Teeth Whitening Device Using AC Field and Enzymes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional teeth whitening methods for home use are less effective and require more time compared to professional treatments, often using strong oxidizers and requiring protective measures for the gums, while results are not permanent and need frequent repetition.
Innovation Solution
A teeth whitening device and method using a regular toothpaste with a customized alternating electric field (AC) applied to the teeth, eliminating the need for strong oxidizing agents and allowing for safer, more accessible, and cost-effective whitening at home or in professional settings, with the AC field improving tooth shade in a shorter duration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If strong oxidizing agents are used for teeth whitening in residential environment, then whitening effectiveness is improved, but safety and side effects worsen due to gum damage and burning sensation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the whitening composition by using mild oxidizing agents (hydrogen peroxide at 0.1-10% or sodium percarbonate at 1-20%) instead of strong oxidizers, and combines them with specific enzymes (papain, bromelain, actinidin, or amyloglucosidase) to achieve effective whitening without gum damage. The enzyme concentration is controlled at 0.01-5% to optimize the breakdown of chromophores while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces enzymes as intermediary substances that mediate the whitening process. These enzymes (papain, bromelain, actinidin, or amyloglucosidase) act as catalysts to break down chromophores in the tooth enamel, providing an alternative mechanism to direct oxidation that is less harmful to gum tissue. The enzyme serves as a bridge between the mild oxidizing agent and the chromophore degradation process.
2Productivity
If professional dental bleaching services are used, then whitening effectiveness is improved, but cost and accessibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable applicator device that is pre-loaded with the whitening composition. This single-use approach eliminates the need for expensive reusable professional equipment while maintaining effectiveness. The applicator is discarded after one use, making the treatment affordable and accessible for home use without requiring costly dental clinic visits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables patients to perform teeth whitening at home using a self-applied gel composition and a simple applicator device. The treatment requires no professional intervention during application, allowing patients to independently conduct the procedure. This self-service approach dramatically reduces cost and increases accessibility compared to professional dental bleaching services.
3Ease of operation
If traditional tray or adhesive strip methods are used, then ease of application is improved, but safety worsens due to whitening material escape and gum burning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible silicone or elastomer applicator that forms a thin film conforming to the tooth surface. This flexible shell structure contains the whitening gel precisely on the teeth, preventing escape onto the gums. The thin film design allows comfortable insertion and retention in the mouth while maintaining safety through controlled material placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator is designed as a disposable single-use device that is pre-filled with the whitening composition. This eliminates the need for reusable trays that require cleaning and maintenance, while ensuring that each application uses a fresh, uncontaminated applicator that precisely delivers the gel without leakage onto gums.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method achieves significant tooth whitening results comparable to professional treatments in a fraction of the time and cost, with no damage to the gums, as the AC field breaks down chromophores in the toothpaste, providing a safe and repeatable solution for maintaining desired tooth shade.
Implementation Method 1
a first electrode and a second electrode, spaced apart from one another, being attached to the applicator in a manner such that an electric current flow can be applied between the first electrode and the second electrode through the substance
Data Source
AI summary
A teeth whitening device and method are presented. The teeth whitening device is configured for controllable application of AC activation signal to a regular toothpaste contacting teeth under treatment, thereby providing relatively short and effective whitening process while avoiding a need for strong oxidizing agents.