Teeth Whitening Composition Using Light-Activated Peroxide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current teeth whitening compositions take a long time to achieve desired whitening and often result in post-treatment sensitivity due to prolonged exposure to hydrogen peroxide, which can cause pulpal inflammation and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A teeth whitening composition that includes an oxidizing agent and an activating agent emitting or absorbing light between 400 nm and 570 nm, such as Eosin B or Erythrosin B, which accelerates the whitening process by transmitting light into the tooth, reducing exposure time and minimizing sensitivity, along with stabilizing and thickening agents to enhance stability and application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If hydrogen peroxide is applied for prolonged periods to achieve desired whitening, then whitening effect is improved, but post-treatment sensitivity and pulpal inflammation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temporal parameter of hydrogen peroxide exposure from prolonged (traditional 1-hour or multiple applications) to brief (1-10 minutes), achieving the same whitening effect without the harmful pulpal inflammation and sensitivity associated with extended exposure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light-activating agents (such as photopolymerizers or photosensitizers) as intermediaries that mediate between light energy and hydrogen peroxide, enabling rapid photochemical activation that produces whitening effects quickly without requiring prolonged peroxide application
2Productivity
If hydrogen peroxide is applied for prolonged periods to achieve desired whitening, then whitening effect is improved, but treatment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the time-dependent chemical breakdown mechanism of hydrogen peroxide with a light-activated photochemical mechanism, where light energy instantly triggers rapid oxidation reactions that achieve whitening in 1-10 minutes rather than requiring prolonged application
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the activation mechanism parameter from spontaneous slow chemical decomposition to light-triggered rapid photochemical reaction, dramatically reducing treatment time while maintaining effective whitening
3Speed
If compositions generate heat to accelerate whitening, then whitening speed is improved, but discomfort and sensitivity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes thermal activation mechanisms with photochemical activation mechanisms, where light energy directly triggers oxidation reactions without generating heat, thus achieving rapid whitening without the discomfort and sensitivity associated with heat generation
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 composition achieves significant whitening in a short time, typically within 1 to 10 minutes, with minimal or no post-treatment sensitivity, and avoids heat generation, leading to a prolonged whitening effect and reduced enamel damage.
Implementation Method 1
compounds capable of absorbing light and converting it to heat or chemical energy, such as the metal-ligand complexes and metal chelate precursors described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,343,933 to Montgomery et al.
Implementation Method 2
Peroxide and peroxyacid compounds, such as hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide, have been disclosed as useful in teeth whitening compositions
Implementation Method 3
the dyes of the present invention enhance whitening not only at the surface of the tooth, but also may be transmitting light into the tooth to enhance the alteration of color agents by radicals that have penetrated into the tooth surface
Data Source
AI summary
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). 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.