CA2705568A1 - A delivery system for a tooth whitener using a strip of material having low flexural stiffness - Google Patents
A delivery system for a tooth whitener using a strip of material having low flexural stiffness Download PDFInfo
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- CA2705568A1 CA2705568A1 CA2705568A CA2705568A CA2705568A1 CA 2705568 A1 CA2705568 A1 CA 2705568A1 CA 2705568 A CA2705568 A CA 2705568A CA 2705568 A CA2705568 A CA 2705568A CA 2705568 A1 CA2705568 A1 CA 2705568A1
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- Prior art keywords
- tooth whitening
- substance
- product
- teeth
- strip
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
- A61C19/00—Dental auxiliary appliances
- A61C19/06—Implements for therapeutic treatment
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
- A61C19/00—Dental auxiliary appliances
- A61C19/06—Implements for therapeutic treatment
- A61C19/063—Medicament applicators for teeth or gums, e.g. treatment with fluorides
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
- A61C19/00—Dental auxiliary appliances
- A61C19/06—Implements for therapeutic treatment
- A61C19/063—Medicament applicators for teeth or gums, e.g. treatment with fluorides
- A61C19/066—Bleaching devices; Whitening agent applicators for teeth, e.g. trays or strips
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
- A61K6/00—Preparations for dentistry
- A61K6/30—Compositions for temporarily or permanently fixing teeth or palates, e.g. primers for dental adhesives
Abstract
A system for delivering a tooth whitening substance to a plurality of adjacent teeth, the delivery system comprising a strip of flexible material having a sufficient flexibility to form a curbed shape on a plurality of adjacent teeth and a tooth whitening substance. The strip of material is readily conformable to the teeth surfaces and to interstitial tooth spaces without permanent deformation when the delivery system is placed thereagainst. The tooth whitening substance is applied to the strip of material such that when the delivery system is placed on the surface of the teeth, the substance contacts the surface providing an active onto the surface. The substance also provides adhesive attachment between the strip of material and the surface to hold the delivery system in place for a sufficient amount of time to allow the active to act upon the surface. The method of delivery includes pre-coating the strip of material or having the wearer apply substance to the strip of material and then applying the delivery system to the teeth surfaces.
Description
A DELLVERY SYSTEM FOR A TOOTH WHTTENER USING
A STRIP OF MATERIAL HAVING LOW FLEXURAL STIFFNESS
CR SS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation-in-part of the prior application, Serial Number 08/870,330, filed on June 6, 1997, which is still pending.
FIELD OF TIE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a system for the delivery of a tooth whitening substance to a plurality of adjacent teeth and more particularly to such delivery system wherein the substance is protected from erosion and interaction with saliva within the mouth for a time sufficient to enable an active provided by the substance to cause tooth whitening. The delivery system comprises a strip of material and tooth whitening substance. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to disposable delivery systems that are inexpensive and unobtrusive. The present invention also relates to a method of delivering a tooth whitening substance to a plurality of adjacent teeth.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The most common implement for dental hygiene is the toothbrush. The mechanical action of the toothbrush bristles aids in the removal of food particles, plaque, and the like. The toothbrush is normally used with a toothpaste. Prior to about 1955, a typical toothpaste consisted of a surfactant and an abrasive material.
These products were simply intended to augment the mechanical action of the brushing.
In 1955, CREST toothpaste with fluoride, a Trademark of The Procter &
Gamble Company of Cincinnati, OH, was introduced and the toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste combination proved to be a suitable means to deliver a fluoride treatment to the teeth surfaces. Subsequently, other active ingredients, such as tartar control = agents, have been added to toothpaste to provide further dental hygiene benefits.
Consumers have also turned their attention to the cosmetic aspects of dental care, = such as teeth straightening and whitening.
Given the success of delivering chemicals which provide therapeutic benefits for oral care, it is reasonable to expect similar success in accomplishing the cosmetic benefit via routine brushing. However, people who are serious about whitening their teeth and who have been disappointed by the results of whitening dentifrices, often resort to professional help for whitening their teeth.
Professional teeth whitening programs provided by dentists generally fall into two categories: an in-office bleaching procedure and an outside-the-office bleaching procedure. The in-office procedure involves several visits, each of which begins with the fabrication of a specially fitted rubber dam within the mouth to prevent the bleaching chemicals, typically hydrogen peroxide, from contacting the soft oral tissue.
The strength of the peroxide bleach mandates the use of the dam.
The outside-the-office bleaching program differs in that the patient applies the bleaching agent to his or her own teeth using a lower strength chemical over an extended period of time, typically several hours a day for several weeks. The outside-the-office program typically requires an initial fitting in the dentist's office for an appliance which is specific to the particular patient. The appliance is a device that is fabricated to fit precisely onto the patient's teeth and is used to deliver to the patient's teeth a bleaching gel. The patient is responsible for measuring and applying the bleaching agent to the surfaces of the teeth using the appliance as the means for delivery and containment.
Because the appliance is reused, it must be sufficiently robust to endure repeat handling, cleaning, filling, installation, and wearing. Such appliances are relatively rigid in order to maintain fit during repeat use. Typically, a patient uses the device in time periods when social contact can be avoided.
There are now non-professional programs available to persons interested in whitening their teeth using commercial products available at drug stores. The commercial products provide a kit which includes a generic appliance and a container of bleaching gel. The obvious appeal is the lower cost of the program. A major disadvantage of this "one size fits all" appliance is the greater void between the interior walls of the appliance and the teeth versus the professionally fitted appliance.
Hence, in order to insure intimate contact of the bleaching gel and the teeth surfaces, more bleaching gel is required. Furthermore, the poorer fit means a greater loss of bleaching gel onto the gums, into the oral cavity, and eventual ingestion. The commercial kits, like the outside-the-office professionally administered program, require the user to clean and to reuse the appliance. Since generic appliances are not fitted to the individual user, they are even more bulky in the mouth than the fitted appliances and thus they restrict social discourse to a greater degree.
One attempt to remedy some of the problems of the commercial kits is disclosed in U.S. Patent 5,575,654, issued to Fontenot on November 19, 1996.
Fontenot discloses a prepackaged moldable dental appliance, adapted to fit a wide range of variously sized dental arches, which contains a premeasured amount of medicinal or bleaching agent. In use, the dental appliance is removed from the packaging, aligned in a parallel fashion to the edges of the teeth and pushed over the teeth in the direction of the periodontal tissue until it covers the teeth surfaces.
Another solution is disclosed in U.S. Patent 5,310,563, issued to Curtis et al.
= on May 10, 1994. Curtis et al. disclose a putty-like material which is formed by pressing against the teeth. It is held in place by mechanical engagement with undercut surfaces and by friction. The composition encapsulates the active.
Other methods are disclosed in U.S. Patent 5,425,953, issued to Sintov et al.
on June 20, 1995. Sintov et al. discloses a liquid polymer composition for bleaching of the teeth. The liquid polymer composition forms a film after applied to the teeth.
Other references which disclose using a film in the oral cavity include U.S.
Patent 4,713,243 issued to Schiraldi et al. on December 15, 1987, and U.S. Patent 2,835,628, issued to Saffir on May 20, 1958.
What is needed is a low cost commercial delivery system, which has a customized fit for a minimal volume of a tooth whitening substance, and which is in conformable contact with the appropriate tooth surfaces and interstitial tooth spaces for rapid delivery of an active in such substance. In addition a delivery system is needed which does not require extensive user placement manipulation to be certain of good contact. Furthermore, what is needed is a non-bulky active containment means that will permit the wearer to use the system during social discourse without interfering with the wearer's speech or appearance. Also needed is a containment means that will protect the tooth whitening substance from erosion from contact with inner mouth surfaces and saliva.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In practicing the present invention, a strip of material is applied by the wearer to a plurality of adjacent teeth. The side of the strip of material facing the tooth is coated with a tooth whitening substance. The substance is preferably in a viscous state, such as a gel, so that it provides not only the active but also tackiness between the teeth surfaces and the strip of material to hold the strip of material in place. The conformable strip of material is preferably of a size that individually fits the front 6-8 teeth of the upper or lower rows of teeth when positioned against the teeth.
As a soft, conformable material, the strip may come into contact with the wearer's gums without causing physical irritation. The strip of material readily conforms to the teeth by lightly pressing it thereagainst and/or by the wearer gently sucking through the gaps between teeth. The strip of material is readily conformable without permanent deformation to the shape of the teeth when the delivery system is placed thereagainst.
The strip of material is easily removed by the wearer after use by peeling it off.
Preferably, each successive treatment uses a fresh strip of material.
By being a relatively thin coating, the tooth whitening substance is low in volume compared to the substance contained by rigid trays fitted or unfitted.
Therefore, substance is not wasted, and little of it is accidentally ingested or otherwise available for irritation of oral cavity surfaces for which it is not intended.
Preferably, the strip of material and substance are substantially transparent so as to be almost unnoticeable when worn.
The delivery system also includes the tooth whitening substance applied to the strip of material. When the delivery system is placed on the surface of the teeth, the substance contacts the surface providing an active onto the surface. The substance also provides adhesive attachment between the strip of material and the surface to hold the delivery system in place for a sufficient time to allow the active to act upon the surface. Preferably, the substance is in the form of a gel, which is a substantially uniform continuous coating on the strip of material.
In another aspect of the present invention, a method of delivering a tooth whitening substance to the surface of the teeth includes the step of applying the substance onto a conformable strip of material. This is followed by applying the conformable strip of material to the surface of the teeth without permanent deformation of the strip of material. The substance provides an active onto the surfaces and also provides adhesive attachment between the strip of material and the surface to hold the delivery system in place for a sufficient time to allow the active to act upon the surface.
BRIEF DESCRIMTON OF THE DRAWINGS
While the specification concludes with claims which particularly point out and distinctly claim the present invention, it is believed that the present invention will be better understood from the following description of preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify identical elements and wherein:
FIG. I is a perspective view of a substantially flat strip of material having rounded corners;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention, disclosing the flat strip of FIG. I coated with a tooth whitening substance;
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view thereof, taken along section line 3-3 of FIG.
2, disclosing an example of the flat strip having a thickness less than that of the substance coated thereon;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an alternative embodiment of the present invention, showing shallow pockets in the strip of material, which act as reservoirs for additional substance coated on the strip;
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing adjacent teeth having the strip of material of the present invention conforming thereto and adhesively attached to the teeth by means of a substance located between the teeth and the strip of material;
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a tooth and adjoining soft tissue, taken along section line 6-6 of FIG. 5, disclosing the strip of the present invention conforming to and adhesively attached to the tooth by means of the substance located between the tooth and the strip of material;
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view, similar to FIG. 5, showing a strip of material of the present invention conforming to the teeth and the adjoining soft tissue and adhesively attached to both sides of the teeth by means of the substance located between the teeth and the strip of material;
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional elevation view, taken along section line 8-8 of FIG.
7, showing the strip of material of the present invention conforming to both the tooth and the adjoining soft tissue and adhesively attached to both sides of the tooth by means of the substance located between the tooth and the strip of material;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention, disclosing the flat strip coated with a tooth whitening substance of FIG. 2 with a release liner, and FIG. 10 is a cross-section view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention, taken along section line 10-10 of FIG. 9, showing a release liner attached to the strip of material by the substance on the strip of material.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The abbreviation "cm", as used herein, means centimeter. The abbreviation "mm", as used herein, means millimeter.
Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, which is generally = indicated as 10. Embodiment 10 represents a delivery system for a tooth whitening substance. Delivery system 10 has a strip of material 12, which is initially substantially flat, preferably with rounded corners.
Applied or coated onto strip of material 12 is a tooth whitening substance 14.
Preferably, substance 14 is homogeneous, uniformly and continuously coated onto strip of material 12, as shown in FIG. 3. However, substance 14 may alternatively be a laminate or separated layers of components, an amorphous mixture of components, separate stripes or spots or other patterns of different components, or a combination of these structures including a continuous coating of oral care substance 14 along a longitudinal axis of a portion of strip of material 12.
As shown in FIG. 4, an alternative embodiment, a strip of material 12 may have shallow pockets 18 formed therein. When substance 14 is coated on a substance-coated side of strip of material 12, additional substance 14 fills shallow pockets 18 to provide reservoirs of additional substance 14.
FIGS. 5 and 6 show a delivery system 24 of the present invention applied- to a plurality of adjacent teeth and the surface of a tooth. Embedded in adjacent soft tissue 20 is a plurality of adjacent teeth 22. Adjacent soft tissue is herein defined as soft tissue surfaces surrounding the tooth structure including: papilla, marginal gingiva, gingival sulculus, inter dental gingiva, gingival gum structure on lingual and buccal surfaces up to and including muco-ginival junction and the pallet.
In both FIGS. 5 and 6, delivery system 24 represents strip of material 12 and substance 14, with substance 14 on the side of strip of material 12 facing adjacent teeth 22. Substance 14 may be pre-applied to strip of material 12 or applied to strip of material 12 by the delivery system user. In either case, strip of material 12 has a thickness and flexural stiffness which enable it to conform to the contoured surfaces of adjacent teeth 22 and to adjacent soft tissue 20. The strip of flexible material has sufficient flexibility to form a curved shape around a plurality of adjacent teeth. The strip of material is also readily conformable to tooth surfaces and to the interstitial tooth spaces without permanent deformation when the delivery system is applied.
The delivery system is applied without significant pressure.
FIGS. 7 and 8 show delivery system 24 of the present invention applied to both front and rear surfaces of a plurality of adjacent teeth 22 as well as to adjacent soft tissue 20 located by the front surfaces of the teeth. Delivery system 24 represents strip of material 12 and substance 14, with substance 14 on the side of strip of material 12 facing adjacent teeth 22.
FIGS. 9 and 10 shows a optional release liner 27. Release finer 27 is attached to strip of material 12 by substance 14. Substance 14 is on the side of strip of material 12 facing release liner 27. This side is applied to the tooth surface once release liner 27 is removed.
Strip of Material The strip of material serves as a protective barrier to substantially prevent saliva contacting the tooth whitening substance and leaching and/or erosion of the tooth whitening substance from the surface of the teeth by the wearer's lips, tongue, and other soft tissue. In order for an active in tooth whitening substance to act upon the surface of tooth over an extended period of time, from several minutes to several hours, it is important to minimize such leaching and/or erosion. The term "act upon"
is herein defined as bringing about a desired change. For example, if the substance is a tooth whitener, it bleaches color bodies to bring about whitening.
The strip of material may comprise materials such as polymers, natural and synthetic wovens, non-wovens, foil, paper, rubber, and combinations thereof The strip of material may be a single layer of material or a laminate of more than one layer. Generally, the strip of material is substantially water impermeable.
The material may be any type of polymer that meets the required flexural rigidity and is compatible with tooth whitening actives, such as peroxide. The material may comprise a single polymer or a mixtures of polymers. Suitable polymers include, but are not limited to, polyethylene, ethylvinylacetate, ethylvinyl alcohol, polyesters such as Mylar manufactured by DuPont, fluoroplastics such as Teflon manufactured by DuPont, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the material is polyethylene.
The strip of material is generally less than about 1 mm thick, preferably less than about 0.05 mm thick, and more preferably from about 0.001 to about 0.03 mm thick. A
polyethylene strip of material is preferably less than about 0.1 mm thick and more preferably from about 0.005 to about 0.02 mm thick.
Preferably, the shape of the strip of material is any shape that has rounded corners. "Rounded corners" is defined as not having any sharp angles or points. The conformable strip of material is preferably of a size that individually fits the row of teeth desired to be bleached. Generally, this is the front 6-8 teeth of the upper or lower rows of teeth that are visible when the wearer is smiling. Optionally, the strip of material may fit the entire upper or lower rows of teeth when positioned against the teeth. The size of the strip of material depends upon many factors, including the number of teeth to be bleached, the size of the teeth, and personal preference of the wearer. In general, the length of the strip of material is from about 2 an to about 12 cm and preferably from about 4 cm to about 9 cm. The width of the strip of material will also depend upon many factors, including whether or not the strip of material wraps around the teeth and covers both surfaces of the tooth. In a general application, the width of the strip of material is from about 0.5 cm to about 4 cm and preferably from about 1 cm to about 2 cm.
The strip of material may contain shallow pockets. When the substance is coated on a substance-coated side of strip of material, additional substance fills shallow pockets to provide reservoirs of additional substance. Additionally, the shallow pockets help to provide a texture to the delivery system. The film will preferably have an array of shallow pockets. Generally, the shallow pockets are approximately 0.4 mm across and 0.1 mm deep. When shallow pockets are included in the strip of material and substances are applied to it in various thicknesses, the overall thickness of the delivery system is generally less than about 1 mm.
Preferably, the overall thickness is less than about 0.5 nun.
Flexural stiffness is a material property that is a function of a combination of strip thickness, width, and material modulus of elasticity. This test is a method for measuring the rigidity of polyolefin film and sheeting. It determines the resistance to flexure of a sample by using a strain gauge affixed to the end of a horizontal beam.
The opposite end of the beam presses across a strip of the sample to force a portion of the strip into a vertical groove in a horizontal platform upon which the sample rests. A microammeter, wired to the strain gauge is calibrated in grams of deflection force. The rigidity of the sample is read directly from the microammeter and expressed as grams per centimeter of sample strip width. In the present invention, the strip of material has a flexural stiffness of less than about 5 grams/cm as measured on a Handle-O-Meter, model #211-300, available from Thwing-Albert Instrument Co.
of Philadelphia, PA, as per test method ASTM D2923-95. Preferably, the strip of material has a flexural stiffness less than about 4 grams/cm, more preferably less than about 3 grams/cm, and most preferably from about 0.1 grams/cm to about 1 grams/cm. Preferably, the flexural stiffness of the strip of material is substantially constant and does not significantly change during normal use. For example, the strip of material does not need to be hydrated for the strip to achieve the low flexural stiffness in the above-specified ranges.
This relatively low stiffness enables the strip of material to drape over the contoured surfaces of teeth with very little force being exerted; that is, conformity to the curvature of the wearer's mouth and gaps between adjacent teeth is maintained because there is little residual force within strip of material to cause it to return to its substantially flat shape. The flexibility of the strip enables the strip of material to contact adjoining soft tissue over an extended period of time without physical irritation. The strip of material does not require pressure forming it against the teeth.
The strip of material is held in place on a plurality of adjacent teeth ' by adhesive attachment provided by the substance. The viscosity and general tackiness of the substance cause the strip of material to be adhesively attached to a plurality of adjacent teeth without substantial slippage under the potential friction from the lips, tongue, and other soft tissue rubbing against the strip of material during mouth movements associated with talking, drinking, etc. However, this adhesion to the teeth is low enough to allow the delivery system to be easily removed by the wearer by peeling off the strip of material using one's finger or fingernail. The delivery system is easily removable from the surfaces of the teeth without the use of an instrument, a chemical solvent, or undue friction. Chemical solvents include any organic solvents commonly used in oral care products such as alcohol and other safe solvents such as water, which could be used to dilute the gelling agent. Undue friction is described as any type of rubbing with one's finger or a soft implement, such as cotton balls, swabs, or gauze pads.
A peel force of from about I gram to about 50 grams for a 1.5 cm strip width (approximately 17 grams/cm) is all that is required. Preferably, the peel force is from about 5 grams to about 40 grams and more preferably from about 10 grams to about 30 grams. The low peel force is desired for consumer handling purposes. The low peel force is possible because of the non-aggressive nature of a gel substance. Only when the flexural stiffness of the strip is low can the adhesion of the substance also be low. The adhesion of a stiffer strip would have to be greater in proportion to the strip stiffness in order to prevent the strip from returning to its flat condition and pulling away from the contoured surface of a plurality of teeth.
The strip of material may be formed by several of the film making processes known in the art. Preferably, a strip of material made of polyethylene is made by a blown process or a cast process. Processes, such as extrusion and other processes that do not affect the flexural rigidity of the strip of material, are also feasible.
Additionally, the substance may be incorporated onto the strip during the processing of the strip. The substance may be a laminate on the strip.
Tooth Whitening Substance The tooth whitening substance is a composition, compound, or mixture capable of influencing or effecting a desired change in appearance and/or structure of the surface it contacts. Examples of appearance and structural changes include, but are not necessarily limited to, whitening, stain bleaching, stain removal, plaque removal, and tartar removal. Preferably, the active is for the whitening of the tooth surfaces.
The amount of substance applied to the strip of material or teeth will depend upon the size and capacity of the piece of material, concentration of the active, and the desired benefit. Generally, less than about I gram of substance is required.
Preferably, from about 0.05 grams to about 0.5 grams and more preferably from about 0.1 gram to about 0.4 grams of the substance is used. The amount of substance per square cm of material is less than about 0.2 grams/em2, preferably from about 0.005 to about 0.1 grams/cm2, and more preferably from about 0.01 grams/cm2 to about 0.04 grams/cm2.
The substance of the present invention can be in the form of a viscous liquid, paste, gel, solution, or other suitable form that can provide sufficient adhesion.
Preferably, the substance is in the form of a gel. The substance will have a viscosity of from about 200 to about 1,000,000 cps at low shear rates (less than one 1/seconds). Preferably, the viscosity is from about 100,000 to about 800,000 cps and more preferably from about 400,000 to about 600,000 cps.
Actives suitable for whitening include any material safe for use in the oral cavity which provides bleaching or stain removal. The actives suitable for whitening are selected from the group consisting of the peroxides, metal chlorites, perborates, percarbonates, peroxyacids, and combinations thereof. Suitable peroxide compounds include hydrogen peroxide, calcium peroxide, carbamide peroxide, and mixtures thereof. Most preferred is carbamide peroxide. Suitable metal chlorites include calcium chlorite, barium chlorite, magnesium chlorite, lithium chlorite, sodium chlorite, and potassium chlorite. Additional whitening actives may be hypochlorite and chlorine dioxide. The preferred chlorite is sodium chlorite.
The tooth whitening active is present in an amount of from about 0.01% to about 400/e, by weight of the substance. If a peroxide compound is chosen as the active, the peroxide compound should provide an amount of hydrogen peroxide equivalent of from about 0.1% to about 20%, preferably from about 0.5% to about 10%, and most preferably from about 1% to about 7%, by weight of the substance.
To deliver this amount of hydrogen peroxide equivalent, the peroxide compound, such as carbamide peroxide, is generally present in an amount of from about 0.1 % to about 30% and preferably from about 3% to about 20%, by weight of the substance.
The actives are generally contained in an aqueous gel. The gel is a high viscosity matrix formed from gelling agents known in the art. These gelling agents are safe for oral use, do not readily dissolve in saliva, and do not react with or inactivate the oral care compounds incorporated into them. Generally, the gelling agent is a swellable polymer. Furthermore, the gel formed with these agents provides sufficient adhesive attachment of the film material to the targeted area of the mouth.
The level of gelling agent to form the gel composition is from about 0.1 % to about 1511/a, preferably from about 1% to about 10%, more preferably from about 2%
to about 8%, and most preferably from about 4% to about 7%, by weight of the substance.
Suitable gelling agents useful in the present invention include carboxypolymethylene, carboxymethyl cellulose, carboxypropyl cellulose, poloxamer, carrageenan, Veegum, carboxyvinyl polymers, and natural gums such as gum karaya, xanthan gum, Guar gum, gum arabic, gum tragacanth, and mixtures thereof. The preferable gelling agent for use in the present invention is carboxypolymethylene, obtained from B. F. Goodrich Company under the tradenanie "Carbopol".
Particularly preferable Carbopols include Carbopol 934, 940, 941, 956 and mixtures thereof. Particularly preferred is Carbopol 956. Carboxypolymethylene is a slightly acidic vinyl polymer with active carboxyl groups. The normal concentration of various carboxypolymethylene resins in water, according to the manufacturer, is below about 2%. However, it has been found that by preparing supersaturated carboxypolymethylene compositions having an absolute concentration in the ranges specified above, suitable high viscosity oral gel compositions may be prepared.
The concentrated carboxypolymethylene gels have a number of important characteristics in addition to high viscosity. Enough carboxypolymethylene is added to the oral gel compositions beyond that required to provide high viscosity such that a significant quantity of saliva or water is required to lower the viscosity to the point that the composition may be diluted and washed out by saliva. The concentrated carboxypolymethylene composition also has a unique tackiness or stickiness which retains and seals the strip material against the targeted oral cavity surface it is affixed to, particularly teeth. However, care should be taken to avoid too much carboxypolymethylene thereby making insertion or withdrawal of the strip material difficult.
Water is also present in the gel compositions disclosed herein. The water, employed in the present invention should, preferably, be deionized and free of organic impurities. Water comprises from about 0.1% to 95%, preferably from about 5% to about 90 /., and most preferably from about 10 /. to about 80 /, by weight of the substance. This amount of water includes the free water that is added plus that amount that is introduced with other materials.
A pH adjusting agent may also be added to optimize the storage stability of the gel and to make the substance safe for oral tissues. These pH adjusting agents, or buffers, can be any material which is suitable to adjust the pH of the substance.
Suitable materials include sodium bicarbonate, sodium phosphate, sodium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide, sodium stannate, triethanolamine, citric acid, hydrochloric acid, sodium citrate, and combinations thereof. The pH adjusting agents are added in sufficient amounts so as to adjust the pH of the gel composition to about 4.5 to about 11, preferably from about 5 to about 8.5, and more preferably from about 5.5 to about 7. pH adjusting agents are generally present in an amount of from about 0.01% to about 15% and preferably from about 0.05% to about 5%, by weight of the substance.
While the gel described above provides sufficient adhesiveness, additional gelling agents may also be included in the formula to help the active ingredients adhere to the tissues of the oral cavity. Suitable agents include both polymers with limited water solubility as well as polymers lacking water solubility. These polymers deposit a thin film on both the oral cavity's soft and hard tissues when saliva combines with the instant composition. Suitable limited water solubility adhesives include: hydroxy ethyl or propyl cellulose. Adhesives lacking water solubility include: ethyl cellulose and polyox resins. Another possible adhesive suitable for use in the instant composition is polyvinylpyrrolidone with a molecular weight of about 50,000 to about 300,000. Still another possible adhesive suitable for use in the instant composition is a combination of Gantrez and the semisynthetic, water-soluble polymer carboxymethyl cellulose.
An additional carrier material may also be added to the substance. Carrier materials can be humectants. Suitable humectants include glycerin, sorbitol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and other edible polyhydric alcohols.
Humectants are generally present in an amount of from about 10% to about 95%, preferably from about 201/6 to about 80%, and more preferably from about 500/0 to about 70%, by weight of the substance. In addition to the above materials of the gel of the present invention, a number of other components can also be added to the substance. Additional components include, but are not limited to, flavoring agents, sweetening agents, xylitol, opacifiers, coloring agents, and chelants such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. These additional ingredients can also be used in place of the compounds disclosed above.
Release Liner The release liner may be formed from any material which exhibits less affinity for substance than substance exhibits for itself and for the strip of material. The release liner preferably comprises a rigid sheet of material such as polyethylene, paper, polyester, or other material which is then coated with a non-stick type material. The release finer material may be coated with wax, silicone, polyester such as Teflon , fluoropolymers, or other non-stick type materials. A preferred release liner is Scotchpak , produced by 3M. The release finer may be cut to substantially the same size and shape as the strip of material or the release liner may be cut larger than the strip of material to provide a readily accessible means for separating the material from the strip. The release finer may be formed from a brittle material which cracks when the strip is flexed or from multiple pieces of material or a scored piece of material. Alternatively, the release finer may be in two overlapping pieces such as a typical adhesive strip bandage type design. A further description of materials suitable as release agents is found in Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, Fourth Edition, Volume 21, pp. 207-218, incorporated herein by reference.
Examples The strip of material is preferably a 0.013 mm thick piece of polyethylene film. The film preferably has an array of shallow pockets, typically 0.4 mm across and 0.1 mm deep. The strip of material has a flexural stiffness of about 0.6 grams/cm as measured on a Handle-O-Meter, model #211-300, available from Thwing-Albert Instrument Co. of Philadelphia, PA, as per test method ASTM D2923-95.
An example of a tooth whitener is a gel described as follows: Combine 70%
glycerin, 5% carboxypolymethylene, 10 /. carbamide peroxide, and 15% water adjusted to pH 6.5 with sodium hydroxide. Mix until homogeneous.
Additional examples of alternative tooth whitening gel are described as follows: Combine 8% carboxypolymethylene in approximately 84% water, add 4%
sodium hydroxide and enough sodium bicarbonate to bring the pH to about 10.
Dissolve in 3.75% sodium chlorite and mix until homogeneous.
Combine 56% glycerin, 6% carboxypolymethylene, 10=/. carbamide peroxide, and 24% water. Add 4% sodium hydroxide (50% solution) to adjust the pH. Mix until homogeneous.
Combine 68% glycerin, 6% carboxypolymethylene, 22% carbamide peroxide, and 4% sodium hydroxide (50% solution). Mix until homogeneous.
Combine 25% glycerin, 69.7% water, 2% xanthan gum, 3%
carboxymethylcellulose, and 0.3% carbamide peroxide. Mix until homogeneous.
Combine 24% poloxamer, 20=/. glycerin, 46% polyethylene glycol, and 10 /.
carbamide peroxide. Mix until homogeneous.
Commercial tooth whiteners, such as Opalescence and Nu-Pro Gold, are also operable with the delivery system of the present invention.
Method of Use In practicing the present invention, a strip of material is applied by the wearer to a plurality of adjacent teeth. The side of the material facing the teeth is coated with a tooth whitening substance which is preferably in a viscous state to provide not only the active but also tackiness between the tooth surfaces and the strip of material to hold the strip in place for an extended period of time. The strip of material readily conforms to the teeth by lightly pressing it against the teeth and/or by the wearer gently sucking through the gaps between the teeth. The strip of material is easily removed by the wearer by peeling it off. Preferably, each successive treatment will use a fresh strip of material.
The tooth surface is not required to be prepared before the delivery system is applied. For example, the wearer may or may not choose to brush his teeth or rinse his mouth before applying the delivery system. The surfaces of the teeth are not required to be dried or to be excessively wet with saliva or water before the strip of material is applied.
Preferably, the strip of material and substances are substantially transparent so as to be almost unnoticeable when worn. Thinness of the delivery system enables the higher temperature inside of the wearer's mouth to conduct heat through the strip of material to the normally cooler teeth in order to accelerate the rate of diffusion of the active material into the surfaces of the teeth.
Preferably, the wearer applies the delivery system of the present to the teeth continuously for about 5 minutes to about 120 minutes a day, preferably from about 30 minutes to about 60 minutes. Generally, this is done once a day for about 7 to 28 days. The amount of time and the number of days are dependent upon several factors, including the amount of bleaching desired, the wearer's teeth, and if initial or maintenance bleaching is desired. The bleaching is done to achieve a whitening benefit of 1-4 shade guide improvement as measured by VITA LUMIN Vacuum Farbskala Shade Guides, a product of VITA Zahnfabrik, of BadSackingen, Germany.
When the wearer removes the strip of material from the tooth, there may be a residue of substance remaining on the surface. This residual will not be great, as the tooth whitening substance has affinity for both the film and for itself. If residual substance remains, it may be easily removed by brushing or rinsing.
While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications that are within the scope of the invention.
A STRIP OF MATERIAL HAVING LOW FLEXURAL STIFFNESS
CR SS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation-in-part of the prior application, Serial Number 08/870,330, filed on June 6, 1997, which is still pending.
FIELD OF TIE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a system for the delivery of a tooth whitening substance to a plurality of adjacent teeth and more particularly to such delivery system wherein the substance is protected from erosion and interaction with saliva within the mouth for a time sufficient to enable an active provided by the substance to cause tooth whitening. The delivery system comprises a strip of material and tooth whitening substance. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to disposable delivery systems that are inexpensive and unobtrusive. The present invention also relates to a method of delivering a tooth whitening substance to a plurality of adjacent teeth.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The most common implement for dental hygiene is the toothbrush. The mechanical action of the toothbrush bristles aids in the removal of food particles, plaque, and the like. The toothbrush is normally used with a toothpaste. Prior to about 1955, a typical toothpaste consisted of a surfactant and an abrasive material.
These products were simply intended to augment the mechanical action of the brushing.
In 1955, CREST toothpaste with fluoride, a Trademark of The Procter &
Gamble Company of Cincinnati, OH, was introduced and the toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste combination proved to be a suitable means to deliver a fluoride treatment to the teeth surfaces. Subsequently, other active ingredients, such as tartar control = agents, have been added to toothpaste to provide further dental hygiene benefits.
Consumers have also turned their attention to the cosmetic aspects of dental care, = such as teeth straightening and whitening.
Given the success of delivering chemicals which provide therapeutic benefits for oral care, it is reasonable to expect similar success in accomplishing the cosmetic benefit via routine brushing. However, people who are serious about whitening their teeth and who have been disappointed by the results of whitening dentifrices, often resort to professional help for whitening their teeth.
Professional teeth whitening programs provided by dentists generally fall into two categories: an in-office bleaching procedure and an outside-the-office bleaching procedure. The in-office procedure involves several visits, each of which begins with the fabrication of a specially fitted rubber dam within the mouth to prevent the bleaching chemicals, typically hydrogen peroxide, from contacting the soft oral tissue.
The strength of the peroxide bleach mandates the use of the dam.
The outside-the-office bleaching program differs in that the patient applies the bleaching agent to his or her own teeth using a lower strength chemical over an extended period of time, typically several hours a day for several weeks. The outside-the-office program typically requires an initial fitting in the dentist's office for an appliance which is specific to the particular patient. The appliance is a device that is fabricated to fit precisely onto the patient's teeth and is used to deliver to the patient's teeth a bleaching gel. The patient is responsible for measuring and applying the bleaching agent to the surfaces of the teeth using the appliance as the means for delivery and containment.
Because the appliance is reused, it must be sufficiently robust to endure repeat handling, cleaning, filling, installation, and wearing. Such appliances are relatively rigid in order to maintain fit during repeat use. Typically, a patient uses the device in time periods when social contact can be avoided.
There are now non-professional programs available to persons interested in whitening their teeth using commercial products available at drug stores. The commercial products provide a kit which includes a generic appliance and a container of bleaching gel. The obvious appeal is the lower cost of the program. A major disadvantage of this "one size fits all" appliance is the greater void between the interior walls of the appliance and the teeth versus the professionally fitted appliance.
Hence, in order to insure intimate contact of the bleaching gel and the teeth surfaces, more bleaching gel is required. Furthermore, the poorer fit means a greater loss of bleaching gel onto the gums, into the oral cavity, and eventual ingestion. The commercial kits, like the outside-the-office professionally administered program, require the user to clean and to reuse the appliance. Since generic appliances are not fitted to the individual user, they are even more bulky in the mouth than the fitted appliances and thus they restrict social discourse to a greater degree.
One attempt to remedy some of the problems of the commercial kits is disclosed in U.S. Patent 5,575,654, issued to Fontenot on November 19, 1996.
Fontenot discloses a prepackaged moldable dental appliance, adapted to fit a wide range of variously sized dental arches, which contains a premeasured amount of medicinal or bleaching agent. In use, the dental appliance is removed from the packaging, aligned in a parallel fashion to the edges of the teeth and pushed over the teeth in the direction of the periodontal tissue until it covers the teeth surfaces.
Another solution is disclosed in U.S. Patent 5,310,563, issued to Curtis et al.
= on May 10, 1994. Curtis et al. disclose a putty-like material which is formed by pressing against the teeth. It is held in place by mechanical engagement with undercut surfaces and by friction. The composition encapsulates the active.
Other methods are disclosed in U.S. Patent 5,425,953, issued to Sintov et al.
on June 20, 1995. Sintov et al. discloses a liquid polymer composition for bleaching of the teeth. The liquid polymer composition forms a film after applied to the teeth.
Other references which disclose using a film in the oral cavity include U.S.
Patent 4,713,243 issued to Schiraldi et al. on December 15, 1987, and U.S. Patent 2,835,628, issued to Saffir on May 20, 1958.
What is needed is a low cost commercial delivery system, which has a customized fit for a minimal volume of a tooth whitening substance, and which is in conformable contact with the appropriate tooth surfaces and interstitial tooth spaces for rapid delivery of an active in such substance. In addition a delivery system is needed which does not require extensive user placement manipulation to be certain of good contact. Furthermore, what is needed is a non-bulky active containment means that will permit the wearer to use the system during social discourse without interfering with the wearer's speech or appearance. Also needed is a containment means that will protect the tooth whitening substance from erosion from contact with inner mouth surfaces and saliva.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In practicing the present invention, a strip of material is applied by the wearer to a plurality of adjacent teeth. The side of the strip of material facing the tooth is coated with a tooth whitening substance. The substance is preferably in a viscous state, such as a gel, so that it provides not only the active but also tackiness between the teeth surfaces and the strip of material to hold the strip of material in place. The conformable strip of material is preferably of a size that individually fits the front 6-8 teeth of the upper or lower rows of teeth when positioned against the teeth.
As a soft, conformable material, the strip may come into contact with the wearer's gums without causing physical irritation. The strip of material readily conforms to the teeth by lightly pressing it thereagainst and/or by the wearer gently sucking through the gaps between teeth. The strip of material is readily conformable without permanent deformation to the shape of the teeth when the delivery system is placed thereagainst.
The strip of material is easily removed by the wearer after use by peeling it off.
Preferably, each successive treatment uses a fresh strip of material.
By being a relatively thin coating, the tooth whitening substance is low in volume compared to the substance contained by rigid trays fitted or unfitted.
Therefore, substance is not wasted, and little of it is accidentally ingested or otherwise available for irritation of oral cavity surfaces for which it is not intended.
Preferably, the strip of material and substance are substantially transparent so as to be almost unnoticeable when worn.
The delivery system also includes the tooth whitening substance applied to the strip of material. When the delivery system is placed on the surface of the teeth, the substance contacts the surface providing an active onto the surface. The substance also provides adhesive attachment between the strip of material and the surface to hold the delivery system in place for a sufficient time to allow the active to act upon the surface. Preferably, the substance is in the form of a gel, which is a substantially uniform continuous coating on the strip of material.
In another aspect of the present invention, a method of delivering a tooth whitening substance to the surface of the teeth includes the step of applying the substance onto a conformable strip of material. This is followed by applying the conformable strip of material to the surface of the teeth without permanent deformation of the strip of material. The substance provides an active onto the surfaces and also provides adhesive attachment between the strip of material and the surface to hold the delivery system in place for a sufficient time to allow the active to act upon the surface.
BRIEF DESCRIMTON OF THE DRAWINGS
While the specification concludes with claims which particularly point out and distinctly claim the present invention, it is believed that the present invention will be better understood from the following description of preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify identical elements and wherein:
FIG. I is a perspective view of a substantially flat strip of material having rounded corners;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention, disclosing the flat strip of FIG. I coated with a tooth whitening substance;
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view thereof, taken along section line 3-3 of FIG.
2, disclosing an example of the flat strip having a thickness less than that of the substance coated thereon;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an alternative embodiment of the present invention, showing shallow pockets in the strip of material, which act as reservoirs for additional substance coated on the strip;
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing adjacent teeth having the strip of material of the present invention conforming thereto and adhesively attached to the teeth by means of a substance located between the teeth and the strip of material;
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a tooth and adjoining soft tissue, taken along section line 6-6 of FIG. 5, disclosing the strip of the present invention conforming to and adhesively attached to the tooth by means of the substance located between the tooth and the strip of material;
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view, similar to FIG. 5, showing a strip of material of the present invention conforming to the teeth and the adjoining soft tissue and adhesively attached to both sides of the teeth by means of the substance located between the teeth and the strip of material;
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional elevation view, taken along section line 8-8 of FIG.
7, showing the strip of material of the present invention conforming to both the tooth and the adjoining soft tissue and adhesively attached to both sides of the tooth by means of the substance located between the tooth and the strip of material;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention, disclosing the flat strip coated with a tooth whitening substance of FIG. 2 with a release liner, and FIG. 10 is a cross-section view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention, taken along section line 10-10 of FIG. 9, showing a release liner attached to the strip of material by the substance on the strip of material.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The abbreviation "cm", as used herein, means centimeter. The abbreviation "mm", as used herein, means millimeter.
Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, which is generally = indicated as 10. Embodiment 10 represents a delivery system for a tooth whitening substance. Delivery system 10 has a strip of material 12, which is initially substantially flat, preferably with rounded corners.
Applied or coated onto strip of material 12 is a tooth whitening substance 14.
Preferably, substance 14 is homogeneous, uniformly and continuously coated onto strip of material 12, as shown in FIG. 3. However, substance 14 may alternatively be a laminate or separated layers of components, an amorphous mixture of components, separate stripes or spots or other patterns of different components, or a combination of these structures including a continuous coating of oral care substance 14 along a longitudinal axis of a portion of strip of material 12.
As shown in FIG. 4, an alternative embodiment, a strip of material 12 may have shallow pockets 18 formed therein. When substance 14 is coated on a substance-coated side of strip of material 12, additional substance 14 fills shallow pockets 18 to provide reservoirs of additional substance 14.
FIGS. 5 and 6 show a delivery system 24 of the present invention applied- to a plurality of adjacent teeth and the surface of a tooth. Embedded in adjacent soft tissue 20 is a plurality of adjacent teeth 22. Adjacent soft tissue is herein defined as soft tissue surfaces surrounding the tooth structure including: papilla, marginal gingiva, gingival sulculus, inter dental gingiva, gingival gum structure on lingual and buccal surfaces up to and including muco-ginival junction and the pallet.
In both FIGS. 5 and 6, delivery system 24 represents strip of material 12 and substance 14, with substance 14 on the side of strip of material 12 facing adjacent teeth 22. Substance 14 may be pre-applied to strip of material 12 or applied to strip of material 12 by the delivery system user. In either case, strip of material 12 has a thickness and flexural stiffness which enable it to conform to the contoured surfaces of adjacent teeth 22 and to adjacent soft tissue 20. The strip of flexible material has sufficient flexibility to form a curved shape around a plurality of adjacent teeth. The strip of material is also readily conformable to tooth surfaces and to the interstitial tooth spaces without permanent deformation when the delivery system is applied.
The delivery system is applied without significant pressure.
FIGS. 7 and 8 show delivery system 24 of the present invention applied to both front and rear surfaces of a plurality of adjacent teeth 22 as well as to adjacent soft tissue 20 located by the front surfaces of the teeth. Delivery system 24 represents strip of material 12 and substance 14, with substance 14 on the side of strip of material 12 facing adjacent teeth 22.
FIGS. 9 and 10 shows a optional release liner 27. Release finer 27 is attached to strip of material 12 by substance 14. Substance 14 is on the side of strip of material 12 facing release liner 27. This side is applied to the tooth surface once release liner 27 is removed.
Strip of Material The strip of material serves as a protective barrier to substantially prevent saliva contacting the tooth whitening substance and leaching and/or erosion of the tooth whitening substance from the surface of the teeth by the wearer's lips, tongue, and other soft tissue. In order for an active in tooth whitening substance to act upon the surface of tooth over an extended period of time, from several minutes to several hours, it is important to minimize such leaching and/or erosion. The term "act upon"
is herein defined as bringing about a desired change. For example, if the substance is a tooth whitener, it bleaches color bodies to bring about whitening.
The strip of material may comprise materials such as polymers, natural and synthetic wovens, non-wovens, foil, paper, rubber, and combinations thereof The strip of material may be a single layer of material or a laminate of more than one layer. Generally, the strip of material is substantially water impermeable.
The material may be any type of polymer that meets the required flexural rigidity and is compatible with tooth whitening actives, such as peroxide. The material may comprise a single polymer or a mixtures of polymers. Suitable polymers include, but are not limited to, polyethylene, ethylvinylacetate, ethylvinyl alcohol, polyesters such as Mylar manufactured by DuPont, fluoroplastics such as Teflon manufactured by DuPont, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the material is polyethylene.
The strip of material is generally less than about 1 mm thick, preferably less than about 0.05 mm thick, and more preferably from about 0.001 to about 0.03 mm thick. A
polyethylene strip of material is preferably less than about 0.1 mm thick and more preferably from about 0.005 to about 0.02 mm thick.
Preferably, the shape of the strip of material is any shape that has rounded corners. "Rounded corners" is defined as not having any sharp angles or points. The conformable strip of material is preferably of a size that individually fits the row of teeth desired to be bleached. Generally, this is the front 6-8 teeth of the upper or lower rows of teeth that are visible when the wearer is smiling. Optionally, the strip of material may fit the entire upper or lower rows of teeth when positioned against the teeth. The size of the strip of material depends upon many factors, including the number of teeth to be bleached, the size of the teeth, and personal preference of the wearer. In general, the length of the strip of material is from about 2 an to about 12 cm and preferably from about 4 cm to about 9 cm. The width of the strip of material will also depend upon many factors, including whether or not the strip of material wraps around the teeth and covers both surfaces of the tooth. In a general application, the width of the strip of material is from about 0.5 cm to about 4 cm and preferably from about 1 cm to about 2 cm.
The strip of material may contain shallow pockets. When the substance is coated on a substance-coated side of strip of material, additional substance fills shallow pockets to provide reservoirs of additional substance. Additionally, the shallow pockets help to provide a texture to the delivery system. The film will preferably have an array of shallow pockets. Generally, the shallow pockets are approximately 0.4 mm across and 0.1 mm deep. When shallow pockets are included in the strip of material and substances are applied to it in various thicknesses, the overall thickness of the delivery system is generally less than about 1 mm.
Preferably, the overall thickness is less than about 0.5 nun.
Flexural stiffness is a material property that is a function of a combination of strip thickness, width, and material modulus of elasticity. This test is a method for measuring the rigidity of polyolefin film and sheeting. It determines the resistance to flexure of a sample by using a strain gauge affixed to the end of a horizontal beam.
The opposite end of the beam presses across a strip of the sample to force a portion of the strip into a vertical groove in a horizontal platform upon which the sample rests. A microammeter, wired to the strain gauge is calibrated in grams of deflection force. The rigidity of the sample is read directly from the microammeter and expressed as grams per centimeter of sample strip width. In the present invention, the strip of material has a flexural stiffness of less than about 5 grams/cm as measured on a Handle-O-Meter, model #211-300, available from Thwing-Albert Instrument Co.
of Philadelphia, PA, as per test method ASTM D2923-95. Preferably, the strip of material has a flexural stiffness less than about 4 grams/cm, more preferably less than about 3 grams/cm, and most preferably from about 0.1 grams/cm to about 1 grams/cm. Preferably, the flexural stiffness of the strip of material is substantially constant and does not significantly change during normal use. For example, the strip of material does not need to be hydrated for the strip to achieve the low flexural stiffness in the above-specified ranges.
This relatively low stiffness enables the strip of material to drape over the contoured surfaces of teeth with very little force being exerted; that is, conformity to the curvature of the wearer's mouth and gaps between adjacent teeth is maintained because there is little residual force within strip of material to cause it to return to its substantially flat shape. The flexibility of the strip enables the strip of material to contact adjoining soft tissue over an extended period of time without physical irritation. The strip of material does not require pressure forming it against the teeth.
The strip of material is held in place on a plurality of adjacent teeth ' by adhesive attachment provided by the substance. The viscosity and general tackiness of the substance cause the strip of material to be adhesively attached to a plurality of adjacent teeth without substantial slippage under the potential friction from the lips, tongue, and other soft tissue rubbing against the strip of material during mouth movements associated with talking, drinking, etc. However, this adhesion to the teeth is low enough to allow the delivery system to be easily removed by the wearer by peeling off the strip of material using one's finger or fingernail. The delivery system is easily removable from the surfaces of the teeth without the use of an instrument, a chemical solvent, or undue friction. Chemical solvents include any organic solvents commonly used in oral care products such as alcohol and other safe solvents such as water, which could be used to dilute the gelling agent. Undue friction is described as any type of rubbing with one's finger or a soft implement, such as cotton balls, swabs, or gauze pads.
A peel force of from about I gram to about 50 grams for a 1.5 cm strip width (approximately 17 grams/cm) is all that is required. Preferably, the peel force is from about 5 grams to about 40 grams and more preferably from about 10 grams to about 30 grams. The low peel force is desired for consumer handling purposes. The low peel force is possible because of the non-aggressive nature of a gel substance. Only when the flexural stiffness of the strip is low can the adhesion of the substance also be low. The adhesion of a stiffer strip would have to be greater in proportion to the strip stiffness in order to prevent the strip from returning to its flat condition and pulling away from the contoured surface of a plurality of teeth.
The strip of material may be formed by several of the film making processes known in the art. Preferably, a strip of material made of polyethylene is made by a blown process or a cast process. Processes, such as extrusion and other processes that do not affect the flexural rigidity of the strip of material, are also feasible.
Additionally, the substance may be incorporated onto the strip during the processing of the strip. The substance may be a laminate on the strip.
Tooth Whitening Substance The tooth whitening substance is a composition, compound, or mixture capable of influencing or effecting a desired change in appearance and/or structure of the surface it contacts. Examples of appearance and structural changes include, but are not necessarily limited to, whitening, stain bleaching, stain removal, plaque removal, and tartar removal. Preferably, the active is for the whitening of the tooth surfaces.
The amount of substance applied to the strip of material or teeth will depend upon the size and capacity of the piece of material, concentration of the active, and the desired benefit. Generally, less than about I gram of substance is required.
Preferably, from about 0.05 grams to about 0.5 grams and more preferably from about 0.1 gram to about 0.4 grams of the substance is used. The amount of substance per square cm of material is less than about 0.2 grams/em2, preferably from about 0.005 to about 0.1 grams/cm2, and more preferably from about 0.01 grams/cm2 to about 0.04 grams/cm2.
The substance of the present invention can be in the form of a viscous liquid, paste, gel, solution, or other suitable form that can provide sufficient adhesion.
Preferably, the substance is in the form of a gel. The substance will have a viscosity of from about 200 to about 1,000,000 cps at low shear rates (less than one 1/seconds). Preferably, the viscosity is from about 100,000 to about 800,000 cps and more preferably from about 400,000 to about 600,000 cps.
Actives suitable for whitening include any material safe for use in the oral cavity which provides bleaching or stain removal. The actives suitable for whitening are selected from the group consisting of the peroxides, metal chlorites, perborates, percarbonates, peroxyacids, and combinations thereof. Suitable peroxide compounds include hydrogen peroxide, calcium peroxide, carbamide peroxide, and mixtures thereof. Most preferred is carbamide peroxide. Suitable metal chlorites include calcium chlorite, barium chlorite, magnesium chlorite, lithium chlorite, sodium chlorite, and potassium chlorite. Additional whitening actives may be hypochlorite and chlorine dioxide. The preferred chlorite is sodium chlorite.
The tooth whitening active is present in an amount of from about 0.01% to about 400/e, by weight of the substance. If a peroxide compound is chosen as the active, the peroxide compound should provide an amount of hydrogen peroxide equivalent of from about 0.1% to about 20%, preferably from about 0.5% to about 10%, and most preferably from about 1% to about 7%, by weight of the substance.
To deliver this amount of hydrogen peroxide equivalent, the peroxide compound, such as carbamide peroxide, is generally present in an amount of from about 0.1 % to about 30% and preferably from about 3% to about 20%, by weight of the substance.
The actives are generally contained in an aqueous gel. The gel is a high viscosity matrix formed from gelling agents known in the art. These gelling agents are safe for oral use, do not readily dissolve in saliva, and do not react with or inactivate the oral care compounds incorporated into them. Generally, the gelling agent is a swellable polymer. Furthermore, the gel formed with these agents provides sufficient adhesive attachment of the film material to the targeted area of the mouth.
The level of gelling agent to form the gel composition is from about 0.1 % to about 1511/a, preferably from about 1% to about 10%, more preferably from about 2%
to about 8%, and most preferably from about 4% to about 7%, by weight of the substance.
Suitable gelling agents useful in the present invention include carboxypolymethylene, carboxymethyl cellulose, carboxypropyl cellulose, poloxamer, carrageenan, Veegum, carboxyvinyl polymers, and natural gums such as gum karaya, xanthan gum, Guar gum, gum arabic, gum tragacanth, and mixtures thereof. The preferable gelling agent for use in the present invention is carboxypolymethylene, obtained from B. F. Goodrich Company under the tradenanie "Carbopol".
Particularly preferable Carbopols include Carbopol 934, 940, 941, 956 and mixtures thereof. Particularly preferred is Carbopol 956. Carboxypolymethylene is a slightly acidic vinyl polymer with active carboxyl groups. The normal concentration of various carboxypolymethylene resins in water, according to the manufacturer, is below about 2%. However, it has been found that by preparing supersaturated carboxypolymethylene compositions having an absolute concentration in the ranges specified above, suitable high viscosity oral gel compositions may be prepared.
The concentrated carboxypolymethylene gels have a number of important characteristics in addition to high viscosity. Enough carboxypolymethylene is added to the oral gel compositions beyond that required to provide high viscosity such that a significant quantity of saliva or water is required to lower the viscosity to the point that the composition may be diluted and washed out by saliva. The concentrated carboxypolymethylene composition also has a unique tackiness or stickiness which retains and seals the strip material against the targeted oral cavity surface it is affixed to, particularly teeth. However, care should be taken to avoid too much carboxypolymethylene thereby making insertion or withdrawal of the strip material difficult.
Water is also present in the gel compositions disclosed herein. The water, employed in the present invention should, preferably, be deionized and free of organic impurities. Water comprises from about 0.1% to 95%, preferably from about 5% to about 90 /., and most preferably from about 10 /. to about 80 /, by weight of the substance. This amount of water includes the free water that is added plus that amount that is introduced with other materials.
A pH adjusting agent may also be added to optimize the storage stability of the gel and to make the substance safe for oral tissues. These pH adjusting agents, or buffers, can be any material which is suitable to adjust the pH of the substance.
Suitable materials include sodium bicarbonate, sodium phosphate, sodium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide, sodium stannate, triethanolamine, citric acid, hydrochloric acid, sodium citrate, and combinations thereof. The pH adjusting agents are added in sufficient amounts so as to adjust the pH of the gel composition to about 4.5 to about 11, preferably from about 5 to about 8.5, and more preferably from about 5.5 to about 7. pH adjusting agents are generally present in an amount of from about 0.01% to about 15% and preferably from about 0.05% to about 5%, by weight of the substance.
While the gel described above provides sufficient adhesiveness, additional gelling agents may also be included in the formula to help the active ingredients adhere to the tissues of the oral cavity. Suitable agents include both polymers with limited water solubility as well as polymers lacking water solubility. These polymers deposit a thin film on both the oral cavity's soft and hard tissues when saliva combines with the instant composition. Suitable limited water solubility adhesives include: hydroxy ethyl or propyl cellulose. Adhesives lacking water solubility include: ethyl cellulose and polyox resins. Another possible adhesive suitable for use in the instant composition is polyvinylpyrrolidone with a molecular weight of about 50,000 to about 300,000. Still another possible adhesive suitable for use in the instant composition is a combination of Gantrez and the semisynthetic, water-soluble polymer carboxymethyl cellulose.
An additional carrier material may also be added to the substance. Carrier materials can be humectants. Suitable humectants include glycerin, sorbitol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and other edible polyhydric alcohols.
Humectants are generally present in an amount of from about 10% to about 95%, preferably from about 201/6 to about 80%, and more preferably from about 500/0 to about 70%, by weight of the substance. In addition to the above materials of the gel of the present invention, a number of other components can also be added to the substance. Additional components include, but are not limited to, flavoring agents, sweetening agents, xylitol, opacifiers, coloring agents, and chelants such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. These additional ingredients can also be used in place of the compounds disclosed above.
Release Liner The release liner may be formed from any material which exhibits less affinity for substance than substance exhibits for itself and for the strip of material. The release liner preferably comprises a rigid sheet of material such as polyethylene, paper, polyester, or other material which is then coated with a non-stick type material. The release finer material may be coated with wax, silicone, polyester such as Teflon , fluoropolymers, or other non-stick type materials. A preferred release liner is Scotchpak , produced by 3M. The release finer may be cut to substantially the same size and shape as the strip of material or the release liner may be cut larger than the strip of material to provide a readily accessible means for separating the material from the strip. The release finer may be formed from a brittle material which cracks when the strip is flexed or from multiple pieces of material or a scored piece of material. Alternatively, the release finer may be in two overlapping pieces such as a typical adhesive strip bandage type design. A further description of materials suitable as release agents is found in Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, Fourth Edition, Volume 21, pp. 207-218, incorporated herein by reference.
Examples The strip of material is preferably a 0.013 mm thick piece of polyethylene film. The film preferably has an array of shallow pockets, typically 0.4 mm across and 0.1 mm deep. The strip of material has a flexural stiffness of about 0.6 grams/cm as measured on a Handle-O-Meter, model #211-300, available from Thwing-Albert Instrument Co. of Philadelphia, PA, as per test method ASTM D2923-95.
An example of a tooth whitener is a gel described as follows: Combine 70%
glycerin, 5% carboxypolymethylene, 10 /. carbamide peroxide, and 15% water adjusted to pH 6.5 with sodium hydroxide. Mix until homogeneous.
Additional examples of alternative tooth whitening gel are described as follows: Combine 8% carboxypolymethylene in approximately 84% water, add 4%
sodium hydroxide and enough sodium bicarbonate to bring the pH to about 10.
Dissolve in 3.75% sodium chlorite and mix until homogeneous.
Combine 56% glycerin, 6% carboxypolymethylene, 10=/. carbamide peroxide, and 24% water. Add 4% sodium hydroxide (50% solution) to adjust the pH. Mix until homogeneous.
Combine 68% glycerin, 6% carboxypolymethylene, 22% carbamide peroxide, and 4% sodium hydroxide (50% solution). Mix until homogeneous.
Combine 25% glycerin, 69.7% water, 2% xanthan gum, 3%
carboxymethylcellulose, and 0.3% carbamide peroxide. Mix until homogeneous.
Combine 24% poloxamer, 20=/. glycerin, 46% polyethylene glycol, and 10 /.
carbamide peroxide. Mix until homogeneous.
Commercial tooth whiteners, such as Opalescence and Nu-Pro Gold, are also operable with the delivery system of the present invention.
Method of Use In practicing the present invention, a strip of material is applied by the wearer to a plurality of adjacent teeth. The side of the material facing the teeth is coated with a tooth whitening substance which is preferably in a viscous state to provide not only the active but also tackiness between the tooth surfaces and the strip of material to hold the strip in place for an extended period of time. The strip of material readily conforms to the teeth by lightly pressing it against the teeth and/or by the wearer gently sucking through the gaps between the teeth. The strip of material is easily removed by the wearer by peeling it off. Preferably, each successive treatment will use a fresh strip of material.
The tooth surface is not required to be prepared before the delivery system is applied. For example, the wearer may or may not choose to brush his teeth or rinse his mouth before applying the delivery system. The surfaces of the teeth are not required to be dried or to be excessively wet with saliva or water before the strip of material is applied.
Preferably, the strip of material and substances are substantially transparent so as to be almost unnoticeable when worn. Thinness of the delivery system enables the higher temperature inside of the wearer's mouth to conduct heat through the strip of material to the normally cooler teeth in order to accelerate the rate of diffusion of the active material into the surfaces of the teeth.
Preferably, the wearer applies the delivery system of the present to the teeth continuously for about 5 minutes to about 120 minutes a day, preferably from about 30 minutes to about 60 minutes. Generally, this is done once a day for about 7 to 28 days. The amount of time and the number of days are dependent upon several factors, including the amount of bleaching desired, the wearer's teeth, and if initial or maintenance bleaching is desired. The bleaching is done to achieve a whitening benefit of 1-4 shade guide improvement as measured by VITA LUMIN Vacuum Farbskala Shade Guides, a product of VITA Zahnfabrik, of BadSackingen, Germany.
When the wearer removes the strip of material from the tooth, there may be a residue of substance remaining on the surface. This residual will not be great, as the tooth whitening substance has affinity for both the film and for itself. If residual substance remains, it may be easily removed by brushing or rinsing.
While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications that are within the scope of the invention.
Claims (179)
1. A tooth whitening product for application of a tooth whitening substance to a plurality of adjacent teeth, said product comprising:
a. a protective barrier having a sufficient flexibility to form a curved shape on a plurality of adjacent teeth and to readily conform to tooth surfaces without permanent deformation when said product is placed thereagainst;
b. a tooth whitening substance applied to said protective barrier such that when said product is placed on a surface of said teeth, said substance contacts said surface providing an active onto said surface, said substance also providing adhesive attachment during use between said product and said surface to hold said product in place for a sufficient time to allow said active to act upon said surface; and c. wherein said tooth whitening substance comprises polyvinyl pyrrolidone, water, glycerin, hydrogen peroxide, carboxypolymethylene, a sweetening agent, and a flavouring agent.
a. a protective barrier having a sufficient flexibility to form a curved shape on a plurality of adjacent teeth and to readily conform to tooth surfaces without permanent deformation when said product is placed thereagainst;
b. a tooth whitening substance applied to said protective barrier such that when said product is placed on a surface of said teeth, said substance contacts said surface providing an active onto said surface, said substance also providing adhesive attachment during use between said product and said surface to hold said product in place for a sufficient time to allow said active to act upon said surface; and c. wherein said tooth whitening substance comprises polyvinyl pyrrolidone, water, glycerin, hydrogen peroxide, carboxypolymethylene, a sweetening agent, and a flavouring agent.
2. The tooth whitening product of claim 1, wherein said protective barrier is a strip of material.
3. The tooth whitening product of claim 1 or 2, wherein said tooth whitening substance is a stripe on the protective barrier.
4. The tooth whitening product of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherien said protective barrier is sized to cover the front six to eight teeth of the upper or lower rows of teeth.
5. The tooth whitening product of claims 1 to 4 wherein said strip of flexible material has a substantially constant flexural stiffness of less than 5 grams/centimeter as measured on a Handle-O-Meter per ASTM test method D2923-95.
6. The tooth whitening product of claim 1 to 5 wherein said protective barrier is comprised of materials which are compatible with one or more tooth whitening actives, wherein said protective barrier is substantially water impermeable.
7. The tooth whitening product of any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein said protective barrier and said substance applied thereon have an overall thickness less than 1 mm.
8. The tooth whitening product of any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein said protective barrier with said substance has a peel force of less than 50 grams.
9. The tooth whitening product of any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein said protective barrier has shallow pockets on a substance-coated side of said protective barrier, said shallow pockets having a substance located therein.
10. The tooth whitening product of any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein said substance comprises an amount of carboxypolymethylene from 0.5% to 12%, by weight of the substance.
11. The tooth whitening product of any one of claims 1 to 10 further comprising a release liner.
12. The tooth whitening product of any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein said protective barrier is capable of recovery from said deformed state in the absence of adhesive forces due to said tooth whitening substance.
13. The tooth whitening product of any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein said protective barrier is a polyethylene film having a nominal film thickness of less than 0.1 mm.
14. The tooth whitening product of any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein said protective barrier with said substance is removable from said tooth surface without the use of an instrument, a chemical solvent, or undue friction.
15. Use of a tooth whitening delivery system for whitening a plurality of adjacent teeth having facial and lingual surfaces, wherein:
said tooth whitening delivery system comprising a barrier and a tooth whitening substance is adapted to be applied to a plurality adjacent teeth such that a first portion of the tooth whitening delivery system is applied to the facial surfaces of the plurality of adjacent teeth, a second portion of the tooth bleaching delivery system is folded about the incisal edge of the plurality of adjacent teeth, and a third portion of the tooth whitening delivery system is applied to at least a portion of the lingual surfaces of the plurality of teeth.
said tooth whitening delivery system comprising a barrier and a tooth whitening substance is adapted to be applied to a plurality adjacent teeth such that a first portion of the tooth whitening delivery system is applied to the facial surfaces of the plurality of adjacent teeth, a second portion of the tooth bleaching delivery system is folded about the incisal edge of the plurality of adjacent teeth, and a third portion of the tooth whitening delivery system is applied to at least a portion of the lingual surfaces of the plurality of teeth.
16. The use of claim 15, wherein the barrier is adapted further to be conformed to soft tissue adjacent the plurality of teeth.
17. The use of claim 16 wherein the barrier is a strip of material.
18. The use of any of claims 15 to 17, wherein the tooth whitening substance comprises a tooth whitening active selected from the group consisting of hydrogen peroxide, calcium peroxide, carbamide peroxide, and mixtures thereof.
19. The use of any of claims 15 to 18, wherein the tooth whitening substance bleaches the plurality of adjacent teeth.
20. The use of any of claims 15 to 19, wherein the barrier is adapted further to be substantially flat before it is conformed to the tooth surfaces of the plurality of teeth.
21. The use of any of claims 15 to 20, wherein the barrier is a polyethylene film having a nominal thickness of less than 0.1 mm.
22. The tooth whitening product of any one of claims 1 to 14 and 22, wherein the amount of the tooth whitening substance is between about 0.005 gms/cm2 and about 0.1 gms/cm2.
23. The tooth whitening product of any one of claims 1 to 14 and 22, wherein the protective barrier has a tooth facing surface and the tooth whitening substance is continuously coated on the tooth facing surface.
24. The tooth whitening product of any one of claims 1 to 14 and 22 to 23, wherein the tooth whitening substance provides adhesive attachment between the barrier and the tooth surfaces to hold said product in place for a sufficient time to allow the active to act upon the tooth surfaces.
25. The tooth whitening product of any one of claims 1 to 14 and 22 to 24, wherein the strip of flexible material has flexural stiffness between about 0.1 grams/cm and about 1 gram/cm.
26. The tooth whitening product of any one of claims 1 to 14 and 22 to 25, wherein the amount of the substance is between about 0.05 grams and about 0.5 grams.
27. The tooth whitening product of any one of claims 1 to 14 and 22 to 26, wherein the strip of flexible material has a length between about 4 cm and about 9 cm and a width between about 1 cm and about 2 cm.
28. The tooth whitening product of any one of claims 1 to 14 and 22 to 27, wherein the strip of flexible material is a laminate.
29. The tooth whitening product of any one of claims 1 to 14 and 22 to 28, wherein the tooth whitening substance is a viscous gel.
30. A tooth whitening product for application to a plurality of adjacent teeth, comprising:
a flexible strip of material sized to cover a front surface of a plurality of adjacent teeth without permanent deformation; and a tooth whitening substance comprising a peroxide tooth whitening active wherein said product has an overall thickness of less than about 1 mm wherein said tooth whitening substance comprises polyvinyl pyrrolidone, water, glycerin, hydrogen peroxide, carboxypolymethylene, a sweetening agent, and a flavouring agent.
a flexible strip of material sized to cover a front surface of a plurality of adjacent teeth without permanent deformation; and a tooth whitening substance comprising a peroxide tooth whitening active wherein said product has an overall thickness of less than about 1 mm wherein said tooth whitening substance comprises polyvinyl pyrrolidone, water, glycerin, hydrogen peroxide, carboxypolymethylene, a sweetening agent, and a flavouring agent.
31. The tooth whitening product according to claim 30, wherein said product has an overall thickness less than about 0.5 mm.
32. The tooth whitening product according to claim 30 or 31, wherein the flexible strip of material has flexural stiffness between about 0.1 grams/cm and about gram/cm.
33. The tooth whitening product according to any one of claims 30 to 32, wherein the tooth whitening substance further comprises water.
34. The tooth whitening product according to any one of claims 30 to 33, wherein the tooth whitening substance further comprises a gelling agent.
35. The tooth whitening product according to any one of claims 30 to 34, wherein said product has a peel force between about 20 grams and about 30 grams when applied to the plurality of adjacent teeth.
36. The tooth whitening product according to any one of claims 30 to 35, wherein the amount of the tooth whitening substance is between about 0.05 grams and about 0.5 grams.
37. The tooth whitening product according to any one of claims 30 to 36, wherein the amount of the tooth whitening substance is between about 0.005 grams/cm2 and about 0.1 grams/cm2.
38. The tooth whitening product according to any one of claims 30 to 37, wherein the tooth whitening substance adheres said product to the plurality of adjacent teeth for a sufficient period of time for the tooth whitening active to act upon the plurality of adjacent teeth.
39. The tooth whitening product according to any one of claims 30 to 38, wherein said flexible strip of material is substantially flat prior to use.
40. The tooth whitening product according to any one of claims 30 to 39, wherein the flexible strip of material has a length between about 4 cm and about 9 cm and a width between about 1 cm and about 2 cm.
41. The tooth whitening product according to any one of claims 30 to 40, wherein the flexible strip of material is a laminate.
42. The tooth whitening product according to any one of claims 30 to 41, wherein the flexible strip of material is a non-woven.
43. The tooth whitening product according to any one of claims 30 to 42, wherein the tooth whitening substance is a viscous gel.
44. The tooth whitening product according to any one of claims 30 to 43, wherein the flexible strip of material is readily conformable to interstitial tooth spaces and soft tissue adjacent the plurality of teeth.
45. The tooth whitening product according to any one of claims 31 to 44, wherein the flexible strip of material has sufficient flexibility to conform to at least a portion of a back surface of the plurality of teeth.
46. The tooth whitening product according to any one of claims 30 to 45, wherein the flexible strip of material has a thickness between about 0.001 mm and about 0.03 mm.
47. A tooth whitening product for application to a plurality of adjacent teeth, comprising:
a flexible strip of material that conforms to the front surface of the plurality of adjacent teeth without permanent deformation; and a substance comprising a plurality of components, wherein a first component is a tooth whitening active and a second component is an adhesive, wherein the first and second components are separate.
a flexible strip of material that conforms to the front surface of the plurality of adjacent teeth without permanent deformation; and a substance comprising a plurality of components, wherein a first component is a tooth whitening active and a second component is an adhesive, wherein the first and second components are separate.
48. The tooth whitening product according to claim 47, wherein the substance is provided in a form selected from the group consisting of a laminate, a first layer comprising the first component and a second layer comprising the second component, a first spot comprising the first component and a second spot comprising the second component, a first stripe comprising the first component and a second stripe comprising the second component, and combinations thereof.
49. The tooth whitening product according to claim 47 or 48, wherein, the tooth whitening active is selected from the group consisting of peroxides, metal chlorites, perborates, percarbonates, peroxyacids, hypochlorites, and combinations thereof.
50. The tooth whitening product according to any one of claims 47 to 49, wherein the second component is selected from the group consisting of hydroxy ethyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, polyox resins, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and a combination of carboxymethyl cellulose and a copolymer of methyl vinyl ether and maleic anhydride.
51. The tooth whitening product according to any one of claims 47 to 50, wherein said product has an overall thickness less than about 1 mm.
52. The tooth whitening product according to any one of claims 47-51, wherein said product has an overall thickness less than about 0.5 mm.
53. The tooth whitening product according to any one of claims 47 to 52, wherein the substance further comprises a material selected from the group consisting of glycerin, sorbitol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and other edible polyhydric alcohols.
54. The tooth whitening product according to any one of claims 47 to 53, wherein the flexible strip of material comprises a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, ethylvinyl acetate polyester, ethylvinyl alcohol, and combinations thereof.
55. The tooth whitening product according to any one of claims 47 to 54, wherein the flexible strip of material has flexural stiffness between about 0.1 grams/cm and about 1 gram/cm.
56. The tooth whitening product according to any one of claims 47 to 55, wherein the substance further comprises water.
57. The tooth whitening product according to claim 56, wherein the amount of the water is between about 10% and about 80% by weight of the substance.
58. The tooth whitening product according to any one of claims 47 to 57 wherein the substance further comprises a gelling agent.
59. The tooth whitening product according to claim 58, wherein the gelling agent is selected from the group consisting of carboxypolymethylene, carboxymethyl cellulose, carboxypropyl cellulose, poloxamer, carrageenan, magnesium aluminum silicate, carboxyvinyl polymers, natural gums, and mixtures thereof.
60. The tooth whitening product according to any one of claims 47 to 59, wherein said product has a peel force between about 20 grams and about 30 grams when applied to the plurality of adjacent teeth.
61. The tooth whitening product according to any one of claims 47 to 60, wherein the amount of the substance is between about 0.05 grams and about 0.5 grams.
62. The tooth whitening product according to any one of claims 50 to 61, wherein the amount of the substance is between about 0.005 grams/cm2 and about 0.1 grams/cm2.
63. The tooth whitening product according to any one of claims 47 to 62, wherein said product is applied to at least a portion of the rear surface of the plurality of adjacent teeth.
64. The tooth whitening product according to any one of claims 47 to 63, wherein the second component adheres the tooth whitening active to the plurality of adjacent teeth when combined with saliva.
65. The tooth whitening product according to any one of claims 47 to 64, wherein said flexible strip of material is substantially flat prior to use.
66. The tooth whitening product according to any one of claims 47 to 66, wherein the strip of flexible material has a length between about 4 cm and about 9 cm and a width between about 1 cm and about 2 cm.
67. The tooth whitening product according to any one of claims 47 to 69, further comprising a release liner disposed adjacent the substance.
68. The tooth whitening product according to any one of claims 47 to 67, wherein the flexible strip of material is a non-woven.
69. The tooth whitening product according to any one of claims 47 to 68, wherein the flexible strip of material has a thickness between about 0.005 mm and about 0.02 mm.
70. The tooth whitening product according to any one of claims 47 to 69, wherein the substance further comprises a chelating agent.
71. A tooth whitening product for application to a plurality of adjacent teeth, comprising:
a flexible strip of material that conforms to the front surface of the plurality of adjacent teeth without permanent deformation; and a substance comprising a plurality of components, wherein a first component is a peroxide active and a second component is an adhesive, wherein the substance is provided as a laminate comprising a first layer and a second layer and the first layer comprises the first component and the second layer comprises the second component.
a flexible strip of material that conforms to the front surface of the plurality of adjacent teeth without permanent deformation; and a substance comprising a plurality of components, wherein a first component is a peroxide active and a second component is an adhesive, wherein the substance is provided as a laminate comprising a first layer and a second layer and the first layer comprises the first component and the second layer comprises the second component.
72. The tooth whitening product according to claim 71, wherein the peroxide active is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen peroxide, calcium peroxide, carbamide peroxide, and combinations thereof.
73. The tooth whitening product according to claim 71 or 72, wherein the substance further comprises glycerin.
74. The tooth whitening product according to any one of claims 71 to 73, wherein the substance further comprises water.
75. The tooth whitening product according to any one of claims 71 to 74, wherein the substance further comprises a chelating agent.
76. The tooth whitening product according to any one of claims 71 to 75, wherein the flexible strip of material is polyethylene.
77. The tooth whitening product according to any one of claims 71 to 76, wherein the overall thickness of said product is less than 0.5 mm.
78. The tooth whitening product according to any one of claims 71 to 77, wherein the amount of the substance is between about 0.05 grams and about 0.5 grams.
79. The tooth whitening product according to any one of claims 71 to 78, wherein the amount of the substance is between about 0.005 grams/cm2 and about 0.1 grams/cm2.
80. The tooth whitening product according to any one of claims 71 to 79, wherein said product is applied to at least a portion of the rear surface of the plurality of adjacent teeth.
81. The tooth whitening product according to any one of claims 71 to 80, wherein the second component adheres the tooth whitening active to the plurality of adjacent teeth when combined with saliva.
82. The tooth whitening product according to any one of claims 71 to 81, wherein said tooth whitening product is substantially flat prior to use and has a length between about 4 cm and about 9 cm and a width between about 1 cm and about 2 cm.
83. The tooth whitening product according to any one of claims 71 to 82, further comprising a release liner disposed adjacent to the substance.
84. The tooth whitening product according to any one of claims 71 to 83, wherein the flexible strip of material is a non-woven.
85. The tooth whitening product according to any one of claims 71 to 84, wherein the flexible strip of material has a thickness between about 0.005 mm and about 0.02 mm.
86. A tooth whitening substance for application to a plurality of adjacent teeth, comprising:
an adhesive;
a tooth whitening active; and wherein the tooth whitening substance was formed into a thin layer sized to cover a plurality of adjacent teeth prior to application to the plurality of adjacent teeth and wherein the adhesive adheres the tooth whitening active to the plurality of adjacent teeth when the adhesive combines with saliva.
an adhesive;
a tooth whitening active; and wherein the tooth whitening substance was formed into a thin layer sized to cover a plurality of adjacent teeth prior to application to the plurality of adjacent teeth and wherein the adhesive adheres the tooth whitening active to the plurality of adjacent teeth when the adhesive combines with saliva.
87. The tooth whitening substance according to claim 86, wherein the tooth whitening active is selected from the group consisting of peroxides, metal chlorites, perborates, percarbonates, peroxyacids, hypochlorites, and combinations thereof.
88. The tooth whitening substance according to claim 86 or 87, wherein the adhesive is selected from the group consisting of hydroxy ethyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, polyox resin, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and a combination of carboxymethyl cellulose and a copolymer of methyl vinyl ether and maleic anhydride.
89. The tooth whitening substance according to claim 86 to 88, wherein the adhesive is polyvinylpyrrolidone.
90. The tooth whitening substance according to claim 91, wherein the polyvinylpyrrolidone has a molecular weight between about 50,000 and about 300,000.
91. The tooth whitening substance according to claim 86 to 90, wherein the adhesive is a polyox resin.
92. The tooth whitening substance according to any one of claims 86 to 91, wherein the tooth whitening substance further comprises a material selected from the group consisting of glycerin, sorbitol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and other edible polyhydric alcohols.
93. The tooth whitening substance according to any one of claims 86 to 92, wherein the tooth whitening substance further comprises water.
94. The tooth whitening substance according to claim 93, wherein the amount of the water is between about 10% and about 80% by weight of the tooth whitening substance.
95. The tooth whitening substance according to any one of claims 86 to 94, wherein the tooth whitening substance further comprises a gelling agent.
96. The tooth whitening substance according to claim 95, wherein the gelling agent is selected from the group consisting of carboxypolymethylene, carboxymethyl cellulose, carboxypropyl cellulose, poloxamer, carrageenan, magnesium aluminum silicate, carboxyvinyl polymers, natural gums, and mixtures thereof.
97. The tooth whitening substance according to any one of claims 86 to 96, wherein the amount of the substance is between about 0.05 grams and about 0.5 grams.
98. The tooth whitening substance according to any one of claims 86 to 97, wherein the substance is applied to at least a portion of the rear surface of the plurality of adjacent teeth.
99. The tooth whitening substance according to any one of claims 86 to 98, wherein the thin layer is substantially flat prior to use.
100. The tooth whitening substance according to any one of claims 86 to 99, wherein the thin layer has a length between about 4 cm and about 9 cm and a width between about 1 cm and about 2 cm.
101. The tooth whitening substance according to any one of claims 86 to 100, wherein the substance further comprises a chelating agent.
102. The tooth whitening substance according to any one of claims 86 to 101, wherein the thin layer is a laminate.
103. The tooth whitening substance according to any one of claims 86 to 102, wherein the thin layer is homogeneous.
104. A tooth whitening product for application to a plurality of adjacent teeth, comprising:
a strip of flexible material that conforms to the front surface of the plurality of adjacent teeth without permanent deformation;
a tooth whitening substance comprising polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyethylene glycol, water, and a tooth whitening active; and wherein the tooth whitening active adheres to the plurality of adjacent teeth when the polyvinylpyrrolidone combines with saliva.
a strip of flexible material that conforms to the front surface of the plurality of adjacent teeth without permanent deformation;
a tooth whitening substance comprising polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyethylene glycol, water, and a tooth whitening active; and wherein the tooth whitening active adheres to the plurality of adjacent teeth when the polyvinylpyrrolidone combines with saliva.
105. The tooth whitening product according to claim 104, wherein the tooth whitening active is selected from the group consisting of peroxides, metal chlorites, perborates, percarbonates, peroxyacids, hypochlorites, and combinations thereof.
106. The tooth whitening product according to claim 104 or 105, wherein the polyvinylpyrrolidone has a molecular weight between about 50,000 and about 300,000.
107. The tooth whitening product according to any one of claims 104 to 106, wherein the tooth whitening substance further comprises water.
108. The tooth whitening product according to claim 107, wherein the amount of the water is between about 10% and about 80% by weight of the tooth whitening substance.
109. The tooth whitening product according to any one of claims 104 to 108, wherein the tooth whitening substance further comprises a gelling agent.
110. The tooth whitening product according to claim 109, wherein the gelling agent is selected from the group consisting of carboxypolymethylene, carboxymethyl cellulose, carboxypropyl cellulose, poloxamer, carrageenan, magnesium aluminum silicate, carboxyvinyl polymers, natural gums, and mixtures thereof.
111. The tooth whitening product according to any one of claims 104 to 110, wherein the amount of the tooth whitening substance is between about 0.05 grams and about 0.5 grams.
112. The tooth whitening product according to any one of claims 104 to 111, wherein said product is applied to at least a portion of the rear surface of the plurality of adjacent teeth.
113. The tooth whitening product according to any one of claims 104 to 112, wherein said strip of flexible material is substantially flat prior to use.
114. The tooth whitening product according to any one of claims 104 to 113, wherein the strip of flexible material has a length between about 4 cm and about 9 cm and a width between about 1 cm and about 2 cm.
115. The tooth whitening product according to any one of claims 104 to 114, wherein the tooth whitening substance further comprises a chelating agent.
116. The tooth whitening product according to any one of claims 104 to 115, wherein the thin layer is a laminate.
117. The tooth whitening product according to any one of claims 104 to 116, wherein the thin layer is homogeneous.
118. A tooth whitening product for application of a tooth whitening substance to a plurality of adjacent teeth, said product comprising:
a strip of flexible material having an array of shallow pockets wherein said strip has sufficient flexibility to readily conform to tooth surfaces without permanent deformation when said product is placed thereagainst; and a tooth whitening substance applied to said strip of material and in a plurality of said shallow pockets such that when said product is placed on a surface of said teeth, said substance contacts said surface providing an active onto said surface, said surface also providing adhesive attachment between said product and said surface to hold said product in place for a sufficient time to allow said active to act upon said surface.
a strip of flexible material having an array of shallow pockets wherein said strip has sufficient flexibility to readily conform to tooth surfaces without permanent deformation when said product is placed thereagainst; and a tooth whitening substance applied to said strip of material and in a plurality of said shallow pockets such that when said product is placed on a surface of said teeth, said substance contacts said surface providing an active onto said surface, said surface also providing adhesive attachment between said product and said surface to hold said product in place for a sufficient time to allow said active to act upon said surface.
119. A tooth whitening product for application to a plurality of teeth, comprising: a tooth whitening substance wherein said tooth whitening substance comprises a first polymer, a second polymer, a tooth whitening active, and wherein said tooth whitening product is formed into a thin layer sized to cover a plurality of adjacent teeth, wherein said thin layer is a laminated gel, and wherein said thin layer adheres to a plurality of teeth for a sufficient time to allow said tooth whitening active to act upon said plurality of teeth.
120. The tooth whitening product of claim 119, wherein said tooth whitening product further comprises a flexible strip of material sized to cover a front surface of a plurality of teeth without permanent deformation.
121. The tooth whitening product of claim in 120, wherein said strip of material is sized to fold over onto at least a portion of a back surface of the teeth.
122. The tooth whitening product of any one of claims 119 to 121, wherein said tooth whitening substance further comprises a gelling agent selected from the group of carboxypolymethylene, carboxymethyl cellulose, carboxypropyl cellulose, poloxamer, carrageenan, magnesium aluminum silicate, carboxyvinyl polymers, natural gums, and mixtures thereof.
123. The tooth whitening product of any one of claims 120 to 122, wherein said tooth whitening active is selected from the group consisting of peroxides, metal chlorites, perborates, percarbonates, peroxyacids, and combinations thereof.
124. The tooth whitening product of claim 123, wherein said tooth whitening active is hydrogen peroxide.
125. The tooth whitening product of any one of claims 119 to 124, wherein the amount of said tooth whitening active is between about 0.5% and about 20% by weight of the tooth whitening product.
126. The tooth whitening product of any one of claims 119 to 125, wherein said tooth whitening substance further comprises water.
127. The tooth whitening product of any one of claims 119 to 126, wherein said thin layer has a length of about 2 cm to about 12 cm.
128. The tooth whitening product of any one of claims 119 to 127, wherein said thin layer has a width of between about 4 cm and about 9 cm.
129. The tooth whitening product of any one of claims 119 to 128, wherein said first polymer is selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl ethyl cellulose, hydroxyl propyl cellulose, polyox resins, polyvinylpyrrolindone, and a combination of carboxymethyl cellulose and a copolymer of methyl vinyl ether and maleic anhydride.
130. The tooth whitening product of any one of claims 119 to 129, wherein said first polymer is a polyox resin.
131. The tooth whitening product of any one of claims 119 to 130, wherein said second polymer is a swellable polymer.
132. The tooth whitening product of claim 131, wherein said second polymer is carboxypolymethylene.
133. A tooth whitening product for application to a plurality of adjacent teeth, comprising: a tooth whitening substance, wherein said tooth whitening substance comprises a first polymer, wherein said first polymer is a polyox resin, a second polymer, a tooth whitening active, and wherein the tooth whitening substance is formed into a thin layer sized to cover said plurality of adjacent teeth, and wherein said thin layer adheres to a plurality of teeth for a sufficient time to allow said tooth whitening active to act upon said plurality of teeth.
134. The tooth whitening product of claim 133, wherein said tooth whitening substance formed into a thin layer is disposed on a flexible strip of material.
135. The tooth whitening product of claim 133 or 134, wherein said polyox resin adheres said tooth whitening active to said plurality of adjacent teeth when said polyox resin combines with saliva.
136. The tooth whitening product of any one of claims 133 to 135, wherein said tooth whitening active is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen peroxide, carbamide peroxide, calcium peroxide, or mixtures thereof.
137. The tooth whitening product of claim 136, wherein said tooth whitening active is hydrogen peroxide.
138. The tooth whitening product of any one of claims 133 to 137, wherein said second polymer is a swellable polymer.
139. The tooth whitening product of claim 138, wherein said second polymer is carboxypolymethylene.
140. The tooth whitening product of any one of claims 133 to 139, further comprising a gelling agent.
141. A tooth whitening product for application to a plurality of teeth, comprising:
a strip of material that conforms to a front surface of a plurality of teeth, and a tooth whitening substance, wherein said tooth whitening substance comprises a first polymer, a second polymer and a tooth whitening active, and wherein said tooth whitening substance is disposed on said strip of material.
a strip of material that conforms to a front surface of a plurality of teeth, and a tooth whitening substance, wherein said tooth whitening substance comprises a first polymer, a second polymer and a tooth whitening active, and wherein said tooth whitening substance is disposed on said strip of material.
142. The tooth whitening product of claim 141, wherein said strip of material is substantially flat prior to use.
143. The tooth whitening product of claim 141 or 142, wherein said tooth whitening product is provided in the form of a laminate.
144. A tooth whitening product, comprising:
a tooth whitening substance, wherein said tooth whitening substance comprises a first polymer, wherein said first polymer is a polyox resin; a second polymer, wherein said second polymer is a carboxypolymethylene; a material selected from the group consisting of glycerin, sorbitol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and a polyhydric alcohol; water; and a tooth whitening active, wherein said tooth whitening active is a peroxide and wherein said polyox resin is adhesive during use and adheres the tooth whitening product to a plurality of teeth for a sufficient time to allow said tooth whitening active to act upon the plurality of teeth.
a tooth whitening substance, wherein said tooth whitening substance comprises a first polymer, wherein said first polymer is a polyox resin; a second polymer, wherein said second polymer is a carboxypolymethylene; a material selected from the group consisting of glycerin, sorbitol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and a polyhydric alcohol; water; and a tooth whitening active, wherein said tooth whitening active is a peroxide and wherein said polyox resin is adhesive during use and adheres the tooth whitening product to a plurality of teeth for a sufficient time to allow said tooth whitening active to act upon the plurality of teeth.
145. Use of a tooth whitening product to whiten teeth, wherein:
said tooth whitening product comprises a strip of material and a tooth whitening substance, wherein said tooth whitening substance comprises a first polymer, a second polymer, and a tooth whitening active;
said tooth whitening substance is disposed on said strip of material;
said tooth whitening product is adapted to be placed on a front surface of teeth; and said strip of material is adapted to be folded onto at least a portion of a back surface of teeth.
said tooth whitening product comprises a strip of material and a tooth whitening substance, wherein said tooth whitening substance comprises a first polymer, a second polymer, and a tooth whitening active;
said tooth whitening substance is disposed on said strip of material;
said tooth whitening product is adapted to be placed on a front surface of teeth; and said strip of material is adapted to be folded onto at least a portion of a back surface of teeth.
146. The use of claim 145, wherein said strip of material is further adapted to conform into a dental arch shape when placed on said front surface of teeth.
147. A tooth whitening product comprising:
a. a strip of flexible material having sufficient size to apply to a front and at least a portion of a back surface of a plurality of teeth;
b. a tooth whitening substance applied to said strip of flexible material such that when said product is placed on said front surface of said tooth, said substance contacts said front surface providing an active onto said front surface.
a. a strip of flexible material having sufficient size to apply to a front and at least a portion of a back surface of a plurality of teeth;
b. a tooth whitening substance applied to said strip of flexible material such that when said product is placed on said front surface of said tooth, said substance contacts said front surface providing an active onto said front surface.
148. The tooth whitening product of claim 147, wherein said tooth whitening substance comprises water, glycerin, hydrogen peroxide, carboxypolymethylene, and a sweetening agent.
149. The tooth whitening product of claim 147, wherein the tooth whitening product is less than 1 mm in thickness.
150. The tooth whitening product of any one of claims 147 to 149, wherein said strip of flexible material has sufficient size to apply to the entire back surface of said plurality of teeth.
151. The use of claim 15, wherein the conformable strip of material is further adapted to conform to the entire back surface of the plurality of teeth.
152. The tooth whitening product of claim 45, wherein said product is applied to the entire rear surface of the plurality of adjacent teeth.
153. The tooth whitening product of claim 45, wherein the flexible strip of material has sufficient flexibility to conform to the entire back surface of the plurality of teeth.
154. The tooth whitening product of claim 63, wherein said product is applied to the entire rear surface of the plurality of adjacent teeth.
155. The tooth whitening product of claim 80, wherein said product is applied to the entire rear surface of the plurality of adjacent teeth.
156. The tooth whitening product of claim 98, wherein said substance is applied to the entire rear surface of the plurality of adjacent teeth.
157. The tooth whitening product of claim 112, wherein said product is applied to the entire rear surface of the plurality of adjacent teeth.
158. The tooth whitening product of claim 121, wherein said strip of material is sized to fold over onto the entire back surface of the teeth.
159. The use of claim 145, wherein a portion of said strip of material is adapted to be folded onto the entire back surface of teeth.
160. The tooth whitening product of claim 1, wherein said strip of flexible material further readily conforms to interstitial tooth spaces without permanent deformation when said product is placed there against.
161. The use of claim 15, wherein said conformable strip of material is further adapted to conform to interstitial tooth spaces without permanent deformation.
162. The tooth whitening product according to any one of claims 59, 110 and 122, wherein said magnesium aluminum silicate is Veegum.TM..
163. The tooth whitening substance of claim 96, wherein said magnesium aluminum silicate is Veegum.TM..
164. The tooth whitening product of claim 50 or 129, wherein said copolymer of methyl vinyl ether and maleic anhydride is Gantrez.TM..
165. The tooth whitening substance of claim 88, wherein said copolymer of methyl vinyl ether and maleic anhydride is Gantrez.TM..
166. A tooth whitening substance for use in the manufacture of a tooth whitening product for application of the substance to a plurality of adjacent teeth, said product comprising:
a. a protective barrier having a sufficient flexibility to form a curved shape on a plurality of adjacent teeth and to readily conform to tooth surfaces without permanent deformation when the product is placed thereagainst; and wherein b. the tooth whitening substance is applied to said protective barrier such that when said product is placed on a surface of said teeth, said substance contacts said surface providing an active onto said surface, said substance also providing adhesive attachment during use between said product and said surface to hold said product in place for a sufficient time to allow said active to act upon said surface; and c. the tooth whitening substance comprises polyvinyl pyrrolidone, water, glycerin, hydrogen peroxide, carboxypolymethylene, a sweetening agent, and a flavouring agent.
a. a protective barrier having a sufficient flexibility to form a curved shape on a plurality of adjacent teeth and to readily conform to tooth surfaces without permanent deformation when the product is placed thereagainst; and wherein b. the tooth whitening substance is applied to said protective barrier such that when said product is placed on a surface of said teeth, said substance contacts said surface providing an active onto said surface, said substance also providing adhesive attachment during use between said product and said surface to hold said product in place for a sufficient time to allow said active to act upon said surface; and c. the tooth whitening substance comprises polyvinyl pyrrolidone, water, glycerin, hydrogen peroxide, carboxypolymethylene, a sweetening agent, and a flavouring agent.
167. Use of a tooth whitening substance in the manufacture of a tooth whitening delivery system for whitening a plurality of adjacent teeth having facial and lingual surfaces, wherein:
said tooth whitening delivery system comprising a barrier and the tooth whitening substance is adapted to be applied to a plurality adjacent teeth such that a first portion of the tooth whitening delivery system is applied to the facial surfaces of the plurality of adjacent teeth, a second portion of the tooth bleaching delivery system is folded about the incisal edge of the plurality of adjacent teeth, and a third portion of the tooth whitening delivery system is applied to at least a portion of the lingual surfaces of the plurality of teeth.
said tooth whitening delivery system comprising a barrier and the tooth whitening substance is adapted to be applied to a plurality adjacent teeth such that a first portion of the tooth whitening delivery system is applied to the facial surfaces of the plurality of adjacent teeth, a second portion of the tooth bleaching delivery system is folded about the incisal edge of the plurality of adjacent teeth, and a third portion of the tooth whitening delivery system is applied to at least a portion of the lingual surfaces of the plurality of teeth.
168. Use of hydrogen peroxide in the manufacture of a tooth whitening product for application to a plurality of adjacent teeth, the product comprising:
a flexible strip of material sized to cover a front surface of a plurality of adjacent teeth without permanent deformation; and a tooth whitening substance comprising polyvinyl pyrrolidone, water, glycerin, the hydrogen peroxide, carboxypolymethylene, a sweetening agent, and a flavouring agent, wherein said product has an overall thickness of less than about 1 mm.
a flexible strip of material sized to cover a front surface of a plurality of adjacent teeth without permanent deformation; and a tooth whitening substance comprising polyvinyl pyrrolidone, water, glycerin, the hydrogen peroxide, carboxypolymethylene, a sweetening agent, and a flavouring agent, wherein said product has an overall thickness of less than about 1 mm.
169. Use of a tooth whitening active in the manufacture of a tooth whitening product for application to a plurality of adjacent teeth, the product comprising:
a flexible strip of material that conforms to the front surface of the plurality of adjacent teeth without permanent deformation; and a substance comprising a plurality of components, wherein a first component is the tooth whitening active and a second component is an adhesive, wherein the first and second components are separate.
a flexible strip of material that conforms to the front surface of the plurality of adjacent teeth without permanent deformation; and a substance comprising a plurality of components, wherein a first component is the tooth whitening active and a second component is an adhesive, wherein the first and second components are separate.
170. Use of a peroxide active in the manufacture of a tooth whitening product for application to a plurality of adjacent teeth, the product comprising:
a flexible strip of material that conforms to the front surface of the plurality of adjacent teeth without permanent deformation; and a substance comprising a plurality of components, wherein a first component is the peroxide active and a second component is an adhesive, wherein the substance is provided as a laminate comprising a first layer and a second layer and the first layer comprises the first component and the second layer comprises the second component.
a flexible strip of material that conforms to the front surface of the plurality of adjacent teeth without permanent deformation; and a substance comprising a plurality of components, wherein a first component is the peroxide active and a second component is an adhesive, wherein the substance is provided as a laminate comprising a first layer and a second layer and the first layer comprises the first component and the second layer comprises the second component.
171. Use of a tooth whitening active in the manufacture of a tooth whitening substance for application to a plurality of adjacent teeth, the substance comprising:
an adhesive;
the tooth whitening active; and wherein the tooth whitening substance was formed into a thin layer sized to cover a plurality of adjacent teeth prior to application to the plurality of adjacent teeth and wherein the adhesive adheres the tooth whitening active to the plurality of adjacent teeth when the adhesive combines with saliva.
an adhesive;
the tooth whitening active; and wherein the tooth whitening substance was formed into a thin layer sized to cover a plurality of adjacent teeth prior to application to the plurality of adjacent teeth and wherein the adhesive adheres the tooth whitening active to the plurality of adjacent teeth when the adhesive combines with saliva.
172. Use of a tooth whitening active in the manufacture of a tooth whitening product for application to a plurality of adjacent teeth, the product comprising:
a strip of flexible material that conforms to the front surface of the plurality of adjacent teeth without permanent deformation;
the tooth whitening substance comprising polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyethylene glycol, water, and the tooth whitening active; and wherein the tooth whitening active adheres to the plurality of adjacent teeth when the polyvinylpyrrolidone combines with saliva.
a strip of flexible material that conforms to the front surface of the plurality of adjacent teeth without permanent deformation;
the tooth whitening substance comprising polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyethylene glycol, water, and the tooth whitening active; and wherein the tooth whitening active adheres to the plurality of adjacent teeth when the polyvinylpyrrolidone combines with saliva.
173. Use of a tooth whitening substance in the manufacture of a tooth whitening product for application of the tooth whitening substance to a plurality of adjacent teeth, said product comprising:
a strip of flexible material having an array of shallow pockets wherein said strip has sufficient flexibility to readily conform to tooth surfaces without permanent deformation when said product is placed thereagainst; and wherein the tooth whitening substance is applied to said strip of material and in a plurality of said shallow pockets such that when said product is placed on a surface of said teeth, said substance contacts said surface providing an active onto said surface, said surface also providing adhesive attachment between said product and said surface to hold said product in place for a sufficient time to allow said active to act upon said surface.
a strip of flexible material having an array of shallow pockets wherein said strip has sufficient flexibility to readily conform to tooth surfaces without permanent deformation when said product is placed thereagainst; and wherein the tooth whitening substance is applied to said strip of material and in a plurality of said shallow pockets such that when said product is placed on a surface of said teeth, said substance contacts said surface providing an active onto said surface, said surface also providing adhesive attachment between said product and said surface to hold said product in place for a sufficient time to allow said active to act upon said surface.
174. Use of a tooth whitening active in the manufacture of a tooth whitening product for application to a plurality of teeth, the tooth whitening product comprising:
a tooth whitening substance wherein said tooth whitening substance comprises a first polymer, a second polymer, and the tooth whitening active, and wherein said tooth whitening product is formed into a thin layer sized to cover a plurality of adjacent teeth, wherein said thin layer is a laminated gel, and wherein said thin layer adheres to a plurality of teeth for a sufficient time to allow said tooth whitening active to act upon said plurality of teeth.
a tooth whitening substance wherein said tooth whitening substance comprises a first polymer, a second polymer, and the tooth whitening active, and wherein said tooth whitening product is formed into a thin layer sized to cover a plurality of adjacent teeth, wherein said thin layer is a laminated gel, and wherein said thin layer adheres to a plurality of teeth for a sufficient time to allow said tooth whitening active to act upon said plurality of teeth.
175. Use of a tooth whitening active in the manufacture of a tooth whitening product for application to a plurality of adjacent teeth, the tooth whitening product comprising: a tooth whitening substance, wherein said tooth whitening substance comprises a first polymer, wherein said first polymer is a polyox resin, a second polymer, and the tooth whitening active, and wherein the tooth whitening substance is formed into a thin layer sized to cover said plurality of adjacent teeth, and wherein said thin layer adheres to a plurality of teeth for a sufficient time to allow said tooth whitening active to act upon said plurality of teeth.
176. Use of a tooth whitening active in the manufacture of a tooth whitening product for application to a plurality of teeth, the tooth whitening product comprising:
a strip of material that conforms to a front surface of a plurality of teeth, and a tooth whitening substance, wherein said tooth whitening substance comprises a first polymer, a second polymer and the tooth whitening active, and wherein said tooth whitening substance is disposed on said strip of material.
a strip of material that conforms to a front surface of a plurality of teeth, and a tooth whitening substance, wherein said tooth whitening substance comprises a first polymer, a second polymer and the tooth whitening active, and wherein said tooth whitening substance is disposed on said strip of material.
177. Use of a peroxide in the manufacture of a tooth whitening product, the tooth whitening product comprising:
a tooth whitening substance, wherein said tooth whitening substance comprises a first polymer, wherein said first polymer is a polyox resin; a second polymer, wherein said second polymer is a carboxypolymethylene; a material selected from the group consisting of glycerin, sorbitol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and a polyhydric alcohol; water; and a tooth whitening active, wherein said tooth whitening active is the peroxide and wherein said polyox resin is adhesive during use and adheres the tooth whitening product to a plurality of teeth for a sufficient time to allow said tooth whitening active to act upon the plurality of teeth.
a tooth whitening substance, wherein said tooth whitening substance comprises a first polymer, wherein said first polymer is a polyox resin; a second polymer, wherein said second polymer is a carboxypolymethylene; a material selected from the group consisting of glycerin, sorbitol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and a polyhydric alcohol; water; and a tooth whitening active, wherein said tooth whitening active is the peroxide and wherein said polyox resin is adhesive during use and adheres the tooth whitening product to a plurality of teeth for a sufficient time to allow said tooth whitening active to act upon the plurality of teeth.
178. Use of a tooth whitening substance in the manufacture of a tooth whitening product to whiten teeth, wherein:
said tooth whitening product comprises a strip of material and the tooth whitening substance, wherein said tooth whitening substance comprises a first polymer, a second polymer, and a tooth whitening active;
said tooth whitening substance is disposed on said strip of material;
said tooth whitening product is adapted to be placed on a front surface of teeth; and said strip of material is adapted to be folded onto at least a portion of a back surface of teeth.
said tooth whitening product comprises a strip of material and the tooth whitening substance, wherein said tooth whitening substance comprises a first polymer, a second polymer, and a tooth whitening active;
said tooth whitening substance is disposed on said strip of material;
said tooth whitening product is adapted to be placed on a front surface of teeth; and said strip of material is adapted to be folded onto at least a portion of a back surface of teeth.
179. Use of a tooth whitening active in the manufacture of a tooth whitening product, the tooth whitening product comprising:
a. a strip of flexible material having sufficient size to apply to a front and at least a portion of a back surface of a plurality of teeth;
b. a tooth whitening substance applied to said strip of flexible material such that when said product is placed on said front surface of said tooth, said substance contacts said front surface providing the active onto said front surface.
a. a strip of flexible material having sufficient size to apply to a front and at least a portion of a back surface of a plurality of teeth;
b. a tooth whitening substance applied to said strip of flexible material such that when said product is placed on said front surface of said tooth, said substance contacts said front surface providing the active onto said front surface.
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US08/870,330 US5879691A (en) | 1997-06-06 | 1997-06-06 | Delivery system for a tooth whitener using a strip of material having low flexural stiffness |
| US08/870,330 | 1997-06-06 | ||
| US09/040,000 US5891453A (en) | 1997-06-06 | 1998-03-17 | Delivery system for a tooth whitener using a strip of material having low flexural stiffness |
| US09/040,000 | 1998-03-17 | ||
| CA002629331A CA2629331A1 (en) | 1997-06-06 | 1998-06-02 | A delivery system for a tooth whitener using a strip of material having low flexural stiffness |
Related Parent Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002629331A Division CA2629331A1 (en) | 1997-06-06 | 1998-06-02 | A delivery system for a tooth whitener using a strip of material having low flexural stiffness |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2705568A1 true CA2705568A1 (en) | 1998-12-10 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2705568A Abandoned CA2705568A1 (en) | 1997-06-06 | 1998-06-02 | A delivery system for a tooth whitener using a strip of material having low flexural stiffness |
| CA002629331A Abandoned CA2629331A1 (en) | 1997-06-06 | 1998-06-02 | A delivery system for a tooth whitener using a strip of material having low flexural stiffness |
Family Applications After (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002629331A Abandoned CA2629331A1 (en) | 1997-06-06 | 1998-06-02 | A delivery system for a tooth whitener using a strip of material having low flexural stiffness |
Country Status (8)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (2) | US5879691A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP1438928B1 (en) |
| KR (4) | KR20040000459A (en) |
| CN (1) | CN1951337A (en) |
| CA (2) | CA2705568A1 (en) |
| CO (1) | CO4940364A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE29824970U1 (en) |
| PE (1) | PE98799A1 (en) |
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Also Published As
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|---|---|
| EP1438928B1 (en) | 2007-08-01 |
| CA2629331A1 (en) | 1998-12-10 |
| KR20040000458A (en) | 2004-01-03 |
| KR20090091220A (en) | 2009-08-26 |
| EP1438928A1 (en) | 2004-07-21 |
| US5879691A (en) | 1999-03-09 |
| US5891453A (en) | 1999-04-06 |
| DE29824970U1 (en) | 2003-11-13 |
| KR20040000459A (en) | 2004-01-03 |
| CN1951337A (en) | 2007-04-25 |
| PE98799A1 (en) | 1999-12-01 |
| KR20010013448A (en) | 2001-02-26 |
| KR100965439B1 (en) | 2010-06-24 |
| CO4940364A1 (en) | 2000-07-24 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20130722 |