BE1020085A3 - FOAM STRIP FOR ISSUE OF ORAL CARE COMPOSITIONS. - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a foam strip formed for use on the irregular surface of an individual's front teeth and / or gums, and which strip is provided with one or more oral care compositions for delivery to the individual's teeth and / or gums. The invention also relates to a dental applicator for applying the strip to the palate of an individual and capable of enhancing the effect of the oral care composition by heat, light or mechanical or electrical stimulation. It also relates to a kit comprising the foam strip.

Description

FOAM STRIP FOR ISSUE OF ORAL CARE COMPOSITIONS

The present invention relates to a foam strip formed for use on the irregular surface of an individual's front teeth and / or gums, and which strip is provided with one or more oral care compositions for delivery to the individual's teeth and / or gums. The invention also relates to a dental device for applying the strip, which connects to the palate of an individual and which is able to increase the effect of the oral care composition by means of heat, light and / or mechanical or electrical stimulation. The invention also relates to a kit comprising a foam strip according to the invention.

Dental strips are known from the prior art, for example from U.S. Pat. Nos. US 6,551,579 and no. US 6,045,88 for the release of active ingredients for oral care. In view of this state of the art, there is a need for a dental strip that achieves good penetration of the teeth without discomfort to the patient due to excessive pressure. Moreover, there is a need to solve the problem of extra saliva due to the presence of the strip in the mouth. A strip with harmful substances such as bleaching agents causes excess saliva in the oral cavity. There is also a need for a dental strip for use in teeth whitening that indicates the progress of the bleaching process.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a new dental care strip which solves the problems associated with those known in the art.

An embodiment of the present invention is a polyurethane foam strip 1 with chemically inert, flexible and hydrophilic polyurethane foam formed for use on the uneven surface of front teeth and / or gums of an individual, and which strip is provided with one or more oral care compositions for delivery to teeth and / or gums of the individual.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a strip as described above, with a liquid absorption capacity of the foam after compression between 10 and 14 g of water / g of foam. Another embodiment of the present invention is a strip as described above, with a density of the foam between 80 to 90 kg / m3. Yet another embodiment of the present invention is a strip as described above, wherein the cell structure of the foam is equal to or less than 220 micrometers.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a strip as described above, with an oral care composition containing one or more whiteners for teeth. Another embodiment of the present invention is a strip as described above, with a whitener for teeth selected from metal ion free peroxides, organic peroxides, metal ion containing peroxides, metal chlorites, perborates, percarbonates, peroxyacids, monopersulfate, oxone, ammonium persulfate, potassium persulfate, potassium monopersulfate, potassium peroxymonosulfate, potassium bisulfate, potassium sulfate and potassium peroxidisulfate, hydrogen peroxide, calcium peroxide, carbamide peroxide, urea peroxide, sodium percarbonate, sodium perborate, calcium hydroxide, calcium chlorite, barium chlorite magnesium chlorite, lithium chlorite, potassium chlorate, magnesium chlorate, magnesium chlorate, magnesium chlorate, potassium chlorate urea, and mixtures and derivatives thereof.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a strip as described above, with an oral care composition containing one or more phosphates. Another embodiment of the present invention is a strip as described above, wherein a phosphate is selected from pyrophosphates, polyphosphates, polyphosphonates and mixtures thereof.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a strip as described above, with an oral care composition comprising one or more fluoride ions selected from the group consisting of sodium fluoride, potassium fluoride and ammonium fluoride.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a strip as described above, with an oral care composition comprising one or more antimicrobial agents. Another embodiment of the present invention is a strip as described above, with an antimicrobial agent selected from 5-chloro-2- (2,4-dichlorophenoxy) phenol, phthalic acid and salts, substituted monoperthalic acid and salts and esters, magnesium monoperoxyesters phthalate , chlorhexidine, alexidine, hexetidine, sanguinarin, benzalkonium chloride, salicylanilide, domiphen bromide, cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), tetradecylpyridinium chloride (TPC), N-tetradecyl-4-ethylpyridinium chloride (TDEPC); octenidine; delmopinol, octapinol, nicin preparations, zinc / stanno-ion agents, augmentin, amoxicillin, tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline, metronidazole, thymol, geraniol, carvacrol, citral, hinokitiol, eucalyptol, catechol, 4-allylate catechylate, hydrogenate catezate, metalicate chorlitic.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a strip as described above, with an oral care composition comprising one or more anti-inflammatory agents. Another embodiment of the present invention is a strip as described above, with an anti-inflammatory agent selected from a ketorolac, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, naproxen, indomethacin, aspirin, ketoprofen, piroxicam and meclofenamic acid.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a strip as described above, with an oral care composition comprising one or more nutrients. Another embodiment of the present invention is a strip as described above, wherein the nutrients are selected from vitamins, oral nutritional supplements and / or enteral nutritional supplements.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a strip as described above, with an oral care composition comprising one or more enzymes. Another embodiment of the present invention is a strip as described above, wherein the enzyme is selected from proteases, glucanohydrolases, endoglycosidases, amylases, mutanases, lipases and mucinases.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a strip as described above, with an oral care composition comprising one or more antioxidants. Another embodiment of the present invention is a strip as described above, with an antioxidant selected from vitamin E1 ascorbic acid, uric acid, carotenoids, vitamin A, flavonoids and polyphenols, vegetable antioxidants, melatonin aminoindoles and lipoid acids.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a strip as described above, with an oral care composition comprising 5 to 8% peroxide, potassium nitrate, fluoride and glycerin.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a strip as described above, with an oral care composition comprising one or more gelling agents. Another embodiment of the present invention is a strip as described above, with a gelling agent selected from carboxypolymethylene, carboxymethylcellulose, carboxypropyl cellulose, polyoxamers, carrageenan, Veegum, carboxyvinyl polymers, and natural gums such as gum karaya, xanthan gum, guar gum, gum arabic and gum tragacanth.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a strip as described above, wherein said oral care composition is applied on the reverse side. Another embodiment of the present invention is a strip as described above, with the front face printed.

Another embodiment of the present invention is the use of the strip as described above for the delivery of one or more oral care compositions to the individual's teeth and / or gums.

Another embodiment of the present invention is the use of the strip as described above in combination with a dental gutter or bracket.

Another embodiment of the present invention is the use as described above, wherein said dental gutter or bracket is capable of enhancing the effect of the oral care composition by means of heat, light and / or mechanical or electrical stimulation. Another embodiment of the present invention is the use as described above for bleaching teeth.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a strip with one or more foam strips as described above.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a kit comprising one or more foam strips as described above and a dental gutter or bracket.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a kit as described above, wherein the gear rack or tray is provided with means to enhance the effect of the oral care composition by means of heat, light and / or mechanical or electrical stimulation.

Figure 1 is a representation of an embodiment of a foam strip with the front face (1a), the top edge (1b) and the reverse side (c).

Figure 2 is a view of two foam strips according to the present invention applied to the irregular surfaces of the upper and lower dental arch.

Figure 3 is a representation of a foam strip according to the present invention applied by means of a dental gutter.

Figure 4 is a view of two foam strips on the upper and lower tooth arch, respectively, by means of an upper and lower bracket.

The present invention relates to a foam strip formed for use on an irregular surface of an individual's front teeth and / or gums, which strip is provided with one or more oral care compositions for delivery to the individual's teeth and / or gums. The irregular surface is the surface of the teeth in the immediate vicinity of the lips. The front teeth are at least those teeth that are visible through the opened lips when the jaws are closed.

According to the drawings, and in particular Figure 1a (front view), 1b (top view) and 1c (rear view), the strip 1 is predominantly elongated and flat. One or more oral care compositions are applied to at least a portion of the strip 1. These may be uniformly and continuously applied to the strip, but may also be laminated or arranged in separate layers of components, for example as an amorphous mixture of components, in separate stripes, spots or patterns of various components, or in a combination of these structures, including, for example, two continuous stripes of oral care composition along a longitudinal axis at the rear of strip 2.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the dental care composition is uniformly applied over the back side of the foam strip 1. It is an aspect of the invention that the composition forms a concentration gradient of the strip, which can run in the direction of the width or length of the strip, or in both directions. The foam strip can thus be provided with a higher concentration of bleaching composition in the center and at the bite edges of the strip, and a lower concentration at the ends of the strip both in the longitudinal and in the width directions. Alternatively or additionally, the foam strip may be provided with a higher concentration of bleaching composition in the area of the front incisors, and a lower concentration on the sides. In another embodiment, the concentration of the dentistry composition may vary across different strips in the same package.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a foam strip has contact with both the gums and the teeth, and the strip is provided with a different care composition for each of the teeth and the gums. For example, the part of the strip in contact with the teeth may be provided with a bleaching agent for teeth, while the part in contact with the gums may be provided with vitamins and / or other substances for promoting the gums or with a substance which reduces gum sensitivity or with an antioxidant chemical substance. This configuration can also be provided in a gradient.

The foam strip 1 is made of a flexible hydrophilic, chemically inert polyurethane foam, preferably of medical quality. The foam preferably has no memory effect, i.e. it returns to its original shape after compression or treatment. The strip preferably comprises a continuous strip of foam. The hydrophilic polyurethane foams are manufactured according to the technology of hydrophilic polyurethane prepolymers. The prepolymer used in the process of the invention is preferably an isocyanate-coated polyether, such as a polyethylene oxide or an ethyleneoxy / propyleneoxy copolymer. A suitable prepolymer is described in GB-A-1429711, WO96 / 16099, US 6,271,277 and in US 4,008,189. Suitable prepolymers are commercially available under the trademark HYPOL (Dow Chemical) or Optipol (LM). The presence of unreacted isocyanate groups in the prepolymer mixed with suitable amounts of ether leads to the formation of the foam structure. Furthermore, an important aspect of the foam is that no metal catalysts (such as Sn (M)) are used for the manufacture of the prepolymer or for the manufacture of the foam itself.

A foam can be prepared by any method that yields suitable foam for the present invention. According to an embodiment of the invention, a flexible hydrophilic foam can be prepared according to the method described in US 4,008,189 from a reaction mixture consisting of an organic polyisocyanate, a foaming agent, a catalyst and three polyether polyols, namely a. A first polyol with a molecular mass of about 3000 5000 being the product of oxyalkylation of an aliphatic triol first with ethylene oxide and then with propylene oxide in a mole ratio of ethylene oxide: propylene oxide from about 0.3: 1 to about 1.6: 1, which first polyol is used in a weight ratio from about 10 to about 50 percent of the total weight of the three polyols, e.g. a second polyol with a molecular mass of about 2000-5000 which is the product of oxyalkylation of an aliphatic diol first with ethylene oxide and then with propylene oxide in a mole ratio ethylene oxide: propylene oxide of about 0.3: 1 to about 1.4: 1, which second polyol is used in a weight ratio of about 20-50 percent of the total weight of the three polyols, and c. a third polyol with a molecular mass of about 2400-5000 that is the product of oxyalkylation of an aliphatic triol with any mixture of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, the content of ethylene oxide in the mixture being about 5-25 wt%, and which third polyol is used in an amount of about 10-50 percent of the total weight of the said three polyols.

According to an aspect of the invention, the density of the foam is 70 to 130 kg / m3, 80 to 120 kg / m3, 80 to 110 kg / m3, or 80 to 100 kg / m3, preferably 80 to 90 kg / m3. Density can be measured according to the test EN / ISO 845: 1988 Mod2.

The foam according to the invention preferably has an open-cell, very fine cell structure. According to another aspect of the invention, the cell structure (Visiocell) of the foam has an average diameter equal to or less than 50, 100, 150, 200, 220, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500 micrometers or a value between in the range between two of the aforementioned diameters. The diameter is preferably smaller than 220 micrometers, and preferably even between 100 to 150 micrometers.

According to another aspect of the invention, the outflow of the foam is equal to or lower than 500, 450, 400, 350, 300, 250, 300, 150, 100, 50, 25, 10, 6, 5.4, 3, 2 or 1 s or a value in the range between two of the aforementioned values. This value is preferably between 1 and 5 s or less than 5 s. The drainage can be measured according to the standard test or according to the method described in EP 1493452.

According to another aspect of the invention, the liquid absorption capacity of the foam after draining is equal to or higher than 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 g water / g foam or a value in the range between two of the aforementioned values. It is preferably between 18 and 20 g of water / g of foam. The liquid capacity of the foam after draining can be measured according to the standard test method described in EN 13726-1 or according to the method described in EP 1493452.

According to another aspect of the invention, the liquid capacity of the foam after saturation is equal to or higher than 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 , 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 29, 20 g water / g foam or a value in the range between two of the aforementioned values. It is preferably higher than 1.5 g of water / g of foam. The liquid capacity of the foam after compression can be measured according to the method described in EP 1493452.

According to another aspect of the invention, the liquid capacity of the foam after compression is equal to or higher than 4.5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 29, 20 g water / g foam or a value in the range between two of the aforementioned values, and preferably between 10 and 14 g water / g foam. The liquid capacity of the foam after compression can be measured according to a standard test described in EN 13726-1 above.

The strip is preferably made from VIVO foam MCF.03 or an equivalent thereof (Copura / Reticel). For the sake of clarity, the properties of MCF.03 are shown in Table 1. However, it is not intended to limit the present invention to foam with the special properties of MCF.03. It is an embodiment of the invention that a foam has the characteristics indicated in Table 1 with a tolerance of +/- 20%, +/- 18%, +/- 16%, +/- 14%, +/- 12 %, +/- 10% and preferably +/- 20%.

Table 1:

Table 1: Average data of VIVO foam MCF.03 MVTR stands in Table 1 for "Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate", a measure for the transport or transition of gaseous water through a barrier. This property or characteristic is also known as "WVTR" or "Water Vapor Transmission Rate". Moisture resistance is often measured in a special room, vertically arranged by the substrate / barrier material. A dry atmosphere in one room, and a damp atmosphere in the other. A 24-hour test is performed to see how much moisture is migrating through the substrate / barrier from the "wet" room to the "dry" room. Standard test procedures (TAPPI T-464, ASTM E96) can specify one of the five combinations of temperature and humidity in the "wet" room. ER / RR is a measure of the tensile strength (in kPa) and the elongation at break. It is described in the ISO 1798: 1997 standard. CDH provides a method for calculating the compressive stress of cellular flexible polymers with a density of less than 250 kg / m3. The compressive stress / elongation characteristic is a measure of the bearing properties of the material. It is described in the ISO 3386-1: 1986 standard.

The foam is preferably a heat conductor (so no insulating agent).

The inventors have found that the use of a hydrophilic polyurethane foam provides several advantages for the release of an agent. The foam is soft and flexible at the edges of the mouth surface and can thus distribute the mouth care products evenly over the surface. The soft texture of the foam gives no or hardly any wear to the mouth surface, so that the strip can be worn continuously without irritation. The flexibility of the foam strip 1 allows the edges of the mouth surface to be covered with a minimal external force. The flexibility of the foam is such that the inherent forces of the foam are not large enough to return the foam to its original flat condition and to pull it away from the teeth and / or gums. The foam is also susceptible to use with glues, gutters or braces that bend or bend the foam strip and shape it on the teeth and / or gums.

As shown in Figure 2, the foam strip 1 can be applied to the teeth of the upper gear ring 21 and / or the lower tooth ring 22. The flexibility allows the foam strip 1 to cover the teeth of the mouth surface with a minimal external force. Thus, the strip 1 can be held in place by means of weak adhesives, and yet provide sufficiently close coherence between the enamel and strip 1 for an efficient delivery of the oral care compositions.

The foam strip 1 can also be used in combination with dental aids such as a gutter or a brace. These devices are adapted to the teeth and comprise a means for supporting and / or clamping a foam strip 1 during the treatment. It is also an aspect of the invention that the dental device provides additional functionalities such as, for example, heat, light and / or mechanical and / or electrical stimulation to enhance the effect of the oral care composition. When used in combination with a gutter or bracket, the pressure from the device to the enamel of the teeth is absorbed by the foam strip 1. The foam protects the user of the bracket or gutter and distributes the pressure thereof on the teeth. The hydrophilic properties of the foam prevents leakage of the oral care composition outside the intended release area, for example, outside the surface of the foam that contacts the mouth surface. When the foam strip 1 is used to separate corrosive substances such as bleaching agents, the harmful effects resulting from its application to areas other than the enamel are minimized.

In use, the foam appears to swell, leading to an improved device and an improved application to the mouth surface.

Often a strip causes extra saliva in the mouth. For example, swallowing the saliva during tooth whitening is often unhealthy because the saliva is contaminated with bleach. Swallowing saliva contaminated with peroxide can cause local irritation and allergies. For example, an individual may experience discomfort during treatment by refraining from swallowing. Due to the high absorption capacity and the retention or absorption capacity of the foam, the strip of the present invention removes the excess saliva and prevents the leakage of harmful or unhealthy substances from the oral cavity. The foam strip reduces the build-up of excessive saliva so that the strip can also be worn for a long time.

The foam strip 1 facilitates the steady and controlled release of oral care means by means of a low pressure contact surface over which the means can move. Unlike other delivery agents, no abrasive and invasive measures are required to release the substance. The release rate can be controlled by the viscosity of the oral care composition.

The hydrophilic nature of the foam also makes it possible to absorb waste, for example more hydrophilic components such as tartar and other components when discolouring teeth by means of a bleaching agent. The dissolved impurities are absorbed by the hydrophilic foam, so that a new surface is exposed for reaction with the bleaching agent.

In addition, the user can see the progress of the bleaching process by applying a light foam (for example cream or white). Since the dissolved impurities are absorbed in the foam, the surface of the foam discolors as the dissolved impurities are removed. Thus the foam gives an indication of the progress of the treatment and this is complete when the foam does not discolour further.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the strip 1 is smaller than 0.5, 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, 2.5, 3 mm, 3.5 mm, 4 mm, 2.5, 5 mm, 5.5 mm, 6 mm, 6.5, 7 mm, 7.5 mm, 8 mm, 8.5 mm, 9 mm, 9.5, 10 mm, 10.5 mm or 11 mm thick, or with a thickness between two of the aforementioned values. The foam strip 1 is preferably between 4 mm and 8 mm thick.

The shape of the strip 1 is any desired shape and size that covers the teeth and / or gums of the individual. The strip 1 can be provided with rounded edges, square corners, curved edges or corners for insertion into the mouth and close interaction with the teeth. The strip 1 can be diamond-shaped, trapezoidal or isosceles trapezoidal, or take a shape according to Figure 1. According to an embodiment, the width of the strip at the edges can be smaller so that the strip does not come into contact with gums or the inside of the jaw, which is not appropriate, for example, when the

Strip is provided with peroxide. According to an embodiment of the invention, the length of the strip 1 can be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 cm, and a value between two of said distances. The foam strip is preferably between 5 and 8 cm. According to an embodiment of the invention, the width of the strip 1 can be less than 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1 , 5, 2, 2.5, or 3 cm, and a value between two of said distances. The foam strip is preferably between 0.5 and 0.9 cm wide.

The foam strip 1 can be provided with cavities as reservoirs for the oral care compositions. Preferably a strip contains a series of cavities. The cavities can be less than 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, 0.1 mm deep or a value between two of these depths. The cavities can be less than 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 mm, or a value between two of said distances. The cavities are preferably 0.5 mm deep and 4 mm wide.

The oral care composition may be provided in the cavities in the foam as described above, in the body of the foam itself on one or both surfaces of the foam strip 1, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the oral care composition is applied to a surface of the foam strip 1. It is an aspect of the invention that the front surface of the foam strip 1 (Figure 1a) is not printed for contact with the teeth. By printing, said surface is colored and provided with a pattern, graphic or photo, written information provided or a combination thereof. When the surface is printed with written information, which information may be, for example, instructions for use, or an indication of the oral care composition, etc.

The oral care composition according to the present invention contains one or more oral care products. Said agents include any substance that is generally considered safe for use in the mouth and that can promote the overall health of the oral cavity, and in particular the condition of the mouth surfaces that the mouth care touches. Oral care compositions according to the present invention may contain one or more agents known in the art. The following is a non-exhaustive list of oral care products that can be used in the present invention, either individually or as a combination of two or more such agents.

Preferably, the viscosity of the dental or oral care composition is less than 2500, 5,000, 10,000, 15,000 cP at a shear rate of 50 per second. The viscosity can be controlled by adding glycerin or wetting agents such as sorbitol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol and other edible polyhydric alcohols. Preferably, the dental composition contains little or no binder. It is an aspect of the invention that the dentistry composition contains an aroma such as herb mint or peppermint. It is another aspect of the present invention that the preferred composition contains a detergent or soap (e.g., polysorbate 80).

A composition according to the present invention may contain one or more whiteners (bleaching agents) for teeth. Examples of such brighteners are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, oxygen radical agent such as metal ion free peroxides, organic peroxides, metal ion containing peroxides, metal chlorite, perborates, percarbonates, peroxyacids, and combinations thereof. Specific, non-limiting examples of brighteners suitable for the present invention are redox agents such as monopersulfate, oxone, ammonium persulfate, potassium persulfate, potassium monopersulfate, potassium peroxymonosulfate, potassium bisulfate, potassium sulfate, and potassium peroxidisulfate. Additional specific, non-limiting examples of brighteners suitable for the device according to the invention are the peroxides such as hydrogen peroxide, calcium peroxide, carbamide peroxide (is the same as carbamide peroxide), sodium percarbonate, sodium perborate, calcium hydroxide, calcium chlorite, barium chlorite, magnesium chlorite, lithium chlorite, potassium chlorate, hypochlorite, chlorine dioxide, magnesium carbonate and is equal to carbamide peroxide and mixtures and derivatives thereof.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the whitener mouth-care composition comprises peroxide, potassium nitrate, fluoride, and an edible maltable alcohol.

If the peroxide is hydrogen peroxide, the concentration may be equal to or less than 0.01, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 , 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29.30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35% peroxide, or a value within the range of one of the two aforementioned concentrations. It may be between 0.01 and 35%, more preferably 5 to 25%, more preferably 5 and 10%, most preferably 5 to 8%. The concentration of H 2 O 2 in combination with one of the above compounds can also be such that H 2 O 2 is released in an amount of 0.01 to 35%, more preferably 5 to 25%, more preferably 5 and 10%, most preferably 5 and 8%.

The concentration of potassium nitrate is between 0 and 15%, preferably between 0 to 5% and most preferably between 0.01 and 2%.

The fluoride can be any chemical composition capable of releasing fluoride ions in a concentration of 0 to 25,000 ppm, preferably 0 to 5000, and most preferably 1000 to 1500 ppm of measured F 'ion.

The concentration of edible polyhydric alcohol (e.g. glycerine) can be between 1 and 80%, preferably 30 to 70%, and most preferably 40 to 60%.

In another preferred embodiment, a whitener comprises the components of Table 2. It is an embodiment of the invention that a whitener comprises components of Table 2, in a variation of +/- 20%, +/- 18%, +/- 16%, +/- 14%, +/- 12%, +/- 10%, and preferably +/- 20% of the amount of components with the exception of water, the total m / m% is brought to 100 with water.

Table 2: Components of a tooth whitening agent according to the invention. BHT is butylated hydroxy toluene, EDTA ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid.

The person skilled in the art can adjust the amount of the peroxide in the foam by varying the amount of the tooth whitening agent on the foam. Table 3 below gives a non-exhaustive list of examples of foam provided with different amounts of the composition in Table 2 and the concentration of peroxide in the foam therefrom. Those skilled in the art can vary the amount of H 2 O 2 in the foam by varying the amount of the composition.

Table 3: Examples of foam loads with a composition according to Table 2

The dental bleach compositions of Table 2 can be made with one or more of sorbitol, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, syropus simplex, corn syrup and other edible polyhydric alcohols in addition to or instead of glycerol. The amount of this substance (s) is preferably within the aforementioned range of glycerin.

A peroxide-releasing compound (e.g., carbamide peroxide) can be used in place of or in addition to hydrogen peroxide. The total amount of said peroxide releasing compound is preferably such that the amount of hydrogen peroxide released falls within the above limits for hydrogen peroxide (e.g., about 25. m / m for carbamide peroxide).

The following substances are preferred alternatives to EDTA in the composition in Table 2: phosphonic acids and salts in concentrations of 0.001 to 5%, with optimum concentration between 0.05 and 0.5%; citric acid and citrate salts with a similar concentration range, polyphosphates and phosphates with different counter ions.

The following substances are preferred alternatives to BHT in the composition of Table 2: a known antioxidant such as, for example, vitamin E, ascorbic acid, uric acid, carotenoids, vitamin A, flavonoids and polyphenols, vegetable antioxidants, melatonin aminoindoles, lipoic acids in usual concentrations and within legal limits.

The following substances are preferred alternatives to sodium hydroxide in the composition in Table 2: potassium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide, mono-, di- and / or tribasic sodium phosphate or potassium phosphate or a combination thereof. Ultimately, any other base can be used.

In addition, a whitening composition according to the present invention may further contain one or more natural, synthetic or semi-chemical aromas. Aromas used are preferably water-soluble or have been made water-soluble by known techniques.

Preferably, the dentifrice composition is polar so that whitened teeth are hydrated, which is not the case with the use of non-polar compositions which give a false pale appearance after treatment. The dentifrice composition does not necessarily require an adhesive but adheres to teeth due to the polarity of the composition.

The pH is preferably adjusted with sodium hydroxide rather than with trietholamine. The pH of a dental whitening composition is in the range of 6.2 to 7.7, and is preferably 6.5. The dental whitening composition preferably contains little or no binder.

A composition according to the present invention can contain one or more anti-tooth impact agents. Such agents known for use in dental care products include phosphates such as pyrophosphates, polyphosphates, polyphosphonates, and mixtures thereof. Pyrophosphates are known for use in dental care products. Pyrophosphate ions supplied to the teeth are derived from pyrophosphate salts. Pyrophosphate salts useful in the present compositions include dialkali metal pyrophosphate salts, tetra-alkali metal pyrophosphate salts and mixtures thereof. Disodium dihydrate pyrophosphate (Na 2 H 2 P 2 O 7) tetrasodium pyrophosphate (Na 4 P 2 O 7) and tetra potassium pyrophosphate (K 4 P 2 O 7) in unhydrated and hydrated form are preferred species. Although any of the pyrophosphate salts mentioned above may be used, tetrasodium pyrophosphate salt is preferred.

The pyrophosphate salts are described in more detail in Kirk & Othmer, Encyclopedia of Clinical Technology Third Edition, Volume 17, Wiley-lnterscience

Publishers (1982), which is part of this by reference in its entirety including all references included in Kirk & Othmer. Additional anticalculus agents include pyrophosphates or polyphosphates described in U.S. Patent 4,590,066 issued to Parran & Sakkab on May 20, 1986; polyacrylates and polycarboxylates, such as those described in U.S. Patent 3,429,963 issued to Shedlovsky on February 25, 1969 and U.S. Patent 4,304,766 issued to Chang on December 8, 1981 and U.S. Patent 4,661,341 issued to Benedict & Sunberg on April 28, 1987; polyepoxysuccinates such as those described in U.S. Patent 4,846,650 issued to Benedict Bush and Sunberg on July 11, 1989; ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid as described in British Patent No. 490,384 of February 15, 1937; nitrilotriacetic acid and related compounds as described in U.S. Patent 3,678,154 issued to Widder & Briner on July 18, 1972; polyphosphonates as described in the U.S. patent. No. 3,737,533 issued to Francis on June 5, 1973, U.S. Patent No. 3,988,443 issued to Ploger, Schmidt-Dunker and Gloxhuber on October 26, 1976, and U.S. Patent No. 4,877,603 issued to Degenhardt and Kozikowski on October 31, 1989; all of these patents herein by reference. Anticalculus phosphates include potassium and sodium pyrophosphates, sodium triphosphate, diphosphonates such as ethane-1-hydroxy-1, 1-diphosphonate, 1-azacycloheptane -1, 1-diphosphonate and linear alkyl diphosphonates; linear carboxylic acids, sodium and zinc citrate.

Agents that can be used in place of or in combination with the pyrophosphate salt include such known materials such as synthetic anionic polymers such as polyacrylates and copolymers of maleic anhydride or acid and methyl vinyl ether (e.g., Gantrez) as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 4,627,977. to Gaffar et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; as well as, for example, polyamino acids, propane sulfonic acid (AMPS), zinc citrate trihydrate, polyphosphates (e.g., tripolyphosphate, hexametaphosphate) diphosphonates (e.g., EHDP; AHP), polypeptides (such as polyaspartic and polyglutamic acids) and mixtures thereof.

A composition according to the present invention can contain one or more fluoride ions. Fluoride ion sources are known for use in oral care compositions as anticarial agents. Fluoride ions are therefore used in a number of oral care compositions such as, for example, in toothpastes. Patents describing such toothpastes are, for example, U.S. Patent No. 3,538,230 of November 3, 1970 to Pader et al., U.S. Patent No. 3,689,637 of September 5, 1972 to Pader; U.S. Patent No. 3,711,604 of January 16, 1973 to Colodney et al .; U.S. Patent No. 3,911,104 of October 7, 1975 to Harrison; U.S. Patent No. 3,935,306 of January 27, 1976 to Roberts et al., And U.S. Patent No. 4,040,858 of August 9, 1977 to Wason.

Use of fluoride ions on tooth enamel serves to prevent tooth decay. A wide variety of fluoride ion materials can be used as a source of soluble fluoride in the present compositions. Examples of suitable fluoride ion materials are described in U.S. Patent No. 3,535,421 issued October 20, 1970 to Briner et al. And U.S. Patent No. 3,678,154 issued July 18, 1972 to Widder et al. Both patents are incorporated herein. by reference. Preferably used as fluoride ion sources for the present invention are: sodium fluoride, potassium fluoride and ammonium fluoride. Sodium fluoride is our particular preference. Preferably, the present compositions provide about 50 ppm to 10,000 ppm, more preferably about 100 to 3000 ppm of fluoride ions in the aqueous solutions in combination with the foam strip on the dental contact surface.

A composition according to the present invention can contain one or more antimicrobial agents. Such agents include, but are not limited to, 5-chloro-2- (2,4-dichlorophenoxy) phenol, commonly referred to as triclosan and described in The Merck Index, 11th ed. (1989), p. 1529 (accession no. 9573) in US. No. 3,506,720 and European Patent Application 0251, 591 Beecham Group, PLC, published January 7, 1988; phthalic acid and salts such as, but not limited to, those described in U.S. Patent No. 4,994,262 of February 19, 1991, substituted monoperthalic salts and esters as described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,990,329 of February 5, 1991, US 5,110,583 of May 5, 1992 and US 4,716,035 of December 29 1987, all in the name of Sampathkumar; preferably magnesium monoperoxyester phthalate, chlorhexidine (Merck Index, No. 2090); alexidine (Merck Index, No. 222); hexetidine (Merck Index, No. 4624); sanguinarine (Merck Index, No. 8320); benzalkonium chloride (Merck Index, No. 1066); salicylic anilide (Merck Index, No. 8299); domiphen bromide (Merck Index, No. 3411); cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) (Merck Index, No. 2024); tetradecyl pyridinium chloride (TPC); N-tetradecyl-4-ethylpyridinium chloride (TDEPC); octenidine; delmopinol, octapinol and other piperidino derivatives; nicin preparations; zinc / stannous ion agents; antibiotics such as augmentin, amoxicillin, tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline and metronidazole; and analogues and salts of the above; essential oils such as thymol, geraniol, carvacrol, citral, hinokitiol, eucalyptol, catechol (in particular 4-allyl catechol) and mixtures thereof; methyl salicylate; hydrogen peroxide; metal salts of chlorite and mixtures of the above.

A composition according to the present invention may contain one or more anti-inflammatory agents. Such agents include, but are not limited to, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents such as ketorolac, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, naproxen, indomethacin, aspirin, ketoprofen, piroxicam, and meclofenamic acid. The use of anti-inflammatory agents such as Ketorolac are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,626,838, issued May 6, 1997, herein incorporated by reference, in methods for preventing and / or treating primary and recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity or oropharynx by topical administration to the oral cavity or oropharynx of an effective amount of an anti-inflammatory.

A composition according to the present invention can contain one or more nutrients. Nutrients improve the condition of the oral cavity and can be included in the oral care products of the present invention. Nutrients include vitamins, minerals, oral nutritional supplements, enteral nutritional supplements and mixtures thereof.

Minerals include calcium, phosphorus, fluoride, zinc, manganese, potassium, and mixtures thereof. These minerals are described in Drug Facts and Comparisons (loose-leaf information about drug service), Wolters Kluwer Company, St. Louis, Missouri, 1997, pp 10-17; incorporated herein by reference.

Vitamins include vitamins C and D, thiamine, riboflavin, calcium pantothenate, niacin, folic acid, nicotinamide, pyridoxine, cyanocobalamin, para-aminobenzoic acid, bioflavonoids, and mixtures thereof. These vitamins are described in Drug Facts and Comparisons (loose-leaf information about drug service), Wolters Kluwer Company, St. Louis, Mo, 1997, pp 3-10; herein by reference.

Oral nutritional supplements include amino acids, lipotropic agents, fish oil, and mixtures thereof, as described in Drug Facts and Comparisons (loose-leaf information on drug service), Wolters Kluwer Company, St. Louis, Missouri, 1997, pp 54-54e; incorporated herein by reference. Amino acids include, but are not limited to, L-Tryptophan, L-Lysine, methionine, threonine, levocarnitine or L-carnitine and mixtures thereof. Lipotropic agents include, but are not limited to, choline, inositol, betaine, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, and mixtures thereof. Fish oil contains large amounts of omega-3 (N-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid.

Entenal nutritional supplements include, but are not limited to, proteins, glucose polymers, corn oil, safflower oil, half-chain triglycerides as described in Drug Facts and Comparisons, loose-leaf information on drug service, Wolters Kluwer Company, St. Louis, Missouri, 1997, pp 55-57; incorporated herein by reference.

A composition according to the present invention can contain one or more compatible enzymes. Enzymes are catalysts of chemical reactions in living systems. Enzymes in combination with the substrates on which they act form an enzyme-substrate complex as an intermediate. This complex is then converted into a reaction product and the liberated enzyme that retains its specific enzymatic function.

Enzymes offer various benefits when used for cleaning the oral cavity. Proteases break down saliva proteins that are absorbed onto the tooth surface and form a membrane; the first layer of the final tank slab. Proteases together with lipases destroy bacteria by lysing proteins and lipids that form the structural component of the bacterial cell walls and membranes. Dextranases break down the organic skeleton produced by bacteria and that forms a matrix for bacterial attachment. Proteases and amylases not only prevent the formation of dental plaque, but also the development of the calculus, by breaking the carbohydrate-protein bond that retains calcium and thus avoiding mineralization.

Enzymes that can be employed in the present invention include commercially available proteases, glucanohydrolases, endoglycosidases, amylases, mutanases, lipases and mucinases or compatible mixtures thereof, preferably proteases, dextranases, endoglycosidases and mutanases, and most preferably papain, endoglycosidase or a mixture of dextranase and mutanase. Other enzymes suitable for use in the present invention are described in U.S. Pat.

5,000,939 to Dring et al., March 19, 1991; U.S. Patent No. 4,992,420 to Neeser, Feb. 12, 1991; LIS Patent No. 4,355,022 to Rabussay, October 19, 1982; U.S. Patent No. 4,154,815 to Pader, May 15, 1979; U.S. Patent No. 4,058,595 to Colodney, November 15, 1977; U.S. Patent No. 3,991,177 to Virda et al., November 9, 1976; and U.S. Patent No. 3,696,191 to Weeks, October 3, 1972; all incorporated herein by reference.

A composition according to the present invention can contain one or more other materials that are generally known for mouth and / or throat treatment. Such products are described in Drug Facts and Comparisons (loose-leaf information about drug service), Wolters Kluwer Company, St. Louis, Missouri, 1997, pp 520b-527, incorporated herein by reference. These products include, but are not limited to, anti-fungal, antibiotics, anti-bad-breath and analgesics

A composition according to the present invention can contain one or more antioxidants. Antioxidants are generally known to be useful in compositions such as those of the present invention. Antioxidants are described in texts such as Cadenas & Packer, The Handbook of Antioxidants (c), 1996 by Marcel Dekker, Ine. incorporated herein by reference. Antioxidants that can be included in the oral care composition of the present invention include, but are not limited to, vitamin E, ascorbic acid, uric acid, carotenoids, vitamin A, flavonoids and polyphenols, vegetable antioxidants, melatonin, aminoindoles, lipoic acids and mixtures thereof.

Stereo isomers, tautomers, racemates, prodrugs, metabolites, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, bases, esters, structurally related compounds or solvates of brighteners, phosphates, fluoride ions, antimicrobials, anti-inflammatory agents, nutrients, enzymes, mouth / throat products and antioxidants are within the scope of the invention.

The pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds of the invention, for example in the form of water, oil-soluble or dispersible products, include the usual non-toxic salts or quaternary ammonium salts that are formed, for example from inorganic or organic acids or bases. Examples of such acid addition salts include acetate, adipate, alginate, aspartate, benzoate, benzene sulfonate, bisulfate, butyrate, citrate, camphorate, camphorsulfonate, cyclopentanepropionate, digluconate, dodecylsulfate, ethanesulfonate, fumarate, glucoheptosate, hexanoate, glycerate, hertanoate, hertanoate, glycerate, hertanoate, glycerosate, hemcerosate, hemcerosate, hano, sulfate, heptosate, heptosate, heptosate, heptosate, hano hydrochloride, hydrobromide, hydroiodide, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonate, lactate, maleate, methanesulfonate, 2-naphthalene sulfonate, nicotinate, oxalate, pamoate, comb-shaped, persulfate, 3-phenylpropionate, picrate, vinyl pivalate, propionate, succinate, tartrate, thiocyanate, thiocyanate, thiocyanate, thiocyanate . Base salts include ammonium salts, alkali metal salts such as sodium and potassium salts, alkaline earth metal salts such as calcium and magnesium, salts with organic bases such as dicyclohexylamine salts, N-methyl-D-glucamine, and salts with amino acids such as sarginine, lysine, and so on. Basic nitrogen-containing groups can also be quaternized with such agents as lower alkyl halides such as methyl, ethyl, propyl and butyl chloride, bromide and iodide, dialkyl sulfates such as dimethyl, diethyl, dibutyl and diamyl sulfates, long chain halides such as decyl, lauryl, myristyl and stearyl chlorides, bromides and iodides, aralkyl halides such as benzyl and phenethyl bromides and others. Other pharmaceutically acceptable salts include the sulfate salt, ethanolate, and sulfate salts.

The term "stereoisomer" as used herein defines all possible compounds made of the same atoms bound by the same sequence of bonds but made with different three-dimensional structures that are not interchangeable that the compounds of the present invention may possess. Unless otherwise stated or indicated, chemical designation of a compound herein includes the mixture of all possible stereochemically isomeric forms that said compound may possess. Said mixture can contain all diastereomers and / or enantiomers of the basic molecular structure of said compound. All stereochemical isomers of the compounds are within the scope of the invention either in pure form or mixed with each other.

The compounds of the invention may also exist in their tautomeric forms. Such forms, although not explicitly indicated in the compounds described herein, are understood to fall within the scope of the present invention.

For therapeutic use, the salts of the compounds of the invention are those in which the counter ion is pharmaceutically or physiologically acceptable.

As used herein, unless otherwise stated, the term "solvate" includes a combination formed by a person skilled in the art with a suitable inorganic solvent (e.g. hydrates) or organic solvent, such as but not limited to alcohols, ketones, esters and the like.

The term "prodrugs" as used herein means the pharmacologically acceptable derivatives such as esters, amides, and phosphates which, in in vivo biotransformation, yield the derivative of the active drug. The work of Goodman and Gilman (The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 8th Ed, McGraw-Hill, Int. Ed. 1992 "Biotransformation of Drugs," pages 13-15), which generally describes prodrugs, is incorporated herein by reference. Prodrugs of the compounds of the invention are prepared by modifying functional groups present in said component such that changes are split, in routine manipulation or in vivo, to the parent component. Typical examples of prodrugs are described, for example, in WO 99/33795, WO 99/33815, WO 99/33793 and WO 99/33792 all incorporated herein by reference. Prodrugs are characterized by increased bioavailability and are easily converted to the active inhibitors in vivo. Specific examples of prodrugs including cholesterol or vitamin A.

A composition according to the present invention may contain one or more gelling agents, in particular aqueous gelling agents. The gel forms a matrix with a high viscosity. These gelling agents are safe for oral use, poorly soluble in saliva, and do not react with compounds in the oral care composition. The gelling agent is a swellable polymer. In addition, the gel formed by these means is an optional adhesive for attaching the foam strip to the target area of the mouth.

The amount of gelling agent to bind the liquid composition to a gel is about 0.01 to 3%, 0.01 to 2%, 0.01 to 1%, preferably 0.01 to 2%. The amount of gelling agent required to form a gel with surface adhesive adhesion is 2 to about 17%, about 2% to about 15%, and preferably about 2% to about 10%.

Suitable gelling agents in the present invention include carboxypolymethylene, carboxymethyl cellulose, carboxypropyl cellulose, polyoxamers, carrageenan, Veegum, carboxyvinyl polymers, and natural gums such as gum karaya, xanthan gum, guar gum, gum arabic, tragacanth gum, alginates, locust bean gum, and mixtures thereof. The preferred gelling agent for use in the present invention is carboxypolymethylene obtained from B.F. Goodrich Company under the trade name Carbopol (R). Carbopols Carbopol 934, 940, 941, 956, 974 and mixtures thereof are particularly preferred. Carbopol 974 is particularly preferred. Carboxy polymethylene is a slightly acidic vinyl polymer with active carboxyl groups. The normal concentration of the various carboxypolymethylene resins in water, according to the manufacturer, is lower than about 2%. However, it has been found that by assembling supersaturated carboxypolymethylene compositions with a total concentration in the aforementioned series, mouth gel compositions with a suitable high viscosity can be prepared.

The concentrated carboxypolymethylene gels have a number of important characteristics in addition to high viscosity. More carboxypolymethylene is added to the oral gel compositions than necessary for a high viscosity, so that a substantial amount of saliva or water is required to lower the viscosity to the point that the composition can be diluted and washed away by saliva. The concentrated carboxypolymethylene composition also has a unique tack or stickiness that holds the foam strip 1 and connects to the intended oral cavity surface and in particular to the teeth. However, caution is required to prevent too much carboxypolymethylene from making it difficult to apply or remove the foam strip.

If the oral care composition is an aqueous gel, then the water in the gel composition is preferably demineralized and free of organic contaminants. Water is from about 0.1% to about 95%, preferably from about 5% to about 90%, and most preferably from about 10% to about 80%, by weight of the oral care composition. This amount of water contains the free water that is added plus the amount of water that is added via other components.

A pH-adjusting agent can be added to optimize the storage stability of the gel and to make the substance safe for the oral tissue. The pH buffer can be any material suitable for adjusting the pH of the oral care composition. 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 or buffers are added in an amount sufficient to adjust the pH of the gel between about 4.5 to about 11, preferably from about 5.5 to about 8.5, and most preferably about 6 to 7 pH adjusters are usually 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 oral care products.

Although the gel described above can provide additional adhesion, other gelling agents may be included in the formula to adhere the active ingredients to the tissue of the oral cavity. Suitable agents include both polymers with limited water solubility and non-water-soluble polymers. These polymers lay a thin film on both hard and soft tissues when saliva combines with the instant compositions.

Suitable limited water-soluble adhesives include hydroxyethyl or propyl cellulose, adhesives that are not water-soluble include: ethyl cellulose and polyox resins. Another possible adhesive suitable for use in the present composition is polyvinylpyrrolidone with a molecular weight of about 50,000 to about 300,000. Yet another possible adhesive suitable for use in the present composition is a combination of Gantrez and the semisynthetic water-soluble polymer carboxymethyl cellulose.

An additional carrier material can be added to the oral care composition according to the invention. Carrier materials can be wetting agents. Suitable wetting agents include glycerol, sorbitol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol glycol, and other edible polyhydric alcohols. Humectants are usually present in an amount of from about 10% to about 95% and preferably from about 50% to about 80% by weight of the oral care composition or composition. In addition to the above-mentioned material of the gel according to the present invention, a number of other components can be added to the oral care composition. Additional components include, but are not limited to, flavors, sweeteners, xylitol, opacifiers, colorants, and chelants such as ethylenediaminetetraacetate. These additional components can also be used in place of the compounds described above.

The oral care composition is applied to the foam strip 1 according to any known method. As already mentioned above, the composition may be present in cavities, in the body of and / or on one or both sides of the foam strip. Techniques for applying composition to a foam strip 1 is known to the person skilled in the art, such as pouring, dipping and spraying. When applied on one or both sides, methods such as spraying and dot or stripe application of the composition to the surface of the foam strip 1 are preferably used.

An aspect of the present invention is a foam strip as described herein for use with a dental device that is dental gutter or bracket. The dental device can function by applying pressure to the foam strip, for a closer contact between the foam strip and the enamel of the front teeth. The device may also have other functionalities, ie means for providing light (e.g. visible, UV and IR), heat and mechanical and electrical stimulation of the foam strip. This functionality can be done by means of electrical components in the device, and which functionality can interact with the composition of the foam strip 1. Electrical components can stimulate treatments such as tooth whitening, pain relief, the treatment of infections, etc. Moreover, the device is autonomous ( ie isolated) so that the subject is not limited to methods, such as teeth whitening, which are normally performed on a dentist's chair with the associated equipment. This dental device frees the dental chair for other patients. The use of the dental arch or gutter with such functionalities avoids the manipulation of an external light source, heat, UV light, infrared light etc. for the dentist, so that the dentist has both hands free for performing dental procedures.

Figure 3 shows an example of a dental aid 37 provided with light functionality. It comprises a tray 36 with a light source provided that is an electroluminescent panel (EP) 33. A trough 36 according to the present invention can be formed of any container for immersion of teeth and / or gums of the upper tooth arch. The dental device lies with the EP 33 in the tray 36, which EP interacts with active substances in the foam strip 1. EP is connected to an inverter / controller 31 which drives the EP and can also be controlled for timed treatment periods. The device is controllable by means of a switch 32, and is driven by two button batteries 35. Access to the batteries 35 and switch 32 is by means of removable cover 34.

The container is of a size, shape and flexibility to enable a flexible pass for various palates. Examples of suitable shapes include U-shaped horseshoe shaped gutters. One size has the advantage of lower mass production costs, reduced required storage space and easier consumer choice. In another embodiment of the invention, the trough is in various sizes and / or shapes. Different sizes and shapes offers a close-fitting device and can deliver a perfect treatment for a given palate size. In another embodiment of the invention, the channel size is for a particular dental arch. A custom application device has the best fitting shape, so that the functionality is accurate and gives the desired effect of treatment for the palate.

The trough may further comprise one or more electrical components which provide means for providing mechanical stimulation (e.g., ultrasonic transducer ultrasonic motor, magnetic motor), electrical stimulation (e.g., electrodes), light (e.g., LED, electroluminescence), and / or heat (e.g. LED). The trough further comprises a receiver or support member for holding one or more foam strips 1. An example of receiving means are the base of the trough, one or more grooves, one or more holes, one or more gripping members, one or more cams, one more ribs, one or more slots, etc ...

Such a dental device may contain means that are activated or enhanced by, for example, light, heat, electrical and / or mechanical stimulation in the treatment of a person's teeth or gums, while being accurately coupled to the light source, heat, electrical or mechanical stimulation .

When the dental device is a brace, it consists of wire elements suitable for cutting around the teeth. The wire elements can be stored in a plastic carrier that is shaped to fit behind the teeth. A bracket according to the invention is the removable construction known in the art for orthodontic treatments and a "false bracket" for cosmetic effect.

Referring to Figure 4, a bracket 41 snaps onto the teeth of the upper dental arch 21 and supports a foam strip 1 according to the invention. A dental brace 42 formed to snap onto the teeth of the lower palate 22 also has the same beneficial effect for supporting a foam strip 1 according to the present invention.

A bracket according to the invention typically comprises a wire element whose front side comprises the teeth. Optionally, other wire elements and one or more clamps can be attached to other teeth (e.g., back teeth, wisdom teeth, etc.). Material for wire elements known in orthodontics include, but are not limited to, titanium, stainless steel, gold, silver, platinum, copper, ceramic, plastic, and plastic / metal structures.

The plastic carrier usually takes the form of the posterior (inner) surface of the teeth. The carrier, as is known in the art, is designed to lie behind the upper or lower teeth. It is usually in intimate contact with the posterior face of the upper or lower teeth and along at least a portion of the teeth. The plastic carrier can be horseshoe-shaped. When the bracket is intended for the upper teeth, the wearer can take at least a part of the shape of the palate. Support material includes, but is not limited to, polycarbonate, polypropylene, rubber polymer, composite polymer. The bracket can have such dimensions, shape and flexibility to enable a flexible fit on various palates. Examples of suitable shapes include the U-shaped, horse shoe shape. A size has the advantage of reduced mass production costs, less required storage space and easier choice of the consumer. A choice of sizes and shapes offers a close-fitting device, and makes it possible to give the right degree of treatment for a given palate size. Alternatively, the bracket can be made to fit a specific dental arch. A tailor-made bracket fits best, so that the functionality is accurately delivered as well as the desired degree of treatment.

Methods for preparing a universally fitting bracket, bracket of a variety of sizes, and customized brackets are known to those skilled in the art.

The bracket may consist of one or more electrical components, means for providing mechanical stimulation (e.g., ultrasonic transducer, ultrasonic motor, magnetic motor), electrical stimulation (e.g., electrodes), light (such as LED, electroluminescence), or providing heat (for example LED, heating element). The bracket is furthermore provided with a receiving or supporting part for one or more foam strips 1. Receiving means can be provided with one or more gripping members, one or more cams, one more ribs, one or more slots, etc. When applied to the teeth, the foam strip 1 between the teeth and the wire of the bracket.

According to another aspect of the invention, the wire elements of the bracket can also have one or more mentioned functions. According to an aspect of the invention, one or more wires of the bracket can provide heat (e.g., a wire element provided with a heating element). According to another aspect of the invention, one or more wires of the bracket may provide light (e.g., a wire element in which an electroluminescent light). According to yet another aspect of the invention, one or more wires of the bracket can provide electrical stimulation, for example a wire element with one or more electrodes.

Such a brace is a dental device that activates or enhances the action and effectiveness of agents through, for example, light, heat, electrical or mechanical stimulation using a source of light, heat, mechanical and / or electrical stimulation, etc., and that fits closely and can be connected to teeth and / or gums.

With the polyurethane foam according to the invention an osmotic potential difference arises between the oral care composition and the teeth such that the composition naturally moves in the direction of the teeth. This osmotic effect is enhanced by heat and mechanical stimulation whereby a foam strip 1 combined with the dental device, in particular the heat and mechanical stimulation, which leads to an improved activity.

The foam strip 1 according to the invention can be packaged in a number of strips of foam. Such a package can provide a treatment, wherein the number of strips indicates the length of the treatment. For teeth whitening, for example, between 1 and 10 strips can be packaged together. A foam strip 1 could also be packaged separately.

Suitable packages for the foam strips according to the invention are all suitable packaging systems, and comprising inter alia foil bags, blister packages, foil-sealed trays, etc. Preferably the package is slightly impermeable so that active ingredients are not rendered inactive, for example by exposure to sunlight. The preferred package is moisture impermeable so that the oral care composition on the strip does not dry out. The preferred package according to the invention provides a minimum of dead volume. According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the package is a white blister package. A blister pack has the advantage that the strip can be removed by pressing on the blister pack, thereby limiting the manipulation of the foam strip.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the white blister pack has a series of 10 or more recessed chambers with a foam strip sealed with a polymer sealing sheet, for example made from polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyethylene. The blister package further comprises a backing layer and a seal that adheres to the plate and each strip in the chamber. The backing layer can be made of the same material as the sheet or in another suitable material that allows the foam strip to be removed from the blister pack upon the application of pressure.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a kit comprising one or more foam strips 1 as hereinbefore, optionally supplemented with a dental aid as described above.

According to an aspect of the invention, those kits may contain one or more foam strips 1 with a higher concentration of teeth whitening agent for a dentist and one or more foam strips 1 with a lower concentration of teeth whitening agent suitable for home use.

The dental device, if present, may comprise one or more electrical components for improving or stimulating the action of said agents. The kit is primarily intended for a dentist and for teeth whitening: the strips with a higher concentration of whiteners or bleaching agents for teeth are intended for a person skilled in the art, and the strips with a lower concentration of whiteners or bleaching agents are intended for general use, for example by the individual himself.

According to an aspect of the invention, on those one or more foam strips 1 having a high concentration of whitener (e.g. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) may comprise 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20%. peroxide or a value between the stated concentration) for an intense treatment, and one or more cutting plates with a lower concentration of whitening agent (for example 0.01 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7% peroxide or a value between the stated concentration). The strips with a higher concentration of agents remove most staining and are intended for a short, intense treatment, for example once or twice, and the strips with a lower concentration of brighteners are rather intended for removing the remaining stains and a slightly longer treatment, for example 3 to 5 treatments.

According to an aspect of the invention, the packages may contain one or more foam strips 1 with a high concentration of teeth whitener suitable for normal treatment (e.g. 5, 6, 7, 8% peroxide or a value between said concentration), and one or more foam strips with a low concentration of whiteners for dental teeth (for example, 0.01, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7% peroxide or a value between said concentration exist). The strips with a usual concentration of color removal agents can serve for a course of, for example, 5 or 6 treatments, and the strips with a lower concentration of these agents can serve for the after-treatment. According to another aspect of the invention, on those one or more foam strips 1 can contain a concentration of whitener for teeth suitable for home use. The dental aid of the kit, if present, provides one or more electrical components to improve or stimulate the effect of the bleaching agents. The kit is intended for non-professionals and for whitening one's own teeth.

Other embodiments of the kit according to the invention may contain foam strips 1 with one or more of the aforementioned agents such as one or more brighteners, phosphates, fluoride ions, antimicrobial agents, anti-inflammatory agents, nutrients, enzymes, mouth / throat products, antioxidants.

A kit can also be provided with a combination of foam strips 1 as described above and a dental application aid provided with a combination of electrical components. Application aids may further comprise a combination of agents such as one or more of brighteners, phosphates, fluoride ions, antimicrobial agents, etc. For example, a kit may be suitable for a combination of treatments such as, for example, teeth whitening and removal of bad breath or pain and improved healing.

Claims (31)

A polyurethane foam strip 1 of chemically inert, flexible, hydrophilic polyurethane foam formed for application to the irregular surface of the front teeth and / or gums of an individual, which strip is provided with one or more oral care compositions for delivery to teeth and / or gums of the individual. A strip according to claim 1, wherein the liquid capacity of the foam after compression is between 10 and 14 g of water / g of foam. A strip according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the density of the foam is 80 to 90 kg / m3. A strip according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the cell structure of the foam is equal to or less than 220 micrometers. A strip according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein an oral care composition contains one or more teeth whiteners. A strip according to claim 5, wherein a tooth whitener is selected from metal ion free peroxides, organic peroxides, metal ion containing peroxides, metal chlorite, perborates, percarbonates, peroxy acids, monopersulfate, oxone, ammonium persulfate, potassium persulfate, potassium monopersulfate, potassium peroxy -monosulphate, potassium bisulphate, potassium sulphate and potassium peroxide disulphate, hydrogen peroxide, calcium peroxide, carbamide peroxide, urea peroxide, sodium percarbonate, sodium perborate, calcium hydroxide, calcium chlorite, barium chlorite, magnesium chlorite, lithium chlorite, potassium chlorate, hypochlorite chlorine, magnesium carbohydrate, magnesium hydrogenhydride mixtures and derivatives thereof. A strip according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein an oral care composition contains one or more phosphates. A strip according to claim 7, wherein a phosphate is one selected from pyrophosphates, polyphosphates, polyphosphonates and mixtures thereof. A strip according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein an oral care composition comprises one or more fluoride ions selected from the group consisting of sodium fluoride, potassium fluoride and ammonium fluoride. A strip according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein an oral care composition contains one or more antimicrobial agents. A strip according to claim 10, wherein an antimicrobial agent is selected from 5-chloro-2- (2,4-dichlorophenoxy) phenol, phthalic acid and salts, substituted monoperthalic and salts and esters, magnesium monoperoxy esters phthalate, chlorhexidine, alexidine, hexetidine , sanguinarin, benzalkonium chloride, salicylanilide, domiphen bromide, cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), tetradecylpyridinium chloride (TPC), N-tetradecyl-4-ethylpyridinium chloride (TDEPC), octenidine, delmopinol, octapinol, nicin preparations, ionin-stannous preparations Augmentin, amoxicillin, tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline, metronidazole, thymol, geraniol, carvacrol, citral, hinokitiol, eucalyptol, catechol, 4-allyl catechol, methyl salicylate hydrogen peroxide and metal salts of chorlite. A strip according to any of claims 1 to 11, wherein an oral care composition contains one or more anti-inflammatory agents. A strip according to claim 12, wherein an anti-inflammatory agent is selected from ketorolac, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, naproxen, indomethacin, aspirin, ketoprofen, piroxicam and meclofenamic acid. A strip according to any of claims 1 to 13, wherein an oral care composition contains one or more nutrients. A strip according to claim 12, wherein a nutrient is selected from vitamins, oral nutritional supplements, enteral nutritional supplements. A strip according to any of claims 1 to 15, wherein an oral care composition contains one or more enzymes. A strip according to claim 16, wherein an enzyme is selected from protease, glucanohydrolases, endoglycosidases, amylases, mutanases, lipases and mucinases. A strip according to any of claims 1 to 17 wherein an oral care composition contains one or more antioxidants. A strip according to claim 18, wherein an antioxidant is selected from vitamin E, ascorbic acid, uric acid, carotenoids, vitamin A, flavonoids and polyphenols, herbal antioxidants, melatonin, aminoindoles and lipoic acids. A strip according to claims 1 to 5, wherein an oral care composition contains 5 to 8% peroxide, potassium nitrate, fluoride and glycerin. A strip according to any of claims 1 to 20, wherein an oral care composition contains one or more gelling agents. A strip according to claim 20, wherein a gelling agent is selected from carboxypolymethylene, carboxymethylcellulose, carboxypropyl cellulose, poloxamers, carrageenan, Veegum, carboxyvinyl polymers, and natural gums such as gum karaya, xanthan gum, guar gum, gum arabic and tragacanth gum. A strip according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the oral care composition is applied to the reverse side. A strip according to any of claims 1 to 22, wherein the front surface is printed. A use of the strip according to any of claims 1 to 24, for delivering one or more oral care compositions to the individual's teeth and / or gums. A use according to claim 25 combined with the use of a dental gutter or bracket. A use according to claim 26, wherein the dental gutter or bracket is capable of stimulating the foam strip and / or the mouth care agent by means of heat, light, mechanical stimulation and / or electrical stimulation. A use according to any of claims 25 to 27 for teeth whitening. A blister pack containing one or more foam strips according to any of claims 1 to 24. A kit comprising one or more foam strips as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 24 and a dental gutter or bracket. A kit according to claim 30, wherein the dental gutter or bracket is provided with elements to stimulate the foam strip and / or dental care agent by means of heat, light, mechanical stimulation and / or electrical stimulation.