CZ200478A3 - Device provided with ozone source and intended for whitening teeth - Google Patents

Abstract

In the present invention, there is disclosed a method of and apparatus for the whiting of teeth wherein the apparatus includes a source (12) of oxidizing gas and a handpiece (16) for delivering the gas to a tooth (40). A cup (34) attached to the handpiece (16) is provided for receiving the gas and exposing a selected area of the tooth (40) to the action of gas. The cup (34) includes a resilient edge (44) for sealably engaging the edge (44) and the tooth (40) around the selected area to prevent escape of a gas.

Description

Technical field

This device takes precedence over the provisional application for serial number 60/309 570 registered on 2 August 2001.

The present invention generally relates to a method of teeth whitening, and more particularly to a method of teeth whitening that uses ozone.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

White teeth have long been cosmetically desirable. Typically, the tooth changes color in specific parts or spots and in the overall color. Dental materials that are generally important because of their colored appearance are enamel, dentine and secondary coatings.

In particular, dental enamel is mainly composed of organic material, mostly in the form of hydroxyapatite crystals, and further contains about 5% organic material, primarily in the form of collagen. Conversely, dentin is made up of about 20% proteins, including collagen, with an excess of inorganic material, predominantly hydroxyapatite crystals, similar to those found in enamel. The secondary coating, on the other hand, is a protein layer on the surface of the tooth enamel, which, even after intensive brushing of the teeth, is rapidly re-formed by strongly abrasive prophylactic pastes.

Dental staining is the result of both external and internal staining. The external staining on the dental surface is due to the accumulation of various chromogenic substances (in addition to the chromogen precursors, which are initially colorless but later chemically converted to chromogens) in the secondary coating. This type of stain can usually be removed by mechanical means that remove the secondary coating or parts thereof, along with the adhering chromogens.

However, it is known that the aging of the outer stains makes these outer stains less suitable for removal by mechanical means, perhaps due to the penetration of the outer stains over time to greater enamel depths. Such stains therefore require the use of chemicals, such as oxygenating agents, that can penetrate the tooth enamel to oxidize or dissolve deep-seated chromogens.

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Conversely, internal spots occur as a result of chromogenic substances coming from sources in the tooth. This type of stain is not accessible to mechanical teeth cleaning methods and these chemical methods are usually necessary. Other variations of dental composition, including seal material, may contribute to denseness of density, resulting in darker areas.

Teeth whitening compositions generally fall into two groups: (1) liquids, gels or pastes, including toothpastes, which can be mechanically moved over a colored tooth surface to effect stain removal by abrasive erosion of the colored secondary coating; and (2) liquids, gels or pastes which, when in contact with the colored tooth surface for a period of time after which the composition is removed, supplement the teeth whitening effect by a chemical process. In some cases, the mechanical process is supplemented by an auxiliary chemical process, which may be oxidative or enzymatic.

In conventional teeth whitening, rubber blankets or barriers are typically used to isolate teeth. Such a barrier is typically made of latex rubber and pressed onto each tooth and held in place by conventional clamps and connections. This is done to protect the soft gum tissue from peroxides in the purification process typically used.

However, since rubber blankets or barriers do not fit perfectly and can stretch, peroxide can leak around them and annoy the patient. To accelerate the process after coating the teeth with a peroxide solution, heat is applied or the coated teeth are exposed to laser radiation. Exposure to heat can also bother a patient if the temperature of the dental pulp inside the tooth becomes too high. Therefore, a number of doctor visits are required.

The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by using ozone for tooth whitening, which allows both total tooth whitening and tooth whitening.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The tooth whitening method of the invention comprises the steps of isolating the teeth to be whitened and exposing each of the isolated ozone teeth. The method can be applied to several teeth or to a single tooth. Further, as mentioned above, tooth portions can be bleached according to the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages and features of the present invention will be better understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a block diagram of a tooth whitening device according to the present invention, the device generally including an oxidizing gas source, an aspiration pump, a reducing agent source, a reducing agent pump, and an oxidizing gas supply controller to the adapter;

Figure 2 shows a nozzle according to the invention for supplying gas to the tooth and generally shows a cup connected to the nozzle for receiving gas;

Figure 3 shows an adapter with an alternative incorporation of the cup, the alternative incorporation of the cup having an arcuate shape to facilitate the application of the oxidizing gas to the tooth;

Figure 4 is a diagram showing the application of oxidizing gas to the tooth between the pad and the gum using the adapter and cup shown in Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the cup shown in Figure 2 suitable for use with the present invention;

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative incorporation of the cup for exposing a selected tooth surface to oxidizing gas;

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional diagram showing a cup according to the present invention for exposing adjacent teeth to an oxidizing gas; and Figure 8 shows the use of the cup, which is shown in Figure 7, as can be used on adjacent teeth.

Detailed description

Referring to Figures 1 to 4, a tooth whitening device 10 according to the present invention includes an oxidizing gas source 12, preferably ozone, and an adapter 16 (see Figure 2) for supplying gas to the tooth not shown in Figures 1 to 3 .

As shown in Figure 1, the ozone source 12 includes an ozone generator 20 and an ozone pump 22 supplying ozone via line 24, a connector 28 and lines 30 to the nozzle 16. The term "ozone" as used herein is intended to include any suitable oxidizing gas, pure ozone, ionized air and other ozone gas mixtures.

Ozone is supplied at sufficient pressure, concentration, and for sufficient time to whiten the tooth enamel.

φ • · · · _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 9

Φ Φ Φ Φ Φ Φ Φ Φ

As shown in Figures 2 to 3, the cups 34 and 36 attached to the extension 16 provide gas uptake and exposure of the selected area 38 to the bleaching tooth 40, see Figure 3. The cup 34 may be attached to the extension 16 in any conventional manner and includes a resilient edge or a wall 44 for sealing the tooth 40 in order to prevent gas leakage there.

Many different shapes and sizes of cups can be used to adapt to different tooth profiles, or to apply ozone to different stains or parts of a tooth. As shown in Figure 3, for example, the cup 36 includes a precise main portion 50 to allow placement of the cup 36 on a selected area 38 to be bleached, as shown in Figure 4. Cups 34, 36 may have relatively uniform tooth engagement circuits 52, 54. 40 between the upper pad 58 and the gum 60 as shown in Figure 4.

A further incorporation of the cup 64, which shows the cross-section in Figure 6, includes a conical wall 66 that can be used to apply the oxidizing gas to a smaller selected area (not shown) on the tooth 40.

Although a resilient edge or wall may be used to connect the cup and the selected surface 38 to the tooth 40, consideration should be given to using a special sealant 68 (see Figure 6) providing a tight connection between the cup 64 and the tooth 40. In this case .

The use of the ozone adapter and cup eliminates or significantly reduces the risk of gums. Thus, there is less, if any, irritation of the patient due to the gums. This allows bleaching of all teeth of the patient during one dentist visit.

A further incorporation of the cup 70 shows a cross-section in Figure 7 that includes walls 72 that are contoured to allow a close fit with adjacent teeth 74, 76, as shown in Figure 8. As shown in Figure 8, the edge of the cup 80 has a contour of circumference 82 to provide sealingly engaging faces 86, 88 of adjacent teeth 74, 76.

All of the cups 34, 64, 70 whose cross-sections are shown in Figures 5 to 7 include containers 92, 94, 96 that lie below the edges 98, 100, 102. As shown, each of the cups comprises walls 44, 66, 72 that define the containers 92, 94, 96 and include first circuitry 106, 108, 110 for sealingly joining walls 44, 66, 72 to extension 16. Second circuitry 112, 114, 116 provide tightness of walls 44, 66, 72 and tooth 40 and exposing selected areas 38 gas circulating in tanks 92, 94, 96.

As shown in Figure 6, the incorporation 64, the first circuit 108 may be larger than the second circuit 115, or, as shown in Figure 7, the first circuit 110 may be smaller than the second circuit 116. Similarly, this design type variant for cup 64, 70 allows φφ φ

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Referring again to Figure 1, the device 12 comprises an aspiration pump 120 and conduits 30, 122, 124 connected to the ozone adapter 16 for circulating ozone to and from the reservoirs of the cup 92, 94, 96.

Equipped with a regulator 126, which may be of any design type, is to control the ozone and aspiration pumps 22, 120 to circulate gas into and from the reservoirs of the cup 92, 94, 96 at a pressure insufficient to allow gas leakage along the tight connection between the cups 34, 64 70 and teeth 40, 86, 88. The gas flow can also be controlled by valves 127 controlled by regulator 126.

In addition, the device 10 may include a source of reducing agent 128 that is in fluid communication with the cup containers 92, 94, 96 via conduits 30, 130 and a parastal pump 131. A reducing agent, which may be a thiocyanate or peppermint solution, is used to rinse the cup containers 92, 94, 96 by oxidizing gas. The oxidizing gas is after the treatment of the teeth 40, 86, 88 driven into the aspiration line 122. The reducing agent is then sucked through the line 122 into the waste container 132.

All residual ozone is then sucked from the accumulator 132 through line 124 and into the canister 134 through line 136 to ultimately eliminate ozone. Thus, the device 12 provides a fully enclosed system for applying ozone to the teeth 40, 86, 88 and removing the ozone from the teeth 40, 86, 88. It should also be appreciated that when used between the teeth 40, 138, the cups 34, 36, 64 (FIG. 4 does not show this), a separate dam could be used as necessary to allow the cups 34, 36, 64 (figure 4 does not show) to seal the area between the teeth 40, 138 chosen for treatment.

Example 1

Detection of ozone (ppm) around the cup using an ozone analyzer after either 10 or 20 seconds of ozone application in vivo

Exploratory test: Detection of ozone (ppm) around cup 34 using an ozone analyzer after either 10 or 20 seconds of ozone application in vivo

Purpose: To estimate the maximum detectable level of ozone (ppm) around cup 34 after either 10 or 20 seconds of ozone application in vivo.

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Examination or Test Protocol: The tip of the sensor was always 2 mm from the edge of the cup, halfway between the mesial and occlusal sides of the cup. The maximum detectable ozone level (ppm) from the tooth around the cup is measured with an ozone analyzer after either 10 or 20 seconds of ozone application. The ozone analyzer used was an API 450 model available from ENVIRO Technologies, UK, and was calibrated by the supplier the week before delivery, and the instrument was temporarily not used for any purpose other than this survey.

The coating plaque was then removed using a hand-held sterile fine nylon fiber brush with water as a lubricant. Each tooth was dried using dry sterile cotton rollers and a dental 3 in 1 air syringe. Subsequently, the teeth were exposed to ozone gas for either 10 s or 20 s at room temperature (23 ° C), and the maximum detectable ozone level was also measured with this ozone analyzer.

Test results:

The maximum detectable ozone level (ppm) expected around the cup after either 10 s (Figure 1) or 20 s (Figure 2) of the ozone application.

Table 1. Maximum detectable ozone level (ppm) after 10 seconds of ozone application

Types of teeth Location Ozone detection (10 s) upper left incisor mesiáiní 0,066 upper right 1st thorn buccal 0.001 upper right canine distal 0,002 upper right 1st stool buccal 0.006 upper left 2nd prong buccal 0,076 lower right 2nd thorn mesiáiní 0,058 lower left 1st thorn buccal 0.169 lower left lateral buccal 0.106 upper right lateral distal 0.001 lower left canine labial 0.147

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Table 2. Maximum detectable ozone level (ppm) after 20 seconds of ozone application

Types of teeth Location Ozone detection (20 s) lower left lateral labial 0.137 upper left 1st thorn buccal 0.177 lower right incisor labial 0,069 upper right canine labial 0,033 upper right lateral labial 0,079 lower left 2nd thorn buccal 0,002 lower right 1st stool buccal 0,083 upper left lateral labial 0.004 lower left canine labial 0,056 upper left 1st prong mesial 0.001

Conclusion; The use of the cup is a safe way of delivering ozone when ozone has been applied to the tooth for either 10 s or 20 s whitening.

Although the above-described method and apparatus for treating dental caries as remineralized according to the present invention for the purpose of illustrating a method by which the invention can be used advantageously, it will be appreciated that the invention is not further limited. Any and all modifications, variations, or equivalent arrangements that may come to those of skill in the art should be contemplated within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (15)

PATENT CLAIMS A dental device (10), comprising a source (12) of oxidizing gas; a nozzle (16) for supplying gas to the tooth (40, 74, 78); and a cup (34, 36, 64, 70) connected to said gas receiving cup (16) and exposing the selected surface (38) of the tooth (40, 74, 78) to the gas, cup (34, 36, 64, 70) inclusive elastic edges of the cup (44, 80, 98, 100, 102) for sealing engagement on the tooth (40, 74, 78) around the selected surface (38) to prevent gas leakage there. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the oxidizing gas is ozone. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the flexible edge of the cup (44) has a relatively uniform circumference (52, 54) for sealingly engaging the tooth (40) between the flat (58) and the gum (60). Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the resilient edge of the cup (80) has a contour (82) allowing a tight connection with adjacent teeth (74, 76). Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastic edge of the cup (44, 98), 100, 102) has a circuit (106, 108, 110) shaped to be tightly coupled to the tooth plate (58). Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the flexible edge of the cup (80) has a perimeter (82) for sealingly joining the pads (86, 88) of adjacent teeth (74, 76). The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the oxidizing gas source (12) comprises an ozone pump (22) and an aspiration pump (120) and an aspiration line (122) connected to said adapter (16) to allow gas to circulate to and from the gas. a cup container (92, 94, 96) lying below the flexible edge of the cup (98, 100, 102). Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the regulator (126) provides control of ozone and aspiration pumps (22, 120) to blow air into and out of the container (92, 94, 96) at a pressure insufficient to escape the gas along a tight connection between the cup (34, 36, 64, 70) and the tooth (40, 74, 76). 4 4 4 4 444 4 4-- 4 4 4 4 4 44 44 · 4 4 · 4444 · 4 44 4 Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the source of the reducing agent (128) is provided in fluid communication with the cup reservoir (92, 94, 96). Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the reduction pump (131) allows the reducing agent to circulate through the cup reservoir (92, 94, 96) to flush the oxidizing gas from the cup reservoir (92, 94, 96) into the aspiration line (122). ). The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the waste container (132) is connected to the aspiration line (122) to receive the reducing agent. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the filter (134) allows removal of any residual oxidant gas from the aspiration line (122). Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the cup (34, 36, 64, 70) is connected to said adapter (16) to receive gas and comprises a side wall (66) for directing the gas to the selected surface (38) tooth (40). Device according to claim 13, characterized in that the side wall (66) is sealed around the selected surface (38). The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the side wall (66) around the selected surface (38) comprises a sealant.