U.S. patent number RE34,196 [Application Number 07/743,611] was granted by the patent office on 1993-03-16 for method and material for brightening teeth.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Dunhall Pharmaceuticals, Inc.. Invention is credited to John R. Munro.
United States Patent |
RE34,196 |
Munro |
March 16, 1993 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Method and material for brightening teeth
Abstract
There is disclosed a .Iadd.novel .Iaddend.process and a
.[.material.]. .Iadd.composition .Iaddend.for brightening
teeth.Iadd., together with a novel use of old compositions for
brightening teeth. .Iaddend.The .Iadd.novel .Iaddend.process
.Iadd.and use each comprises .Iaddend..[.comprises.]. the
.[.construction.]. .Iadd.placing .Iaddend.of a splint around the
tooth or teeth to be brightened, .[.followed by the insertion
within the splint of.]. .Iadd.with .Iaddend.a brightening agent
.[.selected from one of many peroxide groups.]. .Iadd.comprising a
composition capable of sustained nascent oxygen release.Iaddend..
The splint is constructed so that the splint is relatively liquid
tight .[.to the gingiva.].. .Iadd.Preferably, .Iaddend.the
brightening agent is periodically renewed .Iadd.during the day
.Iaddend.and can be mixed with various other agents to increase the
nascent oxygen release .[.aerating factors.].. In one embodiment,
the .[.perioxide.]. .Iadd.peroxide .Iaddend.that is used is a 10%
solution of carbamide peroxide mixed with a water free gel.
Inventors: |
Munro; John R. (Knoxville,
TN) |
Assignee: |
Dunhall Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
(Gravette, AR)
|
Family
ID: |
26928795 |
Appl.
No.: |
07/743,611 |
Filed: |
August 7, 1991 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
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235304 |
Aug 23, 1988 |
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Reissue of: |
519318 |
May 4, 1990 |
04990089 |
Feb 5, 1991 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
433/215; 433/80;
424/53 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61C
19/066 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A61C
5/00 (20060101); A61C 19/00 (20060101); A61C
19/06 (20060101); A61C 005/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;433/80,203.1,215,216,229,6,48 ;128/861,862 ;424/616,56,53,70 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
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|
Primary Examiner: O'Connor; Cary E.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Falk; Robert Hardy Vestal; Tom R.
Pinkerton; John P.
Parent Case Text
This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 235,304,
filed Aug. 23, 1988, now abandoned.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. The process of brightening teeth .Iadd.during sleep at night,
.Iaddend.comprising the steps of:
obtaining a substantially liquid tight splint to cover the tooth or
teeth to be brightened;
placing within said splint a brightener agent at the location
within said splint associated with the tooth .[.surfaces.].
.Iadd.or teeth .Iaddend.to be brightened; and
.Iadd.before sleep, .Iaddend.placing the splint containing said
brightener agent around the tooth or teeth to be brightened
.Iadd.for a sufficient number of nights to effect a substantial
brightening of said tooth or teeth.Iaddend..
2. The process of claim 1 wherein .Iadd.the .Iaddend.brightener
agent is a nonaqueous .[.oral.]. peroxy .[.compound.].
.Iadd.composition.Iaddend..
3. The process of claim 2 wherein said brightener agent is mixed
with stannous fluoride.
4. The process of claim 2 wherein said .[.oral.]. peroxy
.[.compound.]. .Iadd.composition .Iaddend.is .[.peroxyl.].
.Iadd.PEROXYL.RTM. .Iaddend.gel mixed with .[.peroxigel.].
.Iadd.PROXIGEL.RTM. .Iaddend.in the ratio of about 3 milliliters of
.[.peroxyl.]. .Iadd.PEROXYL.RTM. gel .Iaddend.to about 1.2 ounces
of .[.proxigel.]. .Iadd.PROXIGEL.RTM..Iaddend..
5. The process of claim .[.1.]. .Iadd.19 .Iaddend.further
comprising the steps of:
periodically removing said splint;
adding additional brightener agent; and
replacing said splint containing said additional brightener agent
around the tooth or teeth to be brightened.
6. The invention set forth in claim .[.5 wherein said periodically
removing step includes the step of obtaining a fresh unused
substantially airtight splint to cover the tooth or teeth to be
brightened, and wherein said replacing step, includes the step of
substituting said fresh splint for said removed splint.]. .Iadd.1,
further comprising the steps of:
periodically removing said splint from said tooth or teeth;
replacing the used brightener agent with new brightener agent
and;
reintroducing the splint with the new brightener agent with said
tooth or teeth.Iaddend..
7. The invention set forth in claim 1 where the splint obtaining
step includes the steps of:
making an impression of the tooth or teeth to be brightened, said
impression including adjacent gingiva;
molding said impression to create a mold of said tooth or teeth to
be brightened;
forming plastic tightly around said mold; and
trimming said formed plastic to fit over said tooth or teeth to be
brightened and over said adjacent gingiva.
8. The invention set forth in claim 7 wherein said trimmed plastic
is between 0.01 inch and 0.1 inch thick.
9. The invention set forth in claim 7 wherein said trimmed plastic
is transparent.
10. The use of a .[.peroxy compound.]. .Iadd.composition capable of
sustained nascent oxygen release .Iaddend.to bleach teeth, wherein
the use .[.consists of.]. .Iadd.comprises.Iaddend.:
bringing said .[.peroxy compound.]. .Iadd.composition .Iaddend.into
physical contact with each said tooth .[.to be cleaned.]. .Iadd.for
sufficient amount of time to effect substantial
brightening.Iaddend.;
.[.creating.]. .Iadd.whereby said composition is retained by
.Iaddend.a mechanical barrier around said .[.peroxy compound
after.]. .Iadd.composition during .Iaddend.said physical contact
.[.is made.]., said mechanical barrier relying upon intimate
contact with the gingiva adjacent the tooth for a substantially
.[.airtight and.]. leakproof seal.
11. The use of a peroxy .[.compound.]. .Iadd.composition
.Iaddend.as set forth in claim 10 wherein physical contact is made
with a plurality of teeth at the same time and wherein said
mechanical barrier extends to all of said plurality of teeth.
12. The use of a peroxy .[.compound.]. .Iadd.composition
.Iaddend.as set forth in claim 11 wherein said mechanical barrier
contour provides means for allowing continued physical contact of
different amounts of said peroxy .[.compound.]. .Iadd.composition
.Iaddend.for different teeth.
13. The use of a peroxy .[.compound.]. .Iadd.composition
.Iaddend.as set forth in claim 12 wherein said last mentioned means
is adjustable.
14. The use of a peroxy .[.compound.]. .Iadd.composition
.Iaddend.as set forth in claim 10 wherein said mechanical barrier
is a splint obtained by the steps of:
making an impression of the tooth or teeth to be brightened, said
impression including adjacent gingiva;
molding said impression to create a mold of said tooth or teeth to
be brightened;
forming plastic tightly around said mold; and
trimming said formed plastic to fit over said tooth or teeth to be
brightened and over said adjacent gingiva.
15. The use of a peroxy .[.compound.]. .Iadd.composition
.Iaddend.as set forth in claim 14 wherein said trimmed plastic is
transparent.
16. The use of a .[.peroxy compound.]. .Iadd.composition
.Iaddend.as set forth in claim 10 wherein said compound is a
mixture of .[.peroxyl.]. .Iadd.PEROXYL.RTM. gel .Iaddend.and
.[.peroxigel.]. .Iadd.PROXIGEL.RTM. .Iaddend.in the ratio of
.Iadd.about .Iaddend.3 milliliters of .[.peroxyl.].
.Iadd.PEROXYL.RTM. gel .Iaddend.to .Iadd.about .Iaddend.1.2 ounces
of .[.peroxigel.]. .Iadd.PROXIGEL.RTM..Iaddend.. .Iadd.17. The
process of claim 2 wherein said nonaqueous peroxy composition
contains
carbamide peroxide and is in a water-free gel base. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.18. The process of claim 1 in which the splint is placed
around the tooth or teeth to be brightened during sleeping for
about four weeks. .Iaddend. .Iadd.19. The process of claim 1 in
which, in addition to placing said splint containing said
brightening agent before sleep at night, said splint is also placed
around the tooth or teeth during the day as well. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.20. The process of claim 19 in which during the day the
brightening agent is renewed several times, each renewal after
several hours. .Iaddend. .Iadd.21. The process of claim 20 in which
during the day the brightening agent is renewed during the day
about every four hours. .Iaddend. .Iadd.22. The process of claim 20
or 21 in which said splint is used during the daytime and during
sleeping for at least about two weeks. .Iaddend. .Iadd.23. The
process of substantially brightening teeth during sleep at night
and during the day, comprising the steps of:
(a) obtaining a substantially liquid tight splint to cover the
tooth or teeth to be brightened;
(b) placing within said splint a brightener agent at the location
within said splint associated with and for physical contact with
each tooth or teeth to be substantially brightened, said brightener
agent comprising a non-aqueous peroxy composition;
(c) before sleep, and during the day as well, placing the splint
containing said peroxy brightener agent around the tooth or teeth
to be substantially brightened, so as to create a mechanical
barrier around the peroxy composition brightener after said
physical contact is made, said mechanical barrier relying upon
intimate contact with the gingiva adjacent the tooth or teeth for a
substantially liquid tight seal, said placement occurring for a
sufficient number of nights and days to effect a
substantial brightening of said tooth or teeth. .Iaddend. .Iadd.24.
The process of claim 23 wherein the non-aqueous peroxy composition
further contains carbamide peroxide and is in a water-free gel
base. .Iaddend. .Iadd.25. The process of claim 23 in which the
brightener agent is renewed several times during the day, each
renewal after several hours. .Iaddend. .Iadd.26. The process of
claim 23 in which the brightener agent is renewed several times
during the day, each renewal after about four hours.
.Iaddend. .Iadd.27. The process of claim 25 or 26 in which said
splint is used during the daytime and during the nighttime for at
least about two weeks. .Iaddend. .Iadd.28. The method of use of
claim 10, wherein the composition capable of sustained release
contains carbamide peroxide. .Iaddend. .Iadd.29. The method of use
of claim 10, wherein the composition comprises a mixture of
PEROXYL.RTM. gel and PROXIGEL.RTM., where the volume ratio of
PEROXYL GEL.RTM. to PROXIGEL.RTM. is about 3 milliliters to about
1.2 ounces. .Iaddend. .Iadd.30. The use of a composition capable of
sustained nascent oxygen release to brighten teeth, wherein the use
comprises:
bringing said composition into physical contact with a sufficient
portion of the surface of each tooth to be brightened for a
sufficient amount of time to effect substantial brightening of said
tooth; and
retaining said composition by a mechanical barrier around said
composition, said mechanical barrier being substantially liquid
tight. .Iaddend. .Iadd.31. The use of claim 30, wherein the
composition contains carbamide
peroxide. .Iaddend. .Iadd.32. The use of claim 31, wherein the
composition comprised a mixture of PEROXYL.RTM. gel and
PROXIGEL.RTM., wherein the volume ratio of PEROXYL.RTM. gel to
PROXIGEL.RTM. is about 3 milliliters to about 1.2 ounces. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.33. The use of claim 30, wherein said composition contains
carbamide peroxide, and the mechanical barrier relies upon intimate
contact with the gingiva adjacent the tooth. .Iaddend. .Iadd.34.
The use of claim 30, wherein said mechanical barrier comprises a
very thin, clear, plastic splint. .Iaddend. .Iadd.35. Composition
comprising a mixture of PEROXYL.RTM. gel and PROXIGEL.RTM., where
the volume ratio of PEROXYL.RTM. gel to PROXIGEL.RTM. is about 3
milliliters to about 1.2 ounces. .Iaddend. .Iadd.36. The use of a
thin plastic splint in a process to accomplish substantial
brightening of a tooth or teeth, comprising:
(a) placing within a custom fitted and trimmed, thin plastic splint
a brightener agent at a location within said splint associated with
and for physical contact with each tooth or teeth to be
substantially brightened, said thin plastic splint custom-formed
and adapted to said tooth or teeth so as to be in substantially
liquid tight engagement when in engagement with said tooth or
teeth; and
(b) placing said splint in substantially liquid tight engagement
with said brightener agent on said tooth or teeth to be brightened
for a time sufficient to effect substantial brightening of said
tooth or teeth.
.Iaddend. .Iadd.37. The use set forth in claim 36 wherein said
trimmed plastic is between 0.01 inch and 0.1 inch thick. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.38. The invention set forth in claim 36 wherein said trimmed
plastic is transparent. .Iaddend. .Iadd.39. In a tooth brightening
article combination, the combination comprising:
(a) a thin wall splint usable for up to about four weeks by the
user, said splint being formed of plastic to fit in liquid tight
configuration to a predetermined tooth or teeth, the ends of the
splint being closed to prevent any substantial leakage of a liquid;
and
(b) a liquid composition capable of sustained nascent oxygen
release, said liquid composition being in sufficient quantity to be
in physical contact with each predetermined tooth or teeth with
said thin wall splint is fitted in said liquid tight configuration
with said tooth or teeth. .Iaddend. .Iadd.40. The tooth brightening
article combination of claim 39 wherein said splint has a wall
thickness of 0.01 inch to 0.1 inch.
.Iaddend. .Iadd.41. In a tooth brightening article combination, the
combination comprising:
(a) a thin wall splint of plastic usable for up to about four weeks
by the user, said splint being formed and trimmed on a mold of a
selected tooth or teeth and surrounding gingiva, the trim of said
splint being such that the thin wall plastic covers at least a part
of the mold section representing gingiva surrounding said tooth or
teeth to form a liquid tight seal therewith, and
(b) a gel base peroxy composition containing carbamide peroxide.
.Iaddend. .Iadd.42. The tooth brightening article combination of
claim 41, wherein said composition is a mixture of about 3
milliliters PEROXYL.RTM. gel to about 1.2 ounces of PROXIGEL.RTM..
.Iaddend. .Iadd.43. A splint for use in holding a liquid tooth
brightening composition in a liquid tight seal against a selected
tooth or teeth and surrounding gingiva, said splint comprising a
sheet of plastic material of determined size and thickness of 0.01
inch to 0.1 inch and heat formed over a mold of said tooth or teeth
and surrounding gingiva, to contour the plastic to said tooth or
teeth and gingiva, the thus formed plastic trimmed to extend at
least partially onto the surrounding gingiva and sealed at its
end(s) to form a liquid tight seal when in place around said tooth
or teeth, said splint usable daily
for about four weeks by the user. .Iaddend. .Iadd.44. A thin formed
plastic splint for minimizing saliva from entering and for
minimizing a solution for brightening teeth from leaking out from a
selected tooth or teeth when said splint is in place, said thin
formed plastic splint being formed by:
(a) making a mold of the selected tooth or teeth and surrounding
gingiva;
(b) placing a sheet of plastic material around said mold of said
tooth or teeth section to be brightened and forming the plastic
material to the contour of said tooth or teeth and surrounding
gingiva section;
(c) trimming the plastic so that it extends at least partially onto
the surrounding gingiva of said tooth or teeth; and
(d) sealing the ends of the splint to minimize a solution in the
thus formed splint from leaking. .Iaddend. .Iadd.45. The thin
formed splint of claim 44, including, prior to placing the sheet of
plastic material around the mold of said tooth or teeth section,
spraying silicone on both sides of the sheet and heating the
plastic sheet. .Iaddend. .Iadd.46. The thin formed splint of claim
44 wherein the thickness of the plastic material is 0.01 to 0.1
inch. .Iaddend. .Iadd.47. A method of brightening teeth
comprising:
(a) fitting the tooth or teeth to be brightened with a thin wall
splint suitable for containing a source of releasable nascent
oxygen, said splint comprising a plastic material having a wall
thickness from between about 0.01 inch and about 0.1 inch and said
splint further comprising a closed chamber around said tooth or
teeth to be brightened, and having a top portion thereof in tight
contact with the gingiva contiguous with the tooth or teeth to be
brightened contained in said chamber, between said top portion of
said splint forms an effective seal with said gingiva, such that
release of nascent oxygen from a source therefore in said chamber
is substantially restricted to said chamber and contact of said
released nascent oxygen with the tooth or teeth in the chamber is
(are) assured substantially free from the flushing effect of
salivary secretions normally present in the mouth;
(b) placing within said splint a source of nascent oxygen;
(c) securing the splint containing said source of nascent oxygen to
the tooth or teeth gingiva to be treated;
(d) maintaining said splint in the mouth until the source of
nascent oxygen in the splint is substantially exhausted; and
(e) repeating steps (b) through (d) until the desired degree of
brightness
is obtained. .Iaddend. .Iadd.48. A tooth brightening, thin wall
splint, suitable for use with a source of nascent oxygen said
splint forming a closed chamber around tooth or teeth to be
brightened, and said splint having (a) a wall thickness from
between about 0.01 inch to about 0.1 inch, and (b) a top portion in
tight contact with the gingiva contiguous to the tooth or teeth to
be brightened, wherein said top portion of said splint forms an
effective seal with said gingiva, such that release of nascent
oxygen from a source located within said chamber is substantially
restricted to said chamber and contact of said released nascent
oxygen with the tooth or teeth in the chamber is (are) assured
substantially free from the flushing effects of salivary secretions
normally present in the mouth. .Iaddend. .Iadd.49. In a method of
brightening teeth, the steps of:
(a) forming a splint to enclose one or more teeth to be brightened,
said splint designed to extend onto the gingiva associated with
said one or more teeth and to fit tightly to minimize saliva from
impacting the enclosed teeth;
(b) placing a brightening solution into the splint;
(c) placing the splint around said one or more teeth and gingiva
for a given period of time, securing the splint from said one or
more teeth;
(d) rinsing said one or more teeth; and
(e) repeating steps (b) through (d) as necessary until the degree
of
desired brightness is achieved. .Iaddend. .Iadd.50. The method of
claim 49 when steps (b) through (d) are repeated while the uses of
the splint is sleeping at night. .Iaddend. .Iadd.51. The method of
claim 49, wherein steps (b) through (d) are repeated during the
day. .Iaddend. .Iadd.52. The method of claim 49, wherein steps (b)
through (d) are repeated (a) while the user of the splint is asleep
at night and (b) during the day. .Iaddend. .Iadd.53. The method of
claim 49, wherein said rinsing in (d) is with a fluoride
composition. .Iaddend. .Iadd.54. The method of brightening teeth,
comprising the steps of:
(a) forming a substantially liquid tight splint to cover the tooth
or teeth to be brightened, including at least part of the gingiva
surrounding said tooth or teeth;
(b) placing about 1 drop per tooth or teeth to be brightened of a
nascent oxygen releasing composition in said splint;
(c) place the splint with said composition around said tooth or
teeth to be brightened and surrounding gingiva to effectively seal
the splint against said gingiva; and
(d) reviewing the composition about every four hours during the
time the splint is worn until the degree of brightness desired is
achieved.
.Iaddend. .Iadd.55. The process of brightening a tooth or teeth,
comprising the steps of:
(a) obtaining a substantially liquid tight splint to cover the
tooth or teeth to be brightened;
(b) placing a brightener agent at the location within said splint
associated with the tooth or teeth to be brightened; and
(c) placing the splint containing said brightener agent around the
tooth or teeth to be brightened for a number of hours a day a
sufficient number of days to effect a substantial brightening of
said tooth or teeth. .Iaddend. .Iadd.56. The method set forth in
claim 55 further comprising the steps of:
(a) periodically removing said splint;
(b) adding additional brightener agent; and
(c) replacing said splint containing said additional brightener
agent
around the tooth or teeth to be brightened. .Iaddend. .Iadd.57. The
method set forth in claim 56, further comprising the steps of:
(a) periodically removing said splint from said tooth or teeth;
(b) replacing the used brightener agent with new brightener agent;
and
(c) reintroducing the splint with the new brightener agent with
said tooth or teeth. .Iaddend. .Iadd.58. The process of brightening
a tooth or teeth, comprising the steps of:
(a) obtaining a substantially liquid tight splint to cover the
tooth or teeth to be brightened;
(b) placing a brightener agent for a number of hours each day at
the location substantially within said splint associated with the
tooth or teeth to be brightened; and
(c) placing the splint containing the brightener agent around the
tooth or teeth to be brightened for a sufficient number of days to
effect a
substantial brightening of said tooth or teeth. .Iaddend. .Iadd.59.
A process of brightening a stained tooth or teeth comprising the
steps of:
obtaining a substantially liquid-tight splint to cover the tooth or
teeth to be brightened;
placing a brightener agent at the location within said splint
associated with the tooth or teeth to be brightened;
placing the splint containing said brightener agent around the
tooth or teeth to be brightened for a number of hours;
periodically removing said splint and adding additional brightener
agent; and
replacing said splint around the tooth or teeth to be brightened.
.Iaddend.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a brightening agent and process for
brightening teeth, and more particularly to such a process that is
user activated and controlled.
DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART
There is no need to dwell on the cosmetic desires of people to have
bright teeth. Over the years many processes have come and gone,
each promising a new breakthrough in teeth brightening. In general,
the processes that work are too costly to use, or require special
training or are harsh on the teeth.
Since tooth stains stem from a large variety of causes, from poor
oral hygiene to the use of drugs (such as tetracycline), to the
smoking of tobacco products, a universal solution has evaded
dentistry. One process for brightening the stains caused by
tetracycline is shown in the Copendium of Continuing Education
(Endodontal) Vol. V, No. 6, June 1984, page 465. This multi-page
brochure outlines the steps a trained professional should take to
perform the process of brightening stained teeth. The results of
this process are mixed at best. The Compendium which is hereby
incorporated by reference, contains a discussion of teeth bleaching
techniques, all of which require the application of heat.
The tooth brightening processes available today rely upon some
physical manipulation of the teeth. The process described in the
above-mentioned publication is one example. Another example is the
use of bonding to cover stained teeth. A common step in all such
processes is that a trained professional must perform every step of
the process. It is the professional who controls the ultimate color
of the teeth and not the patient.
Thus, it is clear that a need exists in the art for a product and
process that can be used safely by any person and whereby the user
can control the degree of brightness of the teeth.
A further need exists in the art for a process of tooth
brightening, coupled with a system for protecting the brightened
teeth from reverting back to their original dull or stained
appearance, the entire system being under control of the user.
The foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent objects of
the present invention. These objects should be construed to be
merely illustrated of some of the more pertinent features and
applications of the invention. Many other beneficial results can be
obtained by applying the disclosed invention in a different manner
or modifying the invention within the scope of the disclosure.
Accordingly, other objects and a fuller understanding of the
invention may be had by referring to the summary of the invention
and the detailed description describing the preferred embodiment in
addition to the scope of the invention defined by the claims taken
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
I have discovered that .[.peroxide compounds.]. .Iadd.certain
compositions, namely those capable of sustained nascent oxygen
release.Iaddend., which have been commercially available for a
number of years and used by professionals and others for a wide
variety of purposes have an unexpected result when used in a very
specific manner.
While it is true that hydrogen peroxide has been known for years to
act as a cleanser for teeth, it is also true that the rapid
decomposition of hydrogen peroxide has limited its usefulness.
Indeed, the procedure discussed above for cleansing tetracycline
stains takes into account this well-known deficiency of hydrogen
peroxide.
The commercial product PROXIGEL.Iadd..RTM..Iaddend., described in
U.S. Pat. No. 3,657,413 issued on Apr. 18, 1972 to M. W. Rosenthal,
which patent is hereby incorporated herein by reference, is one
attempt to overcome the problems of hydrogen peroxide by using urea
peroxide in a slowly dispersable glycerol based solvent. This
combination, according to the above-mentioned patent, improves
sustained nascent oxygen release. It is the nascent oxygen release
which is believed to cause the antiseptic and/or cleansing effect
of the peroxide. PROXIGEL.Iadd..RTM..Iaddend., which is
manufactured by Reed & Carnrick, is a 10% solution of carbamide
peroxide in a water free gel base.
The problem with peroxides is well stated in the Rosenthal patent
as follows:
The principal limitation of commonly used peroxide aqueous
solutions, however, is their brief period of contact and function
.[.an.]. .Iadd.on .Iaddend.oral tissues. Since many oral bacteria,
as well as saliva, contain high concentrations of the enzyme
catalase and other peroxides, the hydrogen peroxide is rapidly
decomposed into gaseous oxygen and water. It is a well known fact
that the antibacterial effects of peroxide are exercised only at
the instant that the peroxide decomposes to release nascent oxygen.
The gaseous oxygen molecules subsequently formed by combination of
the nascent oxygen atoms have no antibacterial effects or tissue
oxygenating potential. Thus, there is only transitory contact of
the active oxygenating agent with the affected tissues.
Furthermore, the low viscosities of water solutions of hydrogen
peroxide itself and the water solutions of hydrogen peroxide-active
salts, do not allow the active material to stay in contact with
affected tissues for as long as is desirable because of the
constant flushing effects of salivary secretions. This tendency
toward rapid decomposition of H.sub.2 O.sub.2 into gaseous oxygen
and water and the rapid removal of peroxide solutions has severely
limited their application to, and utility on, oral tissues.
It would be highly desirable, therefore, to extend the period of
oxygen release from hydrogen peroxide for considerably longer
periods, as well as to increase the period of retention on
tissues.
The Rosenthal patent then goes on to describe a gel form of the
peroxide to allow longer action of the peroxide. The purpose of the
Rosenthal product is for tissue cleansing and antiseptic use.
Subsequent patents, such as U.S. Pat. No. 4,431,631 and
.Badd..[.4,537,413.]..Baddend. .Iadd.4,537,778.Iaddend., issued
Feb. 14, 1984 and Aug. 27, .[.1986.]. .Iadd.1985.Iaddend.,
respectively, deal with the same problem and solve it by creating
various aerating gels for longer adherence to the tissue.Iadd.,
among them being PEROXYL.RTM. gel.Iaddend..
In contrast to the prior art, the process of this invention begins
with a professional making a splint for the user. The splint is,
advantageously, made from a clear, very thin plastic material and
is designed to extend onto the user's gingiva and to fit tightly
thereto so as to minimize .[.air or.]. saliva from impacting the
enclosed teeth. The splint is designed to fit one or more teeth as
desired. The user then places a drop or two of the cleanser
solution such as the peroxide based PROXIGEL.Iadd..RTM. .Iaddend.
solution discussed above) into the splint and places the splint,
with the solution inside, around the tooth or teeth and over a
portion of the gingiva.
The patient then wears the splint for a number of hours, removes
the splint, rinses the teeth, preferably with a fluoride
.[.compound.]. .Iadd.composition.Iaddend., and then, repeats the
process.Iadd., reintroducing the splint with the new brightener
agent in substantially liquid tight engagement into the
mouth.Iaddend.. Those users who wish to brighten their teeth slowly
will wear the splint only while sleeping. This method will usually
take about four weeks to show dramatic results. Others, who desire
faster whitening, may choose to wear the splint during the day as
well. This is possible because of the transparent, thin nature of
the splint. .[.When.]. .Iadd.After a number of days when
.Iaddend.the degree of brightness desired by the user is achieved,
the user stops using the splint.
The tightly fitting splint serves the dual purpose of physically
restraining the solution from evaporating or migrating away from
the teeth, and also preventing the destruction of the oxygenating
properties of the peroxide. Dramatic results have been demonstrated
with this procedure.
Thus, it is a feature of my invention to have a professional
prepare for the user a splint designed to tightly fit around the
tooth or teeth to be brightened .Iadd.in substantial liquid-tight
engagement.Iaddend., have the user place a solution of peroxide
within the tooth cavity formed in the splint and then to insert the
splint around the proper tooth or teeth. .Iadd.By the term
"substantially liquid tight", I mean engagement between a
custom-made splint and the teeth/tooth effectively tight to (a)
minimize saliva from impacting the teeth/tooth enclosed within the
splint, (b) restrain physically the cleaning/brightening solution
from evaporating or migrating away from the teeth, and (c) prevent
the destruction of the oxygenation properties of the peroxide.
.Iaddend.The user then periodically replenishes the peroxide and
repeats the process until the desired amount of brightness is
achieved.
The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the more pertinent and
important features of the present invention in order that the
detailed description of the invention that follows may be better
understood so that the present contribution to the art can be more
fully appreciated. Additional features of the invention will be
described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the
invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art
that the conception and the specific embodiment disclosed may be
readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other
structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present
invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art
that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit
and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the
invention, reference should be .[.head.]. .Iadd.made .Iaddend.to
the following detailed description taken in connection with the
accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 shows a set of upper teeth and a full splint therefore;
FIG. 2 shows the splint positioned on the teeth;
FIG. 3 shows a set of upper teeth and two partial splints
therefore; and the two partial splints of FIG. 3 positioned on the
teeth.
Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the
several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DISCUSSION
FIG. 1 illustrates a mold 14 a full tooth mold made in a
traditional way by the dentist. In this discussion, we can assume
that mold 14 is in fact a representation of the actual mouth of a
patient having gingiva 13 with teeth 15 extending therefrom. Of
course, in our example mold 14 contains all of its teeth. This, as
will be seen, is not necessarily critical to the functioning of the
invention. In addition, many people have teeth which are not fully
aligned. This again, is not a problem, since the splint, (as will
be discussed) will allow for individual tooth differences. FIG. 1
also shows splint 10 made by the dental professional in a manner to
be more fully detailed hereinafter. At this point, it is sufficient
to note that splint 10 has sealed end portions 102 and 103 and
inter proximal portions 104 within the splint 10. The person
wishing to brighten his or her teeth obtains the cleaning solution
101 (which will be discussed in more detail hereinafter) and places
within the tooth cavity 11 of the splint a few drops 12 of the
solution.
As shown in FIG. 2, the splint is then positioned by the user
around teeth 15 and gingiva 13 making a substantially
.[.air-tight.]. .Iadd.liquid-tight .Iaddend.seal 202 between the
top portion of splint 10 and gingiva 13.
FIG. 3 shows the same mouth mold 14 with two partial splints 30 and
31. Splint 30 covers some of the front teeth whole splint 31 covers
three of the molars. It should be noted the splints 30 and 31 can
be constructed to cover any number of teeth, from a single tooth to
a full splint. The ends of splint 30 have closed end portions 303
and 304 formed to prevent cleansing solution 12 from leaking out of
the splint. Splint 31 has end portions 301 and 302 similarly
designed.
.Iadd.The mold 14 in .Iaddend.FIG. 4 shows partial splints 30 and
31 positioned around their respective teeth .Iadd.with gingiva area
13.Iaddend., each forming a substantially .[.air.]. .Iadd.liquid
.Iaddend.tight seal with their adjacent gingiva. .Iadd.Again as in
FIG. 3 partial splints 30 and 31 have closed end portions 302 and
303. .Iaddend.
Once the splint is in place, the user then wears the splint for a
number of hours, removes the splint, rinses the teeth, preferably
with a fluoride .[.compound.]. .Iadd.composition.Iaddend., and then
repeats the process. For users who wish to brighten their teeth
slowly, wearing the splint only while sleeping will suffice. This
method will usually take about four weeks to show dramatic results.
Others, who desire faster whitening, may choose to wear the splint
during the day as well. This is possible because of the
transparent, thin nature of the splint. When the degree of
brightness desired by the user is achieved, the user stops wearing
the splint.
One method of creating the splint includes the following steps:
(a) making a mold of the tooth or teeth to be cleaned in the
traditional manner, well-known to dental professionals and as shown
in FIG. 1;
(b) obtaining a sheet of plastic material of the appropriate size
and between 0.01 inch and 0.1 inch thick depending upon the
application;
(c) placing the sheet in a holder;
(d) spraying silicone on both sides of the plastic sheet;
(e) heating the plastic sheet on one side only until it becomes
clear;
(f) placing the clear plastic over the prepared model (missing
teeth can be replaced with denture teeth or metal crown forms) or
over only the teeth representative of the teeth to be cleaned.
(g) immediately pressing molding putty against the heated plastic,
using fingers to contour the heated plastic over the model;
(h) removing the model and trimming the plastic; and
(i) sealing the ends of the splint to minimize .[.air and.]. saliva
from entering and to minimize solution from leaking (or .[.bring.].
.Iadd.being .Iaddend.sucked) out.
Another method of forming the splint would be to use the omnivac
method now commonly employed in dentist offices for other dental
applications. It is important to note, however, that any method of
constructing a splint is acceptable. Advantageously, the splint
should be resilient to allow the user to remove and replace the
splint around the tooth or teeth.
The solution that is inserted in the splint can be selected from
the peroxy compounds, and can be the above-mentioned
PROXIGEL.Iadd..RTM. .Iaddend.oral cleanser. One drop per tooth has
shown to be sufficient to begin the cleaning process. Renewing the
solution every 4 hours has shown to be effective in substantially
brightening teeth within two weeks to a point where the difference
in brightness (before and after) is readily apparent even to the
untrained eye. The longevity of the brightness, or to say if the
other way, the amount of time it takes for the stains or yellowing
to return will depending upon conditions in the mouth.
This procedure has been demonstrated to clean yellow teeth, teeth
dark from tetracycline, dark from reaction to orthodontics and
teeth dark from unknown causes. In most situations, the compound
used was a 10% solution of carbamide peroxide. Tests have shown the
preferred cleaning solution to be .[.peroxyl.]. .Iadd.PEROXYL.RTM.
.Iaddend.gel mixed with .[.peroxigel.]. .Iadd.PEROXIGEL.RTM.
.Iaddend.in a ratio of 3 .[.millileters.]. .Iadd.milliliters
.Iaddend.of .[.peroxyl.]. .Iadd.PEROXYL.RTM..Iaddend.gel to 1.2
ounces of .[.peroxyl.]. .Iadd.PROXIGEL.RTM. .Iaddend.. Greater than
3 milliliters of .[.peroxyl.]. .Iadd.PROXIGEL.RTM. .Iaddend.reduces
the viscosity to a point where it is not easily retained in the
splint. Stannous fluoride .Iadd.compositions.Iaddend., or other
fluoride(s) .Iadd.compositions .Iaddend.can be mixed with the
cleaner to provide greater benefits, if desired. Other compounds
used with this method have shown good results.
One advantage of this procedure is that the teeth are cleaned
uniformly and at the same time. Thus, a person does not have each
tooth a different color, even for a few days. This is of particular
importance where teeth are misaligned or not straight. The splint
.[.holes.]. .Iadd.holds .Iaddend.the cleaning solution against the
teeth and even brightening is achieved. Of course, when and if it
is observed that one portion of teeth is becoming brighter than
another, the splint can be modified to allow different amounts of
fluid into contact with different teeth. This can be done with
separate splints, or with splints divided into sections internally
by physical barriers. The physical barriers can be part of the
splint structure or added temporarily for periods of time. This is
shown by barrier 305 in FIG. 3. Barrier 305 can be, for example,
.[.cemented.]. .Iadd.placed .Iaddend.in position between teeth to
allow for separate application of cleansing material in each
section. The dental professional can adjust the positioning of the
barrier by removing and .[.recementing.]. .Iadd. replacing
.Iaddend.the barrier, or by other means.
The present disclosure includes that contained in the appended
claims as well as that of the foregoing description. Although this
invention has been described in its preferred form with a certain
degree of particularity, it is understood that the present
disclosure of the preferred form has been made only by way of
example and that numerous changes in the details of construction
and the combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *