Solid Silver Fluoride Dental Formulation for Precise Caries Targeting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The use of silver diamine fluoride in dental applications is limited due to its unsightly staining, disagreeable taste, and difficulty in precise application, especially in hard-to-reach areas, leading to potential overexposure and ineffective targeting of tooth surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A fluoride and silver containing formulation in a solid or semi-solid state, combined with a disposable applicator, allows for precise and controlled application, minimizing staining and taste issues by using a water-soluble silver salt, fluoride reagent, and a water-soluble polymer like polyethyleneimine, which can be applied directly to dental areas without the need for pre-moistening, and can be tuned for viscosity and color control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid silver diamine fluoride is used for caries management, then the antibacterial effectiveness is maintained, but the application precision deteriorates and unwanted drift and run-off occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of silver diamine fluoride from liquid to solid or semi-solid form. This parameter change allows the formulation to be applied precisely to target areas without the drift and run-off problems inherent in liquid formulations, while maintaining the antibacterial effectiveness through controlled release of silver and fluoride ions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable applicators that are pre-loaded with solid or semi-solid silver diamine fluoride formulation. These single-use applicators eliminate contamination risks, ensure consistent dosing, and provide precise application to hard-to-reach areas without the need for sterilization or complex handling procedures.
2Reliability
If liquid silver diamine fluoride is applied to ensure coverage, then the antibacterial action is achieved, but unsightly staining and disagreeable taste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the formulation from liquid to solid or semi-solid state, which allows for precise placement only on carious surfaces without flow into surrounding healthy areas. This eliminates the staining problem while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness, as the solid formulation stays exactly where applied and does not migrate to cause discoloration of visible tooth surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The solid or semi-solid formulation enables localized application exclusively to carious lesions. The medicament is delivered precisely where needed without spreading to adjacent healthy enamel or soft tissues, thereby preventing unwanted staining while maintaining effective concentration at the treatment site.
3Ease of operation
If liquid silver diamine fluoride is used for easy application, then the ease of operation is improved, but the control over application location deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses disposable applicators pre-loaded with solid or semi-solid formulation that can be easily manipulated to reach hard-to-access areas. These applicators maintain simplicity of use while providing precise location control, as the solid formulation does not flow or migrate once applied, ensuring it stays exactly where the clinician places it.
Solution Approach 2:
Changing the formulation to solid or semi-solid state allows it to be applied easily with simple tools while maintaining precise location control. The solid form adheres to the target surface without running or drifting, providing both ease of application and precise location control simultaneously.
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 formulation enables quick, easy, and precise application to all tooth surfaces, reducing unintended exposure and discoloration, effectively targeting high-risk areas like between teeth, while maintaining the antibacterial properties of silver diamine fluoride.
Implementation Method 1
the aqueous mixture having a viscosity ranging from about 1000 cPs to about 35,000 cPs
Implementation Method 2
A fluoride and silver containing formulation in a solid or semi-solid state
Data Source
AI summary
An oral care formulation includes an aqueous mixture of a water-soluble silver salt, a fluoride reagent, and a water-soluble polymer, the aqueous mixture having a viscosity ranging from about 1000 cPs to about 35,000 cPs. A method of using a fluoride and silver containing formulation, such as silver diamine fluoride, in dental applications includes providing a substrate having the formulation in a solid or semi-solid state on a portion of the substrate, positioning the substrate adjacent to dental areas, and allowing the portion of the substrate with the formulation to contact the dental areas. A disposable applicator for applying the formulation is also disclosed.