Tooth Whitening Composition with Protective Barrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tooth whitening and dental cleaning procedures are inefficient, as high viscosity whitening compositions restrict penetration into tooth enamel, and patients often neglect regular dental cleanings due to fear or lack of knowledge, leading to high rates of gum disease.
Innovation Solution
A method and compositions for simultaneous tooth cleaning and whitening using low viscosity oxidizing agents with water-resistant polymers, applied during a dental prophylaxis, combined with light or heat energy to enhance penetration and reduce moisture interference, allowing for effective whitening in less than 90 minutes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high concentration hydrogen peroxide is used for effective tooth whitening, then whitening effectiveness is improved, but safety and ease of operation deteriorate due to tissue damage risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the whitening process into two separate applications: first applying a high concentration hydrogen peroxide composition (15-50%) for effective whitening, then applying a protective composition containing soothing agents and barrier formers to protect soft tissues. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both whitening effectiveness and safety without compromising either goal.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective composition acts as an intermediary between the high concentration hydrogen peroxide and the soft tissues. It contains barrier-forming agents and soothing components that mediate the interaction, preventing direct contact between the harsh oxidizing agent and vulnerable tissues while allowing the whitening process to proceed effectively.
2Loss of time
If high concentration hydrogen peroxide is used for rapid whitening, then treatment time is reduced, but safety and monitoring requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the protective composition either before or simultaneously with the hydrogen peroxide application, preparing the soft tissues in advance for exposure to the high concentration oxidizing agent. This preliminary protective action enables rapid whitening while pre-establishing safety measures, eliminating the need for extended monitoring periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the whitening function and protective function into a coordinated two-step system that can be applied during a single dental visit. By combining these functions in one treatment session, the system achieves rapid whitening results while maintaining safety through integrated protective measures.
3Manufacturing precision
If separate cleaning and whitening procedures are performed, then each procedure can be optimized, but total treatment time and patient compliance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the dental cleaning procedure and tooth whitening procedure into a single integrated treatment session. The protective composition is applied during the cleaning process, and the hydrogen peroxide is applied subsequently without requiring a separate appointment. This merging maintains the optimization of each individual procedure while dramatically reducing total treatment time and improving patient compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective composition serves multiple functions: it protects soft tissues during whitening, can be applied during cleaning procedures, and prepares the oral cavity for subsequent hydrogen peroxide application. This multi-functionality enables the integration of cleaning and whitening into one universal treatment protocol.
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
This approach enables rapid and effective tooth whitening during dental cleanings, reducing the time required and improving patient compliance by integrating whitening into routine cleaning procedures, while also addressing gum disease through pathogen reduction.
Implementation Method 1
The ability of the inventive compositions and methods to simultaneously whiten teeth in parallel with a dental cleaning procedure is highly dependent upon the ability of the oxidizing agent to penetrate into tooth enamel and dentin.
Implementation Method 2
applying an oxidizing composition to the surfaces of the teeth to be whitened
Implementation Method 3
Optionally, light or heat energy may be applied in conjunction with these strong oxidizing compositions, in order to accelerate the process beyond that which is possible using just the compositions on their own.
Implementation Method 4
Optionally, light or heat energy may be applied in conjunction with these strong oxidizing compositions, in order to accelerate the process beyond that which is possible using just the compositions on their own.
Implementation Method 5
A method and compositions for simultaneous tooth cleaning and whitening using low viscosity oxidizing agents with water-resistant polymers, applied during a dental prophylaxis, combined with light or heat energy to enhance penetration and reduce moisture interference
Data Source
AI summary
A tooth whitening method uses an application device having a reservoir containing an oxidizing composition comprising a fluid carrier and an oxidizing agent, an applicator member in fluid communication with the reservoir, and a dispensing mechanism for moving contents of the reservoir into the applicator member. The oxidizing composition is dispensed into the applicator member by actuating the dispensing mechanism and is applied to one or more teeth in an oral cavity. Then, a sealant composition is applied to the teeth having the oxidizing agent thereon to form a coating that resists moisture contamination of the previously applied oxidizing agent. One embodiment uses an oxidizing composition with a viscosity less than 150 cps that is absorbed in a porous material in the device reservoir, from which it is introduced by capillary action into a porous applicator member.