Teeth Whitening Kit with Dye and Catalyst
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current teeth-whitening compositions using peroxide agents often cause tooth sensitivity and require lengthy application times, and there is a need for methods that can achieve effective whitening without exceeding regulatory hydrogen peroxide limits.
Innovation Solution
A teeth-whitening kit comprising a first composition with an oxidizing agent, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, and a second composition with dyes (Azorubine and Tartrazine) and an oxidation catalyst (potassium iodide), along with a light source, which when combined and exposed to actinic light, accelerates oxygen production for enhanced whitening without excessive sensitivity or dehydration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If peroxide compounds are used as bleaching agents, then teeth whitening effect is improved, but tooth sensitivity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dyes (eosin Y, fluorescein, rose bengal, or erythrosine) as intermediary substances that absorb actinic light and transfer energy to peroxide compounds, enabling the whitening process to occur at lower peroxide concentrations. This mediator approach allows effective whitening while reducing the direct harmful exposure of high-concentration peroxide to tooth structures, thereby reducing sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the concentration parameter of peroxide from typical high levels (10-40%) to lower levels (1-10%, preferably 3-7%), and introduces additional parameters including dye concentration (0.01-5% each) and actinic light exposure. This parameter transformation enables effective whitening through a different mechanism that reduces sensitivity.
2Productivity
If peroxide compounds are used for teeth whitening, then whitening effect is achieved, but treatment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action through actinic light exposure (UV, visible, or infrared light applied for specific durations) that activates the dye-peroxide system. The treatment can be applied in cycles or continuous exposure for shortened durations, enabling effective whitening in less time compared to traditional peroxide applications that require prolonged contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/chemical diffusion-based peroxide whitening mechanism with a photochemical mechanism. Instead of relying solely on peroxide diffusion and decomposition over time, the system uses actinic light absorption by dyes to generate localized oxidative action, significantly accelerating the whitening process and reducing treatment time.
3Productivity
If hydrogen peroxide concentration is increased, then whitening effectiveness is improved, but regulatory limits are exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dyes as intermediary substances that enable peroxide activation at low concentrations. The dyes absorb actinic light and transfer energy to peroxide, creating a catalytic effect that allows whitening at hydrogen peroxide concentrations of 1-10% (preferably 3-7%), well below regulatory limits, while achieving effectiveness comparable to or exceeding higher concentration treatments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite whitening system combining multiple components: hydrogen peroxide (at low concentrations), dyes (eosin Y, fluorescein, rose bengal, or erythrosine), and optional catalysts. This composite approach synergistically combines substances that individually have limited whitening capability but together produce enhanced whitening效果 at safe, regulated peroxide levels.
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 kit reduces tooth and gum sensitivity, maintains effective whitening results with lower oxidizing agent concentrations, and provides longer-lasting effects while adhering to regulatory hydrogen peroxide limits, with accelerated whitening achieved through the synergy of dyes, catalyst, and light activation.
Implementation Method 1
Peroxide and peroxyacid compounds, such as hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide, are known to be useful as bleaching agents in teeth whitening compositions. Appropriate heat, light, or chemical sources can accelerate the release of oxygen radicals from the peroxide or peroxyacid compounds.
Implementation Method 2
Peroxide and peroxyacid compounds, such as hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide, are known to be useful as bleaching agents in teeth whitening compositions.
Implementation Method 3
The second composition comprises at least two dyes and an oxidation catalyst. The second composition further comprises a catalyst to promote the decomposition of the oxydizing agent and the development of oxygen. In a preferred embodiment, the catalyst comprises potassium iodide (KI).
Implementation Method 4
WO 2014/042936 A2 discloses a method for whitening teeth comprising: a) providing a composition comprising an oxidizing agent (hydrogen peroxide, carbamide peroxide) and at least one chromophore (Eosin Y, Fluorescein, Rose Bengal, Erythrosine); b) applying the composition to at least one tooth; and c) exposing the composition on the at least one tooth to actinic light (emitting light of wavelength 250-700 nm, preferably 400-500 nm).
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein are teeth-whitening kits generally including a first and a second composition, wherein the first composition comprises an oxidizing agent and the second composition comprises at least one dye and an oxidation catalyst. Methods of employing the teeth-whitening kit of the invention to whiten teeth are also disclosed.