Abstract: Methods and related systems for mixing a multi-phase fluoride varnish composition preparatory to applying it to a person's teeth. The method includes the steps of providing a multi-phase fluoride varnish composition including a liquid hydrophobic adhesive phase and a solid fluoride salt (e.g., sodium fluoride) phase that is substantially insoluble in the liquid adhesive phase, and applying turbulence to the multi-phase composition within a closed vessel in order to substantially suspend the solid fluoride salt phase within the liquid hydrophobic adhesive phase while preventing spillage of the composition.

Abstract: A non-custom, tray-shaped dental treatment device includes a moisture-resistant barrier layer having a front side wall and a bottom wall, and a dental treatment composition. In addition, the tray-shaped dental treatment device includes at least one of the following anatomical features to enhance the fit of the device: (1) the bottom wall includes a plurality of cuts positioned to help the bottom wall better conform to abrupt changes in the diameters of a person's teeth where the bicuspids and canines meet, and/or (2) the bottom wall includes at least one V-shaped or U-shaped indentation configured to be inserted into the depression typically found along the top surfaces of a person's molars, and/or (3) the front side wall and bottom wall include radii of curvature that account for typical flaring of a patient's incisors.

Abstract: A dental composition capable of being used in dual dental diagnostics can include at least one polymerizable resin and at least two different types of color changing materials. Alternatively, a two-part composition can include at least one dental composition configured for placement onto a person's tooth, and at least two different types of color changing materials to be mixed into the at least one dental composition to form a dental composition capable of being used in dual dental diagnostics. The dental composition can be formulated to blend with a person's tooth, and also be capable of changing color to be distinguishable from the tooth. The dental composition can be used in a method for performing a dental procedure by applying the dental composition to a tooth, and exposing the dental composition to at least one color changing stimulus. Accordingly, the dual dental diagnostic capable composition can aid a dental professional in distinguishing between the location of the dental composition and the tooth.

Abstract: A dental treatment system used to treat (e.g., bleach) a person's teeth. The inventive system includes an inner dental treatment tray having a tray configuration so as to fit over at least a portion of a person's upper or lower dental arch. The inner dental treatment tray is sufficiently thin and flexible so as to at least partially conform to a person's teeth without heating when used in combination with a dental treatment and/or adhesive composition. The dental treatment system includes an outer support tray positioned adjacent to the inner dental treatment tray so as to maintain the inner dental treatment tray in the tray configuration prior to placement of the inner dental treatment tray over the person's teeth. The dental treatment system also includes temporary adhesion means (e.g., a weak adhesive) for maintaining the outer support tray adjacent to the inner dental treatment tray prior to and during placement of the inner dental treatment tray over the person's teeth.

Abstract: A dental bleaching material comprises a dental bleaching composition that includes a dental bleaching agent and a thickening agent and a protective coating on a surface of the dental bleaching composition that includes a complex of polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The bleaching composition may be a gel or solid. The protective coating may be a powder or a solid shell. A dental bleaching device includes a barrier layer, such as an initially flat strip or a dental bleaching tray, a dental bleaching composition adjacent to the barrier layer, and a protective coating on a surface of the dental bleaching composition comprising the complex of PVP and H2O2.

Abstract: Hemostatic compositions and dental etching compositions for oral use include methyl salicylate in order to mask or disguise their otherwise unpleasant taste. The methyl salicylate, hemostatic and/or dental etching agent are dispersed within an aqueous carrier, which may be liquid or viscous as desired. In order to increase the stickiness and the viscosity of the carrier, a higher molecular weight polyol and/or a finely divided inorganic filler may be included. Methyl salicylate is selected as the flavorant because it has been found to have enhanced stability in the presence of strongly acidic compositions compared to other flavorants known in the art. In addition, methyl salicylate does not leave behind an unpleasant after taste. For this reason, methyl salicylate is uniquely suited for masking or disguising the profoundly sour, bitter and rusty taste of hemostatic agents or the sour or bitter taste of dental etching agents.

Abstract: Treatment devices in the shape of a dental tray, strip or patch include a barrier layer and a protective adhesive composition. Treatment kits include one or more treatment devices and one or more treatment compositions that are initially separate from the treatment devices. The treatment compositions may be contained within a syringe (e.g., a unit dose syringe) for ease of delivery. The treatment composition is dispensed from the syringe onto the barrier layer and then placed over a person's teeth and/or gums. The protective adhesive composition, in combination with the barrier layer, at least partially confines the treatment composition to a desired location within the person's mouth during use. The barrier layer protects the treatment and protective adhesive compositions from saliva or moisture found in the person's mouth.

Abstract: A dental appliance having a performance region and a separate bonding region. The dental appliance further includes a mounting surface configured to attach to a substrate, with at least a portion of the mounting surface being formed from the bonding region. The performance region imparts one or more desired performance properties (e.g., at least one of mechanical, handling, or aesthetic properties). The bonding region is selected to have a greater bonding strength to a bonding agent than the performance region. The bonding region may comprise one or more of a polymer, ceramic, or a metal oxide. In one embodiment, the bonding region can be one of polyamides, methacrylates, acrylates, and polycarbonates, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Dental bleaching devices in the shape of a dental tray, strip or patch include a barrier layer, a dental bleaching composition, and a protective adhesive composition that protects a person's gums from the dental bleaching composition during use. The barrier layer protects the bleaching and protective adhesive compositions from saliva or moisture during use. The dental bleaching composition is positioned so as to contact a person's tooth surfaces when the bleaching device is in use. The protective adhesive composition is positioned so as to shield a person's gums from the bleaching composition when the bleaching device is in use. The dental bleaching composition and protective adhesive composition can be in the form of a gel or they may be substantially solid. They preferably include a tissue adhesion agent comprising a hydrophilic polymer.

Abstract: A tray-shaped dental treatment device includes a moisture-resistant barrier layer having a front side wall and a bottom wall, and a dental treatment composition. In addition, the tray-shaped dental treatment device includes at least one of the following anatomical features to enhance the fit of the device: (1) the bottom wall includes a plurality of cuts positioned to help the bottom wall better conform to abrupt changes in the diameters of a person's teeth where the bicuspids and canines meet, or (2) the bottom wall includes at least one V-shaped or U-shaped indentation configured to be inserted into the depression typically found along the top surfaces of a person's molars, or (3) the front side wall and bottom wall include radii of curvature that account for typical flaring of a patient's incisors.

Abstract: Dental bleaching compositions in the shape of a dental tray, strip or patch include an adhesive activation composition and a dental bleaching gel. A barrier layer may be included to form a dental bleaching device that protects the bleaching composition from saliva or moisture during use. The adhesive activation composition is substantially solid and has increased adhesiveness to oral tissue when moistened with saliva or water. The adhesive activation composition is formed from an intermediate composition that is heated to drive off the solvent. Using a bleaching gel separate from the adhesive activation composition improves the potency and stability of the bleaching agent prior to use. During use, saliva or moisture cause the bleaching gel to be activated as the bleaching agent activator in the activation composition is leached therefrom so as to react with and destabilize the bleaching agent within the bleaching gel.

Abstract: Treatment compositions in the shape of a strip or patch include a substantially solid adhesive layer and a treatment gel. A barrier layer may be included on an outer surface of the adhesive layer to form a treatment strip. The adhesive layer comprises a substantially solid adhesive composition that has increased adhesiveness to oral tissue when moistened with saliva or water. The adhesive layer is formed from an intermediate composition that is heated to drive off the solvent. Using a treatment gel separate from the adhesive layer improves the potency and stability of an active agent that is sensitive to heat, as the treatment gel is typically not heated prior to use like the adhesive layer. The adhesiveness of the treatment composition or strip facilitates placement over a person's teeth. The moistened adhesive composition reliably adheres the treatment composition or strip against a user's teeth during a desired procedure.

Abstract: Dental bleaching compositions in the shape of a dental tray or tray-like form include a substantially solid adhesive layer and a dental bleaching gel. A barrier layer may be included on an outer surface of the adhesive layer to form a dental bleaching device. The adhesive layer comprises a substantially solid adhesive composition that has increased adhesiveness to oral tissue when moistened with saliva or water. The adhesive layer is formed from an intermediate composition that is heated to drive off the solvent. Using a bleaching gel separate from the adhesive layer improves the potency and stability of the bleaching agent, as the bleaching gel is not heated like the adhesive layer. The shape of the dental bleaching device facilitates placement of the device over a person's teeth with substantially less manipulation compared to the use of initially flat bleaching strips.