LV13181B

LV13181B - Use of ozone to whiten teeth

Info

Publication number: LV13181B
Application number: LVP-04-25A
Authority: LV
Inventors: Edward Lynch
Original assignee: Curozone Ireland Ltd
Priority date: 2001-08-02
Filing date: 2004-02-26
Publication date: 2004-10-20
Also published as: RS51035B; US6877985B2; EA200400083A1; SI21298A; NZ530755A; HRP20040099A2; HUP0402420A2; CU23144A3; GEP20053498B; KR100544508B1; RO122070B1; EA005970B1; KR20040025706A; IL159850A0; ZA200400441B; CN100400011C; EE05229B1; BG108558A; WO2003011170A1; BG64739B1

Description

Use of ozone to whiten teeth

This application claims prioritv from provisional application Serial No. S0/309,570 filed August 2, 2001.

The present invention generally relates to a method for whitening teeth, and more particularly, relates to a method for whitening teeth which utilizēs ozone.

White teeth have long been considered cosmetically desirable. Typically, a tooth becomes discolored in specific reģions, or spots, and in overall color. Tooth materiāls which are generally responsible for presenting a stained appearance are enamel, dentin, and the acquired pellicle.

In particular, tooth enamel is formed predominantly from inorganic material, mostly in the form of hydroxyapatite crystals, and further contains approximately 5% organic material, primarily in the form of collagen. Conversely, dentin is composed of about 20% protein, including collagen, with the balance comprising of inorganic material, predominantly hydroxvapatite crystals, similar to that found in enamel. The acguired pellicle, on the other hand, is a proteinaceous layer on the surface of tooth enamel which reforms rapidly even following an intensive tooth cleaning with highly abrasive propnylaxis pastes.

Tooth discoloration results from both extrinsic and incrinsic staining. Extrinsic staining of the tooth surface arises as a result of the accumulation of various chromogenic substances (in addition to chromogen precursors, which are initially colorless, but later chemically convert to chrcmogens) within the acguired pellicle. This type of staining can usually be removed by mechanical methods, which remove the acguired pellicle or portions thereof, along with the adherent chromogens.

Aging of extrinsic stains, however, has been known to make che extrinsic stains less susceptible to removal by mechanical means, perhaps due to increased depth of extrinsic stain penetration into enamel over time. Such stains, therefore, require the use of Chemicals, such as oxygenating aģents, which can penetrate the tooth enamel to oxidize or solubilize bhe deep-seated chromogens.

In ccntrast, intrinsic staining occurs as a result cf chromogenic substances derived from sources within the tooth. This type of staining is not amenable to mechanical methods of tooth cleansing, and the aforementioned Chemical methods are usually reguired. Further variations in tooth composition including filling material can contribute to variation in coloration densitv resulting in darkened area.

stained removal tooth surface throuoh abrasive

Tooth-whitening compositions generally fall into two categories: (1) liguids, gels, or pastes including toothpastes, that may be mechanically agitated at the in order to effect tooth stain erosion of stained acguired pellicle; and (2) liguids, gels, or pastes that accomplish the tooth-whitening effect by a Chemical process wnile being in ccntacc with the stained tooth surface for a specific period, after which the formulation is removed. In scme cases the mechanical process is supplemented by an auxiliary Chemical process, which may be oxidative or enz'/raatic.

Conventional teeth whitening typically utilizēs a rubber sheet or dam fcr isolating teeth. The dam is tvpicaliv made from latex rubber and forced over each tooth and held in place with conventional clamps and ligatures. This is done co protect the soft tissue of the gums from peroxides typically used in the bleaching procedure.

However, since the rubber sheet or dam dces not provide a perfect fit and can stretch, peroxide can leak therearound and cause discomfort to the patient. In order to expedite the procedure after a peroxide solution is coated onto the teeth, heat is applied or the coated teeth are exposed to laser radiation. Exposure to heat also may cause discomfort to the patient if the pulp temperature within the tooth becomes too high. As a result, a number of appointments are recruired.

The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by utilization of ozone for whitening teeth which enables both total tooth whitening a spot whitening of a tooth.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A method for whitening teeth in accordance with the present invention comprises the steps of isolating the teeth to be whitened and exposing each for the isolated teeth to ozone. The method may be applied over a number of teeth or an individual tooth. Further, as hereinabcve noted, portions of a tooth may also be whitened in accordance with the method of the present invencion.

3RIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRANĪNGS

The advantages and features of the present invention will be better understood by the following deseription when considered in eonjunetion of the accompanying drawings, in v/hieh:

Figurē i illustrates a block diagram of apparatus for whitening teeth in accordance with the present invention, the apparatus generally includes a source cf oxidizing gas, an aspiration pump, a source of reductant, a reductant pump and a controller for providing the cxidizing gas to a handpiece;

Figurē 2 illustrated a handpiece in accordance witn the present invention for delivering a gas to a tooth and generally showing a cup attached to the handpiece for receiving the gas;

Figurē 3 illustrated the handpiece with an alternative cup embodiment, the alternative embodiment cup having an arcuate shape for facilitating application of oxidizing gas to a tooth;

Figurē 4 is a diagram showing application of oxidizing gas to a tooth between a cusp and a gingival utilizing the handpiece and cup shcwn in Figurē 3;

Figurē 5 is cross-sectional view of the cup shown in Figurē 2 that is suitable for use in the present invention;

Figurē 6 is a cross-sectional view an alternative embodiment of a cup for exposing a selected area cf a tooth oxidizing gas;

Figurē 7 is a cross-sectional diagram showing an alternative embodiment of a cup in accordance with the present invention for exposing adjacent teeth to cxidizir.g gas; and

Figurē 3 illustrates the use of the cup shcwn in Figurē 7 as it may be applied to adjacent teeth.

DETAILSD DESCRIPTION

With reference to Figurēs 1-4, there is shown apparatus 10 in accordance with the present invention for the whitening of teeth which includes a source 12 of oxidizing gas, preferably ozone, and a handpiece 16 (see Figurē 2) for delivering the gas to a tooth, not shown in Figurēs 1-3.

As illustrated in Figurē	1 /	the	ozone source	12
includes an ozone generator 20	and'	an ozone pump 22	for
supplying ozone through a line	24	, a	connector 28	and
lines 30 to the handpiece 16.	As	used	herein, the	term

ozone is intended to embrace anv suitable oxidizing gas, pure ozone, ionized air and other ozone gaseous mixtures.

Ozone is delivered at a pressure, concentration and for a period of time sufficient to whiten tooth enamel.

As shown in Figurē 2-3, cups 34 35 attached to the handpiece 16 are provided for receiving the gas and exposing a selected area 38 on a tooch 40 for whitening, see Figurē 3. The cup 34 mav be attached to the handpiece 16 in any conventional manner and include a resilient edge, or sidewall, 44 for sealabie engaging the tooth 40 to prevent the escape of gas therepast.

Many differeno sized and shaped cups may be utilized to accommodate various tooth profilēs or to apply ozone to specific spots or portions of a tooth. For example, as shc’.vn in Figurē 3 the cup 3 6 includes an arcuace trunk 50 to facilitate the placement of che cup 36 over the selected area 38 co be whitened as shown in Figurē 4. The cups 34, 3 6 may have relatively uniform perimeters 52, 54 for sealably engaging the tooth 40 between a cusp 53 and a gingiva 60 as shown in Figurē 4.

A further cup embodiment 64 is shown in crosssection in Figurē 6 includes a tapered sidevall 66 that may be used for application of cxidizing gas to a smaller selected area (not shown) on the tooth 40.

While a resilient edge or sidewall may be used to couple the cup to the selected area 38 on the tooth 40, it should be appreciated that a separate sealant 68 (See Figurē 6) may be utilized for providing a sealable engagement between the cup 64 and the tooth 40. In this instance, the sidewall 66 need not be resilient.

The use of a handpiece and cap to provide ozone eliminates or signifioantly reduces gum exposure. Thus, less, if any irritation to the patient, by way of gum exposure occurs. This enables the vzhitening of ali of a patient's teeth during one appointment with a dentist.

Another embodiment of a cup 70 is shown in crosssection in Figurē 7 which includes walls 72 which are contoured for enabling the sealable engagement with adjacent teeth 74, 76 as shown in Figurē 8. As shown in Figurē 8, a cup edge 30 has a perimeter contour 82 for providing a sealable engagement with cups 86, 88 of adjacent teeth 74, 76.

Ali of the cups 34, 54, 70, cross-secticnally illustrated in Figurēs 5-7. include cup chambers 92, 94, that subtend cup edges 98, 100, 102. As shown each of the cups 34, 64, 70 include walls 44, 66, 72 that define the chambers 92, 94, 96 and include first perimeters 106, 108, 110 for sealably coupling the walls 44,66, 72 to one handpiece 16. Second perimeters 112, 114, 116 provide for coupling the walls 44,66 72 to the tcoth 40 and exposing the selected areas 38 to gas circulated in the chambers 92, 94, 96.

As shown in Figurē 6, the embodiment 64 the first perimeter 10 8 may be larger than the second perimeter 115 or, as shown in Figurē 7, the first perimeter 110 may be smaller than the second perimeter 116. Accordingly this variation in cup 64, 70 design enables the application of oxidizing gas the any number of tooth contours and to the application of oxidizing gas to a plurality of teeth has hereinabove described.

With reference again to Figurē 1, the apparatus 12 includes an aspiration pump 12 0 and lines 30, 122, 124 connected to the handpiece 16 for enabling circulation of the ozone into and out of the cup chambers 92, 94, 96.

A controller 126, which may be cf any conventional Circuit design, is provided for regulating the ozone and aspiration pumps 22, 120 in order to ciroulate the gas into and out of the cup chambers 92, 94, 96 at a pressure insufficient to permit escape of the gas past a sealed engagement between the cups 34, 64, 70 and teeth 40, 36,

33. Control of the gas flows may also be effected through valves 127, regulated by the conrroller 125.

Additionally, the apparatus 10 may include a reductant source 128, which is in fluid communication with

the cup	chambers	92, 94,	96	through lines 30,	130	and a
parastai	i c pump	131.	The	reductant, vzhich	may	be a
solution	of thiocyanate	or	peppermint, is ut	iliz	ed to

flush the cup chambers 92, 94, 96 of oxidizing gas. The oxidizing gas is flushed into the aspiration line 122 follov/ing ozone treatment of the tooth 40, 86, 88. The reductant is then aspirated through line 122 and into a waste accumulator 132.

Any residual ozone is then aspirated from the accumulator 132 through the line 124 and into a canister 134 through line 136 for final elimination of the ozone. Thus, the apparatus 12 provides for a totallv closed svstem for the application and removal of ozone to and from teeth 40, 86, 83.

It should also be appreciate that when the cups 34, 36, 64 are utilized betvzeen teeth 40, 138 (not shovzn in

Figurē 4) a separate dam 140 maybe utilized as necessary to er.able the cups 34, 36, 64 (not shovzn in Figurē 4) to sealablv enclose a selected area for treatment betvzeen the teeth 40, 133.

EXAMPLS 1

Ozone.detection (ppm) around the cup using a ozone analyzer after either 10 or 20 s of ozone application in vivo

Study or Tēst: Ozone detection (ppm) around the cup 34 using a ozone analyzer after either 10 or 20 s of ozone application in vivo

Purpose: To assess the maximum ozone detectable Ievel (ppm) around the cup 34 after either 10 s or 20 s of ozons application in vivo.

Study or Tēst Protocol: The tip of the sensor was always held within 2 mm of the edge of the cup, positioned half way between the mesial and occlusal sides of the cup. The maximum ozone detectable Ievel (ppm) around the cup from the teeth is measured using an ozone analyzer after 10 s of ozone application. The ozone analyzer used was an API

450 modei available from ENVĪRO Technologies, UK, and was calibrated by the supplier within the previous week of delivery and this device was not used for any other purpose other than this study in the interim.

Overlying placrue was then removed using a hand held

Standard fine nylon fiber sterile tcothbrush with water as a lubricant. Each tooth was dried using dry sterile cotton wcol roiis and a dental 3 in 1-air syringe. Subsequently, the teeth are exposed to the ozone gas for a period of either 10 s or 20 s at room temperature (23°C) and maximum detectable ozone Ievel was also measured using this ozone analvzer.

Tēst Results:

The maximum ozone detectable Ievel (ppm) expected around the cup for a period of either 10 s (Figurē 1) or 20 3 (Figurē 2) ozone application.

Table 1. Maximum ozone detectable Ievel (ppm) after a 10 s of ozone application

Teeth types	Sites	Ozone detection (10 s)
Upper left incisor	Mesial	0.066
Upper right 1. premolar	Buccal	0.001
Upper right canine	Distal	0.002
Upper right 1. molar	Buccal	0.006
Upper left 2. premolar	Buccal	0.076
Lower right 2. premolar	Mesial	0.058
Lower left 1. premolar	Buccal	0.169
Lower left lateral	Buccal	0.106
Upper right lateral	Distal	0.001
Lower left canine	Labial	0.147

Table 2. Maximum ozone detectable Ievel (ppm) after a 20 s of ozone application

Teeth types	Sites	Ozone detection (20 s)
Lovzer left lateral	Labial	0.137
Lcwer left 1. premolar	Buccal	0.177
Lovzer right incisor	Labial	0.069

Upper right canine	Labial	0.033
Upper right lateral	Labial	0.079
Lower left 2. premolar	Buccal	0.002
Lovrer rightl. molar	Succal	0.083
Upper left lateral	Labial	0.004
Lower left canine	Labial	0.056
Upper left 1.premolar	Mesial	0.001

Conclusion: The use of a cup is a safe way of delivering ozone when ozone was applied for a period of either 10 s or 20 s on a tooth for whitening teeth.

Although there has been hereinabove described method and apparatus for the treatment of dental caries as reminerilized in accordance with the present invention for the purpose of illustrating the manner in which the invention may be used to advantage, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited therato. Accordingly, any and ali modifications, variations or eguivalent arrangements whicn may occur to those skilled in the art, should be considered to be within the scope cf the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

Claims

1. Dental apparatus (10) comprising a source (12) of oxidizing gas; a handpiece (16) for delivering the gas to a tooth (40, 74, 78); and a cup (34, 36, 64, 70) attached to said handpiece (16) for receiving the gas and exposing a selected area (38) of the tooth (40, 74, 78) to the gas, the cup (34, 36, 64, 70) including a resilient cup edge (44, 80, 98, 100, 102) for sealably engaging the tooth (40, 74, 78) around the selected area (38) to prevent escape of the gas therepast.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the oxidizing gas is ozone.
3. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the resilient cup edge (44) has a relatively uniform perimeter (52, 54) for sealably engaging a tooth (40) betvveen a cusp (58) and a gingiva (60) .
4. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the resilient cup edge (80) has a contour (82) enabling sealabie engagement vvith adjacent teeth (74, 76).
5. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the resilient cup edge (44, 98, 100, 102) has a perimeter (106, 108, 110) contoured for sealably engaging a tooth cusp (58).
6. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the resilient cup edge (80) has a perimeter (82) for sealably engaging cusps (86, 88) of adjacent teeth (74,

76) .
7. Apparatus according to claim 1, that the source (12) of oxidizing gas pump (22) and an aspiration pump (120) line (122) connected to said handpiece circulation of the gas into and out of a 94, 96) subtending the resilient cup edge characterized in includes an ozone and an aspiration (16) for enabling cup chamber (92, (98, 100, 102) .
8. Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that a controller (126) is provided for regulating the ozone and aspiration pumps (22, 120) in order to circulate the gas into and out of the cup chamber (92, 94, 96) at a pressure insufficient to escape past the sealed engagement between the cup (34, 36, 64, 70) and the tooth (4 0, 74,

76) .
9. Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that a reductant source (128) is provided in fluid communication with the cup chamber (92, 94, 96).
10. Apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that a reductant pump (131) is provided for circulating the reductant through the cup chamber (92, 94, 96) to flush the oxidizing gas from the cup chamber (92, 94, 96) and into the aspiration line (122).
11. Apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that a waste accumulator (132) is connected to the aspiration line (122) for receiving the reductant.
12. Apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that a filter (134) is provided for removal of any residual oxidizing gas from the aspiration line (122) .
13. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the cup (34, 36, 64, 70) is attached to said handpiece (16) for receiving the gas and inciudes a sidewall (66) for directing the gas onto a selected area (38) of the tooth (40) .
14. Apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that the sidewall (66) is sealed around the selected area (38) .
15. Apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the sidewall (66) around the selected area (38) comprises a sealant (68).