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A novel optical approach to achieving tooth whitening
Andrew Joiner1, Carole J Philpotts, Coralie Alonso
1Unilever Oral Care, Quarry Road East, Bebington, Wirral CH63 3JW, UK. Andrew.Joiner@Unilever.com
Journal of Dentistry
|July 23, 2008
Summary
Blue Covarine enhances tooth whiteness by depositing on the tooth surface, improving both measured and perceived whiteness. This novel optical approach offers a significant advancement in tooth whitening treatments.
Area of Science:
- Dental Materials Science
- Optical Physics
- Cosmetic Dentistry
Background:
- Tooth whitening is a highly sought-after cosmetic dental procedure.
- Existing methods often rely on chemical bleaching agents.
- There is a need for novel optical approaches to enhance tooth whiteness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate a new optical method for tooth whitening.
- To assess the effect of blue-colored materials on tooth whiteness perception.
- To evaluate Blue Covarine as a tooth whitening agent.
Main Methods:
- Human extracted teeth and enamel specimens were used.
- Colorimetric measurements were taken in CIELAB mode.
- Blue Covarine deposition and color change were assessed using various techniques, including time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) and visual assessment.
Main Results:
- Blue Covarine significantly increased the b* value (p < 0.0001) compared to water.
- A mean Vita Shade change of 1.18 was observed with Blue Covarine, indicating improved whiteness.
- Objective whiteness index (WIO) increased significantly (p < 0.0001), and Blue Covarine was detected on enamel surfaces.
Conclusions:
- Blue Covarine represents a novel approach to tooth whitening.
- The mechanism involves deposition and retention on tooth surfaces, altering optical properties.
- This leads to enhanced measurement and perception of tooth whiteness.
