of claims 19 to 21 wherein, where the decal comprises a base formed as an arc corresponding to a shape of a base of a tooth in a mouth, the step of applying the decal may comprise aligning the decal with the tooth by aligning the arc with the shape of the tooth in the mouth.

23. The method of any of claims 19 to 22 wherein, where the decal has a width corresponding to a width of a tooth the step of applying the decal comprises aligning the decal with the tooth by aligning the width of the decal with the width of a tooth.

24. The method of any of steps 19 to 22 wherein the step of applying the decal further comprises pressing the decal to the surface of the tooth.

25. The method of claim 24 comprising pressing the decal to the surface of the tooth for a period of between 5 and 15 seconds.

26. A method of removing a design from the surface of a tooth wherein the design was applied using a decal, the decal being according to any of claims 1 to 18, the method comprising using a toothbrush to remove the design from the surface of a tooth.

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