WO2002067804A1 - Composition and method for cosmetically improving and altering the appearance of teeth - Google Patents

Abstract

A composition and method for altering the appearance of teeth, including whitening or otherwise colorizing teeth, to cover discolorations and stains, or to provide a fashionable color on the tooth which can be selectively removed, the composition comprising a lac based compound solubilized for applying of the surface of a tooth, and a method including selecting the color to be applied, preparing the colorized compound to be applied to a tooth, exposing the tooth to be covered, applying a colorized compound to the enamel surface of the tooth, and allowing the compound to dry on teh tooth, and selectively removing the compounds from the tooth. Fluoride can also be present in the composition. Stencil apparatus can be used to create a design on the tooth.

Description

COMPOSITION AND METHOD FOR COSMETICALLY IMPROVING AND ALTERING THE APPEARANCE OF TEETH

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of cosmetically improving and

altering the appearance of teeth.

2. Brief Description of the Prior Art

Many procedures are done to improve the appearance of teeth. Teeth

are filled to replace dentin and enamel invaded by bacteria, and can be capped

to replicate a removed or abraded portion of a tooth. Teeth are often treated

with a treatment agent, such as fluoride to strengthen the tooth's resistance to

dental caries.

The teeth of individuals widely vary in their appearance and shape. This

is due to the genetic make-up of the individual, but can also be affected by age,

and the degree of contact with various foods and medications, both those

superficially contacting the teeth and from the internal effects of the

medication. The teeth of some individuals exhibit a yellow appearance while

those of others may be whiter. While aging is often considered a "natural"

cause of tooth discoloration, other factors commonly attributed to tooth

discoloration can include chemical exposure to tannins, which are found in red

wines, and brewed beverages such as coffees and teas. Additional discoloring

chemicals include those not naturally occurring in foods, but rather,

manufactured or synthesized compounds, such as, for example, the compounds found in medications, like antibiotics, including tetracycline and other

pharmaceuticals. The common practice of using doses of tetracycline to cure

facial, acne blemishes has been known to contribute to the discoloration of

teeth. Aside from these chemicals, even excess brushing can create

discoloration by repeated contact with fluoride compounds commonly present

in most toothpastes.

Many have attempted to confront the problem of tooth discoloration by

proposing various solutions to whiten the teeth. One such method of tooth

whitening involves the bonding of veneers onto the buccal or labial surfaces of

a tooth. The veneer is usually constructed and applied by a dentist using dental

bonding techniques to attach it to the tooth. Various veneers have been

described in several U.S. Patents, see, e.g. 4,992,049 "Method for Applying a

Neneer Facing to a Tooth"; 4,822,279 "Article for Cosmetic Restoration of

Anterior Teeth" (which uses a glazed porcelain labial veneer); 4,682,950

"Device and Method of Bonding and Veneering Dental Material to a Tooth"

(syringing composite material to a tooth surface which has been etched and

coated with a bonding material); 4,473,353 "Method for Cosmetic Restoration

of Anterior Teeth" (wherein a glazed porcelain veneer is bonded to a patient's

tooth); and 4,433,959 "Composite Laminate Dental Neneer Containing Color

Systems" (a veneer which is molded and then attached to the labial enamel

surfaces of teeth).

Other attempts to whiten teeth are also known to include bleaching the teeth. Often the bleach is applied in the form of hydrogen peroxide, which can

be obtained in drug stores by consumers. Because of the delicacy of applying

hydrogen peroxide in one's mouth, some dentists carry out the procedure in

their offices, using a stronger peroxide than can be purchased by the consumer.

There are even pastes, sold over the counter, to the consumers which claim to

whiten teeth. Often ordinary toothpastes make this claim, but increasingly

appearing in the marketplace for purchase by consumers are pastes with the

chemical compound sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), which may also contain

peroxide. While chemical bleaching of teeth has been done to provide whiter-

looking teeth, with its use there exists danger to the enamel of the teeth,

especially if excessive exposure to chemical bleaches occurs. Further,

chemical bleaching is understood in many cases to require multiple

applications, and, hence, repeated use of the chemical. Even when applied by a

dentist, precautions may be taken to prevent peroxide solution from contacting

the patient's gums, which if otherwise allowed to come into contact therewith

can be painful and cause damage to the gums. In cases of certain stains,

bleaching may not be effective, and the stain may remain.

There are even procedures involving abrasion of the tooth enamel to

present a smooth surface which is lighter in appearance than the stained surface

removed. This has limitations as to the number of times it can be done. Furthermore, abrading or bleaching teeth can have deleterious side

effects, including, increased sensitivity of the treated tooth to temperature, i.e.

especially when hot and cold foods and drinks are consumed. This effect may

subside within time, but often the need to repeat bleaching procedures

regularly, gives rise to a period of time within which the treated tooth can by

hypersensitive.

There are some prior art whitening methods which require etching steps

that are carried out with phosphoric acids. The use of phosphoric acid is

generally done by a dentist under controlled conditions, for example, in the

dentist's office. Caustic acid etchants have been recognized to be corrosive to

the soft tissues of the mouth. For example, ortho-phosphoric acid, in some

venues, must be transported pursuant to specified requirements and restrictions.

In addition, the long term physiological effects of acid etching, which are

generally unknown, have led practitioners to question certain acid etching uses

in the field of dentistry. See e.g. M.G. Buonocore, "The Challenge of Bonding

to Dentin", The Acid Etch Technique, L.M. Silverstone and I.L. Dogon, Eds.,

Proceedings of the International Symposium at St. Moritz, Switzerland, Dec.

16-18, 1974, North Central Publishing Co. (St. Paul, 1975). See also, U.S.

5,304,585, which raises these concerns, the complete disclosure of which is

herein incorporated by reference; and see Akira Komori, and Haruo Ishikawa,

"Evaluation of a Resin-Reinforced Glass Ionomer Cement for Use as an

Orthodontic Bonding Agent," The Angle Orthodontist. Vol. 67 No. 3, 1997, the complete disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference. Further

attempts to whiten teeth are disclosed in U.S. patents 4,032,627 "Tooth

Whitening Cosmetic Composition"; 4,097,994 "Dental Restorative

Composition Containing Oligomeric Bis-GMA Resin and Michler's Ketone";

4, 141 , 144 "Dental Material and Method for Controlling Tooth Lustre"; and

4,512,743 "Method for Masking Discoloration on Teeth." U.S. Patents

4,512,743 and 4,141 ,144, each use phosphoric acid application to the tooth in

their treatments. U.S. 4,097,994 discloses a photocurable compound, which is

used with a specific ultraviolet sensitizer and a peroxide catalyst to cure the

compound. Furthermore, phosphoric acid etching generally disposes grooves

in the tooth enamel in the nature of about 50 to 60 μm. This order of etching is

visible and is noticed in the form of a dull tooth surface.

U.S. 4,032,627, referenced above, discloses the use of an alcohol-

soluble composition to be applied to the surface of a tooth to whiten the tooth's

appearance. This composition is suggested to be applied by the user.

However, although this disclosure attempts to provide an extended wearing

time for its compound, the composition is readily worn off by the abrasive

action of food eaten after the compound is applied to the teeth, with certain,

more abrasive, harder, foods causing faster wear of the composition from the

tooth than other, softer foods.

A need exists for a temporary tooth whitening and colorizing system

which can be safely applied by the wearer, or without the need for specially trained dental personnel. The tooth whitening to be achieved should also have

stability and be able to resist removal or solvation by foods and beverages, but

should be able to be removed whenever the user desires. It is further desirable

to provide a composition and a method for covering a tooth, to appear white or

colorized, which can be selectively applied and removed by a wearer without

harming the tooth.

It is known to apply fluoride to teeth as a treatment agent to improve the

tooth's resistance to dental caries. The human body relies upon hydroxyapatite

as the principal crystal for all calcified tissue. Hydroxyapatite is also found in

teeth. Fluoride ion reacts with the hydroxyapatite in teeth. During the formation

of teeth, generally in children, fluoride is known to improve the tooth's

resistance to dental caries by reacting with the hydroxyapatite to form a more

caries-resistant tooth. The reaction of hydroxyapatite with fluoride results in the

formation of fluorapatite. The reaction equation is set forth below:

Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂ + 2F > Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆F₂ + 2OH^"

While fluoride deposition may occur while teeth are being formed,

before teeth appear in a child's mouth, low levels of fluoride in the tissue fluids

are incoφorated into the enamel crystals. Fluoride deposition continues in the

enamel, and once the teeth erupt from the gums and become exposed in a

child's mouth, the surface enamel can take up fluoride from sources such as

drinking water (if fluoridated) and food.

Treatment agents such as fluoride, are applied to teeth in a medical office under the supervision of medical personnel such as a dentist. Fluoride

can be dangerous if mishandled or ingested in excess quantities. Dental

applications have comprised inserting a mouth piece in a patient's mouth and

filling the mouth piece with a fluoride containing liquid which contacts the

patient's teeth during the time in which the mouth piece remains inserted. This

procedure is carried out by a dentist, is time consuming and can be

uncomfortable for the patient. Also, teeth may not be fully covered due to the

level which the mouthpiece can hold. While commercially available consumer

products such as tooth pastes and rinses which contain fluoride have been

provided for sale to the consumer directly, the amount of time that the fluoride

containing composition is actually in contact with the teeth is minimal. This is

purposefully done so as to avoid potentially harmful effects of fluoride

poisoning. Although, fluoride is a known substance which is beneficial to teeth

when topically applied to the tooth's surface in a known amount, fluoride can

be toxic, and in certain doses, even fatal.

A need therefore exists to provide fluoride in a beneficial amount where

the fluoride application is controlled and the possibility of fluoride poisoning is

reduced. It is desirable to provide a composition and method for covering a

tooth, to appear white or colorized, which contains fluoride and can be

selectively applied and removed by a user or non-medical personnel without

harming the tooth or the individual wearer. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A novel composition and method for altering the appearance of teeth is

provided by the present invention, where an individual, in his or her own home,

or in a beauty parlor, or other non-medical office, can apply a colorized

compound to his or her teeth to cosmetically alter and/or improve the

appearance of the teeth. The present method can be used to whiten anterior

teeth, and can even be done in the presence of existing saliva which may be

present on the tooth. The method provides a removable coating which can

comprise a colorized coating which can be removed and replaced with other

colorized coatings, or no further coatings, at the user's discretion. Expensive or

dangerous drying apparatus are not required. Further, the present invention can

be applied with or without an etching step, thereby avoiding the hazards

inherent to use of caustic acid etchants, such as phosphoric and phosphonic

acids. Moreover, when an individual's teeth, in accordance with the present

method, require pre-treatment prior to application of the covering compound,

the application of a naturally occurring substance can be used to facilitate

adhesion. The substance can be lemon juice or lime juice, which unlike caustic

acids, contains citric acid, which can be purchased by the consumer user of the

covering compound which is to be applied by the present method. In a

proposed alternate embodiment of the invention, polyacrylic acid is applied to

the tooth surface prior to contact with the covering compound.

The present invention also provides a novel method for temporarily changing the color of a tooth. A palette system is provided wherein a user or

wearer can select a color from one, or a combination of one or more, colorizing

compounds. The selected or created color can then be incoφorated with the

other steps of the present method to provide a unique appearance to a tooth.

The present method permits the user to mix his or her own colors or to select a

color from one or more prepared provided colors.

The composition is a removable compound which can be applied to a

tooth surface. Preferably, the composition includes a lac material, which is

provided with a colorizing regulating compound or substance, in a solvent such

as ethanol. Lac, the natural resinous substance excreted by an insect, Laccifer

Lacca, has been used in dentistry mainly for the construction of special trays

and bases for wax rims when recording jaw relationships. (See A. Azucca, R.

Huggett, and A. Harrison, "The Production of Shellac and its General and

Dental Uses: A review." Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 1993, vol. 20, pp. 393-

400, the complete disclosure of which is herein incoφorated by reference; and

I. Klineberg and R. Earnshaw, "Physical Properties of Shellac Baseplate

Materials." Australian Dental Journal, October, 1967, vol. 12 no. 5, pp. 468-

475.) Another use of shellac in dentistry includes treatment of a cavity with a

hydrophilic shellac film placement of a polystyrene liner. (See M. Blixt and P.

Coli, "The Influence of Lining Techniques on the Marginal Seals of Class II

Composite Resin Restorations" Quintessence International, vol. 24, no. 3,

1993). Shellac has also been prepared and used in dentistry for the use of a bead adhesive for securing a composite resin veneer cast restoration. (See C.

Lee, H. Pieφont, and E. Strickler, "The Effect of Bead Attachment Systems on

Casting Patterns and Resultant Tensile Bond Strength of Composite Resin

Veneer Cast Restorations", The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. November,

1991 , vol. 66, no. 5, pp. 623-630.)

Fluoride can be provided in the covering compound as a treatment agent.

Fluoride or a fluoride-containing compound can be mixed together with the lac

resin.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel composition

and method for improving the appearance and character of teeth.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a composition

and a method that can be useful for whitening the teeth to improve or alter their

appearance.

It is a further object of the present invention to improve or alter the

appearance of teeth by covering stains or discolorations on a tooth by matching

a colorized compound to an individual's teeth and applying the colorized

compound on the surface of said stained or discolored teeth.

A further object of the present method is to improve the appearance of a

tooth by applying a colored or shaded composition to the tooth.

A further object of the present invention is to coordinate colors of a

tooth with other health and beauty aids by applying a method for colorizing a

compound and applying it to a tooth. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for

applying a compound to a tooth which can remain on the tooth during eating

and other activity, and can be removed at the wearer's discretion, to leave the

tooth as it appeared before the application of the compound.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a novel method of

improving the appearance of a tooth which includes applying a compound to

the tooth and selectively removing the compound from the tooth.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a method for

improving the appearance of a tooth which can be repeated by the wearer, to

change the appearance of a tooth, on a regular basis if the wearer desires,

without having damaging effects on the tooth enamel.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method which

includes a color matching system wherein the user mixes components to

colorize the composition to be applied to the tooth to the desired hue or color,

which can be a tooth color or a non-tooth color.

It is another object of the present invention to accomplish the above

objects by repeating application and removal of the compound on a tooth for

different colors as the user determines and selects.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a tooth covering

composition which can be selectively colorized, applied and removed by a user.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a compound which

can be selectively removed from the tooth by a forced stream of water.

Another object of the present invention is to accomplish any of the

above objects with fluoride present in the covering composition or compound

and applied on the tooth with the compound.

Another object of the present invention is to accomplish any of the

above objects using a stencil to create a design or other indicia on a tooth.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and

components for applying a design or other indicia to a tooth.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a method for altering the appearance of

teeth. The altered appearance can be the removal of stains or discoloration

caused by disease, chemical exposure or aging, or can be the application of a

color (i.e. red, blue, green, etc.) to the tooth. Generally the enamel of teeth is

bound to tannins and other chemicals which remain on the enamel, in the form

of a stain, which cannot be removed by brushing.

The present invention provides a composition which can be selectively

applied to a tooth surface to provide a cosmetic alteration of the tooth,

specifically, whitening or colorizing the tooth. The compound, which is a lac

based compound, preferably can be provided, or can be mixed by the user, to colorize the tooth a tooth colored shade, or one or more of a variety of colors

(i.e. red, blue, green, etc.). The present method provides for the application of

a lac based compound to the surface of a tooth to cover discolorings which are

present on the tooth, or to provide a colorization of the tooth.

A pigment compound is used to regulate the color of the tooth which is

to be covered with the covering compound. For example, one pigment which

can be used is titanium dioxide, which can yield a white or tooth colored shade.

Other suitable pigments can be used, either separately, or combined to form

desired shades.

The covering compound to be applied by the present method comprises

an opaque material which masks the tooth surface. Preferably, the covering

compound comprises a lac based compound.

The compound is prepared by dissolving a lac material into a solvent.

The solvent used for the example below is ethanol (99% ethyl alcohol). The

compound is preferably a liquid form which is fluid and can be painted on the

surface of a tooth.

Shellac is a natural raw material, and is a complex resin comprising a

material exuded from a scale insect. The insects which produce the lac are

Laccifer lacca. One specific insect is a red lac bug (tachardia laced), a

member of the Coccidae group, commonly known as scale insects. Several

trees of the Fabaceae (Butea, Cajanus, Acacia), Rhamnaceae (Zizyphus),

Sapindaceae (Schleicheria) are the home to lac insects. A reddish transparent material, referred to as "seed lac" is produced by

the insects. Most harvesting of seed lac is done in India. The seed lac is

generally adhered to sticks, which are collected. The lac deposits on the sticks

are then stone ground and sifted and immersed in water where they are ground

further by stomping or pulverizing. Unwanted materials, such as impurities

rise to the surface where they can be easily collected for removal. The lac is

then dried, and roasted in a mesh encapsulating material, after which it is

strained through the mesh as a flowable, viscous substance to form a thin sheet.

The sheet is permitted to cool and then broken down into flakes (sometimes

referred to as shellac). Thereafter, the material is commercially processed or

sold. It is these flakes that are utilized in the present invention. For example,

the seed lac can be mixed with mineral spirits for use as a furniture polish or

finish, pharmaceuticals, food industry.

A lac resin generally is a flake composition having a white, light brown,

amber or yellowish color. Lac resins, although processed from a naturally

occurring insect secretion, are generally commercially available.

A preferred lac resin for use in the present invention is the dewaxed

orange flake type. This lac compound exhibits a light brown color and has the

following characteristics:

Acid No. 65-80

Ash Max 0.3%

Melting Range 65-85°C Moisture Max 2.0%

Saponification No. 190-230

Wax Max 0.2%

Thermal Properties of Shellac

Specific Heat @ 10° C-40°C. 0.36-0.38 cal/g/°C

Thermal Conductivity @ 35°C 2.42 mW/cm/°C

Coefficient of Cubical Expansion

@ less than 45°C 2.73 x lO^' C

@ above 45°C 3.10 x lO^'4 cm/°C

Polymerization Time @ 150°C 40-50 minutes

Flow or Fluidity by WESTINGHOUSE

Method 60-80 seconds

Softening Point 55-65°C

Melting Point 65-75°C

The above data is for a lac resin sold as "Dewaxed Orange Flake

Shellac" which was used in the examples that follow. Although the above data

represents average properties for the lac used, it is understood that these can

vary somewhat since the lac product is a natural secretion of an insect (before

being processed into lac flakes).

Fluoride or a fluoride-containing compound may be added to the

covering composition to be applied therewith to a tooth. Fluoride is added in a

form which can be mixed with the lac resin composition. For example, sodium fluoride can be used to provide the fluoride needed for the present composition.

Fluoride is added so that the fluoride is present in the composition in an amount

medically significant to provide a benefit to the tooth without harming the

tooth. For example, fluoride present in the composition in preferred amounts of

from about 0.1% to about 5% by weight can provide a benefit to the tooth.

Lesser amounts may also provide a benefit to the tooth. In a preferred

embodiment of the present invention, fluoride is added in amount of about

0.2% by weight. Preferably, the fluoride is added to obtain a concentration of

about 0.2 % fluoride by weight of the composition.

The covering compound is applied to the teeth in the present invention

by painting it onto the tooth surface, preferably with a brush. This enables the

composition to be evenly distributed to cover the entire tooth, and furthermore,

without an excessive buildup or absence of material in one spot of the tooth.

Alternately an aerosol suspension can be used to apply the covering compound

to the tooth. For example, a small tube can be used through which the aerosol

can be propelled for application onto the tooth. This facilitates even

distribution of the covering compound on the tooth surface and avoidance of

coverage on gums, skin and other non-tooth surfaces.

The present method also provides palette means for controlling the

colorizing of the tooth. The palette means preferably comprises a plurality of

pigments which are present in individual quantities for adding to the covering

composition to be applied to the tooth. The palette means preferably is provided with a plurality of pigment means which contain tooth-colored

pigments which can be matched to the individual user's tooth color. In

addition, the palette means can contain colorful shades, such as, for example,

blue, pink, pastel colors, or any other color which is supplied in the form of a

pigment compound which can be mixed with the base covering compound and

then be applied to the tooth by painting on the tooth.

The method can be carried out, for example, by providing a tray having

a series of compartments containing tooth-colored pigments arranged in one

row and a series of colorizing pigments in other rows. A larger compartment

can be provided for the base compound or components. The compartments can

have resealable covers which can be opened and closed by the user to remove a

pigment or compound as needed. A mixing area can also be provided and can

also have a cover.

Alternately, it is possible to apply the lac-based covering compound on

the tooth, and then mix the color or pigment compound with the lac compound

directly on the tooth. This may be done, for example, to facilitate

approximating the shade of adjacent teeth.

In some circumstances, it may be desirable to etch a tooth surface to

provide microscopic pits for facilitating adhesion of a compound to be applied

thereto. Etching provides an increased surface area of the tooth. However, the

present method also requires removability of the temporary tooth coating. In a

preferred embodiment of the invention, the teeth of an individual can be

pretreated with citric acid, of the same weakness of that concentration

contained in lemon juice. This facilitates the adherence of the covering

compound on the tooth's surface. The citric acid prepares the surface of the

tooth to receive the compound which is to be painted on the tooth.

The method contemplates application of the tooth enhancing

composition by an individual user or wearer having no special training or

knowledge in dentistry. In this case, lemon juice can be used, since it will be

easily obtained by the user. Alternately, citric acid solutions can be prepared or

provided having the same general concentration as citric acid in lemon juice.

By the use of the etching step, very small grooves or pits are formed on the

tooth surface, which are approximately 5 to 10 μm or less. This enables the

wearer of the compound to restore a treated tooth to its original appearance

when desired by removing the covering compound. Another acid proposed for

use with the compound of the present invention, for tooth preparation is

polyacrylic acid.

Alternately, it is proposed that the covering compound, for example, can

be prepared by taking a lac based composition, such as of the type described in Examples 1 or 2, comprising a 1 g. lac/10 ml ethanol solution, or in Examples 3

or 4, and providing an amount of a pigment compound which becomes the base

pigment. To this pigmented base compound, the user can customize the color

with the colorizing means, by selecting and combining pigment items and

admixing the selected pigment items with the base compound. In addition,

other elements, such as reflective means can be admixed as well to provide

additional unique alteration of the tooth. For example, polymer particles, such

as glitter, can be added to provide a sparkle effect to the tooth.

A colorizing pigment can be supplied in the form of a modified food

starch or other color additive. The pigment can be supplied with the lac

compound, or can be provided separately to be admixed by the user with the lac

compound. The lac compound can be supplied to the user with a pigment to

exhibit a tooth-colored shade, and can even be further mixed for colorization by

the user.

The colorizing means of the present invention preferably can comprise a

color additive, such as, for example, a dye, pigment or substance that can

impart color when added or applied to the lac compound. Those particularly

preferred include color additives of the type commonly used with a food, drug,

cosmetic or in connection with the human body, especially color additives

permitted for use in foods which are classified as "certifiable" or "exempt from

certification." For example, the colorizing compound employed with the

present method can include the exempt pigments, such as, for example, those listed below, derived from natural sources such as vegetables, minerals or

animals, and man-made counteφarts of natural derivatives. In addition, FDA

certified pigments, such as, for example, the nine additives listed below can

also be used.

Certified Color Additives

FD&C Blue No. 1 (Dye and Lake) FD&C Blue No. 2 (Dye and Lake) FD&C Green No. 3 (Dye and Lake) FD&C Red No. 3 (Dye) FD&C Red No. 40 (Dye and Lake)

FD&C Yellow No. 5 (Dye and Lake) FD&C Yellow No. 6 (Dye and Lake) Orange B Citrus Red No. 2

Colors Exempt from Certification

Annatto extract

B-Apo-8'-carotenal

Beta-carotene

Beet powder Canthaxanthin

Caramel color

Carrot oil

Cochineal extract (carmine)

Cottonseed flour, toasted partially defatted, cooked Ferrous gluconate

Fruit juice

Grape color extract

Grape skin extract (enocianina)

Paprika Paprika oleoresin

Riboflavin

Safron Titanium dioxide Turmeric

Turmeric oleoresin Vegetable juice

The form of the additive for use in the present invention preferably

includes dye form additives, but may also include lake forms which are

compatible with the lac based covering composition. Water soluble dyes,

provided in the form of powders, granules, liquids or other special-puφose

forms can be used in accordance with the present method. Lakes, the water

insoluble form of the dye, are generally used for coloring products which do

not contain adequate moisture to dissolve the dyes. For example, if a

suspension of color is to be used, a lake form additive can be employed. The

color additive provided in the form of a lake may, for example, be used with

other tooth appearance enhancing means such as glitter particles.

The present method includes the step of painting the compound on a

tooth which is in its in vivo environment and an intermediary is not required.

The naturally occurring saliva may be present on the tooth, and the compound

can be applied with the saliva being present. Alternately, the method can

include applying the compound to a tooth by spraying. For example, a

compressed gas propellant, such as an aerosol, can be utilized to provide

delivery of the covering compound to the tooth.

The selected compound is painted on the tooth and permitted to harden.

The hardening of the compound occurs within about two to three minutes, wherein the alcohol dries or evaporates and the solubilized lac composition

polymerizes. A layer is then formed by the compound covering the tooth

surface on which it was applied, and becomes fixed on the tooth. The tooth

thereby exhibits a new appearance, attributable to the compound.

The compound exhibits permanence and withstands normal buccal

functions such as, for example, brushing, eating, chewing, contacting foods and

beverages, and other functions carried out with one's teeth. The method

applies a covering on the tooth which maintains a uniform appearance and is

further resistant to staining. In addition, the covering protects the tooth against

further staining and contact with bacteria and chemicals. The method applies a

thin coating to the tooth which does not interrupt the user's normal mouth

functions, and does not feel uncomfortable to a user.

The method further includes selectively removing the coating. The

coating is removably provided on the tooth and can be removed from the tooth

at the user's discretion. For example, if a user desires to change the color of the

coated tooth, and, for example, apply a different color, then the first coating is

removed to expose the original tooth surfaces again. A second or next coating

can then be applied to the tooth to change the color. Removing preferably

includes the step of using a pressurized stream of water, which can be done

with a commercially available appliance, such as, for example, a WATER

PIK®. Alternately, it is proposed that a solvent may be used to remove the

tooth coating. Preferably, the solvent comprises a composition which the user

can readily obtain, or which can be supplied to the individual, non-medical

personnel user. Furthermore, it is conceivable that compatible solvents can be

used for removing the covering compound from a tooth by softening or

dissolving the compound or its bonds. The solvent, for example, can be a

material which may break up bonds between the lac polymerization and/or

invade a bond formed between the compound and the tooth surface. The

removal step wherein a solvent is used, can be accomplished by swabbing the

solvent onto the tooth coating or around the edges thereof with a cotton swab.

The coating is then loosened and can be more easily removed, or can even be

dissolved.

Removal of the covering coating from the tooth then displays the

original surface of the underlying tooth which had been covered by the coating.

Stenciling means is provided to facilitate making a design or other

indicia on the tooth surface. The stenciling means includes a masking material,

which preferably, may comprise a film which can be temporarily applied onto

the surface of a tooth. The stenciling means can comprise a vinyl, adhesive-

backed tape with a design or indicia cut into the tape. For example, the tape

may be provided so that the user can customize the design by cutting his or her

own design into the tape. Alternately, the tape may be provided with a plurality

of precut designs which the user may select. The tape may be applied on a single tooth or may be applied as a strip to cover multiple teeth. The method of

applying a design or other indicia to a tooth according to the present invention

is carried out by selecting a design or indicia by choosing a particular tape or

portion thereof. The method of applying the masking means can comprise

activating the adhesive, for example, removing a removable peel-off release

paper to expose the adhesive, and then applying the tape over the tooth with the

design or indicia portion of the tape positioned over the area of the tooth on

which the design is to be displayed. The vinyl tape contains a cut-out of the

design such that when placed on the tooth, portions of the tooth are masked

while other portions of the tooth are accessible. The accessible portions of the

tooth are bound by the tape so that material, such as the covering compound of

the present invention is applied over the vinyl tape, and mainly in the cut out

area. The covering compound is permitted to dry, which can take up to about 1

minute, or perhaps longer, and the tape removed from the tooth to yield the

design or indicia on the tooth. The excess covering compound which has been

painted on the tape is removed with the tape.

The method may also comprise the step of cutting a design into the tape.

It will be understood that computer images may be transferred to thin

films of vinyl or other material which can be cut and used as a mask. In

addition, alternately, the method can include the steps of applying a first color

covering compound to certain portions of the design, and a second colored

covering compound to other areas. Or alternately, a covering compound having one color can be stenciled onto the tooth, and a covering compound of a

second color is applied over the first colored compound. Additional color

covering compounds may also be employed.

The indicia may comprise any design, image, letter, number or the like.

The indicia can also be created by the user to comprise a unique design.

In another example, the tape is placed on a strip and designs are

provided to be spaced apart so that multiple teeth can be painted at the same

time.

The following is an example of the use of the lac based covering

compound and the method of the present invention, as carried out on human

teeth in vivo. The dewaxed orange flake lac resin was used as indicated in

Examples 1 and 2, below, to formulate a covering compound for cosmetically

altering the appearance of a tooth, although it is conceivable that other lac

resins, such as white lac, can also be used consistent with the scope of the

present invention. While ethanol is described as a preferred solvent, it will be

understood that an ethanol solution of less than 99% pure ethanol may be

utilized, however, the drying times may be affected by the addition of alternate

solvents.

Preferably, bleached lac resin may be used, such as, for example, refined

bleached food grade (USP) dewaxed lac, NF. The bleached dewaxed lac resin

was commercially prepared by dissolving bleached dewaxed lac resin in

specially denatured alcohol 45/200 proof, to provide a clear solution containing

approximately 35.3% plus or minus 1% (by weight) of solids and having a

specific gravity of 0.911 plus or minus .01% g/cc typical. Therefore, refined

bleached food grade dewaxed lac resin can be prepared by dissolving it in

ethanol, or specially denatured alcohol such as SDA 45/200. Examples 3 and 4

relate to the bleached food grade dewaxed lac resin (obtained commercially

from Mantrose-Haeuser Company) employed to prepare the covering compound.

EXAMPLE 1

An anterior tooth was prepared by retracting the individual's lip to

expose the entire tooth, up to and including the upper gum line. The tooth was

a front upper tooth. A quantity of 1 g. of lac resin (obtained commercially from

A.F. Suter & Co. Ltd. as "Dewaxed Orange Flake Shellac" as discussed above),

a dry light brown flake material was dissolved in 10 ml of grain alcohol (99%

ethanol). A coloring agent was then added to tint the lac mixture to the desired

shade. In this example, titanium dioxide powder (obtained commercially from

Gamblin Dry Pigments, P. O. Box 625, Portland, Oregon 97207) was admixed

with the lac solution. The amount of titanium dioxide powder brought the color

of the amber solution to a tooth colored shade, and the addition was an amount

sufficient to arrive at the desired shade.

The covering compound was then applied onto the surface of the tooth.

The covering compound dried within two minutes of its application by

exposure to the air, the alcohol evaporating from the solution leaving a lac

coating on the tooth. The result was an evenly-coated tooth, which presented

an evenly-colored appearance. Any discoloration or uneven shading which was

previously present on the tooth was no longer visible.

The tooth was used normally, for eating, drinking, and was brushed

regularly for a four-day period, after which the coating on the tooth was easily

removed by the application of a high pressure stream of water (supplied by the use of a WATER PIK®, an instrument which applies a pressurized stream of

water onto the tooth, and which is commercially available to consumers). The

coating was abraded and removed from the tooth with a WATER PIK®.

EXAMPLE 2

The above conditions were repeated, as reported for Example 1 , above,

for an upper front tooth. However, the tooth was first prepared by exposing the

tooth to citric acid (applied in the form of lemon juice). The lemon juice was

permitted to remain on the tooth for one minute, after which time, it was

washed off of the tooth with a water rinse. The lac based covering compound

was then prepared and applied to the washed tooth, which was still wet, in

accordance with the same procedure as in Example 1, above. This coating

performed, and could be removed, in the same manner as the coating in

Example 1 , above.

EXAMPLE 3

An upper front tooth was prepared by retracting the individual's lip to

expose the entire tooth, up to and including the upper gum line. The tooth was

a front upper tooth. A quantity of about 0.10 mis of a lac resin solution

(containing bleached food grade (USP) dewaxed lac resin solubilized in

specially denatured alcohol formula 45/200 proof (SDA 45/200), obtained

commercially from Mantrose-Haeuser Company, 1 175 Post Road East, Westport, CT 06880, USA) was taken on a sable brush. The solution was a

clear color.

A coloring agent was then added to tint the lac solution to a desired

shade. In this example, titanium dioxide powder (obtained commercially from

Gamblin Dry Pigments, P. O. Box 625, Portland, OR 92707) was admixed with

the sample of lac solution taken on the brush. The sable brush deposited the lac

solution sample onto a clean dish. An amount of pigment, equal to the size of a

pinhead was added to the dish containing the lac solution sample, were

admixed using the brush, until a uniformly pigmented covering compound

result (i.e. wherein the pigment was uniformly distributed throughout the

compound). The amount of titanium dioxide powder brought the color of the

clear solution to a tooth colored shade, and the addition was an amount

sufficient to arrive at the desired shade. The covering compound was brushed

onto the tooth surface. The covering compound dried within minutes of its

application. The tooth was used normally, for eating, drinking, and was

brushed regularly for a four-day period, after which the coating on the tooth

was easily removed by the application of a high pressure stream of water

(supplied by the use of an instrument which applies a pressurized stream of

water onto the tooth, and which is commercially available to consumers, such

as, for example, a WATER PIK®). The coating was abraded and removed

from the tooth with the WATER PIK®. EXAMPLE 4

The above conditions were repeated, as reported for Example 3, above,

for a front upper tooth. However, the tooth was first prepared by exposing the

tooth to citric acid (applied in the form of lemon juice). The lemon juice was

permitted to remain on the tooth for one minute, after which time, it was

washed off of the tooth with a water rinse. The lac based covering compound

was then prepared and applied to the washed tooth, which was still wet, in

accordance with the same procedure as in Example 3, above. This coating

performed, and could be removed, in the same manner as the coating in

Example 3, above.

EXAMPLE 5

The above conditions were repeated, as reported for Example 3, above,

for an upper front tooth. The covering compound was prepared by taking a

quantity of about 0.10 mis of a lac resin solution containing bleached food

grade (USP) dewaxed lac resin solubilized in specially denatured alcohol

formula 45/200 proof (SDA) 45/200, (obtained commercially from Mantrose-

Haeuser Company, 1 175 Post Road East, Westport, CT 06880, USA) which

was taken on a brush and mixed with a quantity of pigment in a dish. The

preparation of the covering compound was in accordance with the procedure

identified above in Example 3, however, instead of titanium dioxide powder, a

red pigment (red #22, sold commercially and obtained from Warner Jenkinson Co. Inc., 107 Wade Avenue, South Plainfield, NJ 07080 as K-7008) was used.

The compound was mixed and a red color resulted. The red coloring

compound was applied to a tooth in the manner described in connection with

Example 3. The tooth, having the red color from the compound applied to it,

was used normally, for eating, drinking and was brushed regularly for a four-

day period, after which the coating on the tooth was easily removed by the

application of a high pressure stream of water (supplied by the use of an

instrument which applies a pressurized stream of water onto the tooth and

which is commercially available to consumers, such as, for example, a WATER

PIK®). However, the tooth was first prepared by exposing the tooth to citric

acid (applied in the form of lemon juice). The lemon juice was permitted to

remain on the tooth for one minute, after which time, it was washed off of the

tooth with a water rinse. The lac based covering compound was then prepared

and applied to the washed tooth, which was still wet, in accordance with the

same procedure as in Example 3, above. This coating performed, and could be

removed, in the same manner as the coating in Example 3, above.

This example was also repeated using, in place of the red pigment,

yellow #6 powder (FD&C 08006), and again using D & C yellow #10 (K-7059)

(Warner- Jenkinson). Similar results were obtained, however instead of a red

color on the tooth, a yellow or orange color was obtained.

EXAMPLE 6

The covering compound is initially prepared, in accordance with Example 1, or by starting with the lac solution of Example 3. The covering

compound is then further prepared by admixing with it a colorizing pigment.

The colorizing pigment can be selected from color additives, including titanium

dioxide and other pigments, vegetable dyes and the like. In this manner a

variety of tooth-colored shades are possible, and can be matched to existing or

surrounding teeth shades, by approximation with the addition of a pigment.

In this example, it is proposed that the covering compound is provided

in a tooth colored shade to the user. The provided covering compound is then

admixed with a selected pigment to provide a colorized compound. The

colorized compound is applied to a tooth surface in the manner recited above in

Examples 1 or 3, by painting it on the tooth surface. The compound is then

permitted to dry by exposure to air, and selectively removed at the wearer's

discretion.

EXAMPLE 7

The lac based covering compound is initially prepared in accordance

with Examples 1 or 3. The covering compound is then further prepared by

mixing a colorizing pigment. The colorizing pigment is selected from the

pigments of the palette means. The palette means includes pigments

comprising color additives, such as for example, titanium dioxide and other

pigments, including vegetable dyes or food grade dyes. A containing means is

used having pigment holding means for holding an array of pigments for

selection by the user. The containing means also can have a mixing area wherein the selected pigments can be mixed with the lac based solution to

arrive at the covering compound. The lac based covering compound is

prepared by selecting from the palette means one or more pigment compound

selections and mixing the selected pigment compound therewith with a solution

containing lac resin and solvent.

The lac based covering compound can be provided in a tooth colored

shade which can be further customized by the user with a selection from the

pigment compounds. The tooth colored shade can preferably be provided by

the addition of titanium dioxide or other suitable pigment, or by varying the

types of lac used, or both.

The colorized covering compound is applied to a tooth surface in the

manner recited above in Examples 1 or 3. The covering compound is then

permitted to dry by exposure to air, and selectively removed at the wearer's

discretion.

EXAMPLE 8

The compounds and methods described in Examples 1, 3, 5, 6 and 7,

above, but further including an etching step. A weak acid is provided to etch

very small microscopic pits onto the tooth surface. A citric acid solution is

used. The citric acid solution preferably has the same concentration as lemon

juice and, further, can be used in the form of lemon juice. The lemon juice is

applied onto the tooth surface which is to receive the covering compound and allowed to remain on the tooth from about a few seconds to a few minutes. The

lemon juice is then washed from the tooth with a water rinse. The tooth, still

wet, is now ready to receive the covering compound. The covering compound

is then applied by brushing onto the tooth surface to provide an evenly

dispersed coating on the tooth. The compound is then permitted to dry by

exposure to air, and selectively removed at the wearer's discretion.

EXAMPLE 9

The method is carried out as in Example 8, wherein the tooth preparing

step includes etching the tooth with a polyacrylic acid solution (in place of the

citric acid solution) by contacting the tooth with the polyacrylic acid solution

and allowing the acid solution to remain on the tooth for a couple of minutes.

The polyacrylic acid solution is then rinsed off of the tooth by applying a water

rinse. Thereafter, the covering compound is applied.

EXAMPLE 10

The method is carried out as in any of Examples 1-9 above, wherein the

covering compound is provided having a powdered component and a liquid

component. The powdered component can contain the lac base and a pigment,

which can be a tooth colored pigment or a non-tooth colored pigment. The

powdered component can be provided in a plurality of pigmented shades for

selection by the user. The powdered component is selected and mixed with a

liquid component, which, for example, can contain ethanol, to form the lac

based covering compound for application to an etched or non-etched tooth.

EXAMPLE 11

The method is carried out as in any of Examples 1 through 10 above,

wherein a brightening agent is admixed with the covering compound, (or as in

Example 10, with the powdered components). Preferably, the brightening agent can comprise pulverized fluoroaluminosilicate glass particles. The

covering compound is applied and removed in the same manner. Furthermore,

it is proposed that a Bis-GMA sealant or a glass ionomeric cement can be

admixed with the lac based covering compound to provide a brightener. The

fluoroaluminosilicate may be further added as well to the lac Bis-GMA and/or

e lac glass ionomeric cement compound.

EXAMPLES 12-22

The above examples 1- 1 1 are repeated, but added to the covering

compound is fluoride or a fluoride containing compound. Sodium fluoride is

added in an amount of 0.2% by weight of the compound. The sodium fluoride

is mixed with the lac compound. The fluoride-containing compound is then

applied on the tooth's surface. In the case of a colored compound or non-tooth

colored compound, there is some contrast between the tooth color and the

composition being applied. The contrast facilitates identification of areas to

which treatment has been applied, as well as those areas in need of treatment.

EXAMPLES 23-44

The above examples are repeated, however, prior to application of the

compound, the tooth is masked with stenciling means which comprises a

masking material. A masking material having a design or indicia cut into the

masking material forming an opening in the material is applied over the tooth

surface. The covering compound is applied onto the opening of the masking

material, and allowed to dry fully or until tacky. The masking material is them removed from the tooth, leaving behind the indicia or design comprising the

covering compound.

In each of the above examples, it is noted that no effort is made to dry

the tooth, prior to applying the covering compound thereon.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications

can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and

scope of the invention, and it is intended that the present invention cover

modifications and variations which are within the scope of the appended claims

and their equivalents.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method for cosmetically altering the appearance of teeth to whiten or

colorize the teeth, comprising the steps of:

a) preparing the tooth by exposing the tooth so that the tooth surface

to be altered is visible to the gum line;

b) preparing a lac based covering compound to be applied onto the

enamel surface of the tooth to be altered, including selecting a

compound from a plurality of tooth colored compounds to match the

shade of the adjacent or surrounding teeth in the individual's mouth;

c) applying the covering compound prepared in step b to the tooth

surface to be coated; and

d) allowing the covering compound applied to the tooth to dry by

exposing the tooth to air.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of preparing a lac based

covering compound includes selecting a color from one or more non-

tooth colored compounds and mixing said non-tooth-colored compound

with said lac based covering compound to provide an overall non-tooth

colored appearance.

3. The method of claim 2, further including the step of providing palette

means, said palette means including a plurality of pigmented compounds, and selecting one or more of said pigmented compounds

from said palette means and mixing said selected one or more pigmented

compounds with said the lac based covering compound of step b) before

applying said lac based covering compound to said tooth.

4. The method of claim 1, further including the step of selectively

removing the lac based covering compound applied to the tooth.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the step of selectively removing the lac

based covering compound from the tooth includes contacting the

compound with a solvent.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein the step of selectively removing the lac

based covering compound includes applying to the tooth surface

containing the lac based covering compound a forced stream of water.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein colorizing means is provided containing

a plurality of pigments, and wherein the method further includes the

steps of selecting from colorizing means at least one pigment from

palette means, and mixing said selected pigment with said lac based

covering compound to be applied to the tooth.

8. The method of claim 8, further including the step of mixing a reflecting

material into said lac based covering compound to be applied to said

tooth.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of preparing a lac based

covering compound includes providing a lac resin and dissolving said

lac resin in an ethanol solution.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of preparing the lac based

covering compound includes admixing pulverized fluoroaluminosilicate

glass particles.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of preparing a tooth further

includes the steps of providing a weak acid solution and contacting the

tooth surface with the weak acid solution.

12. The method of claim 12, wherein the step of contacting the tooth with a

weak acid solution, includes etching the tooth with an acid selected from

the group of citric acid and polyacrylic acid.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of preparing a tooth further

includes the step of etching microscopic pits which are less than about

5.0 μm in the tooth surface with an etchant.

14. The method of claim 12, further including the step of providing as an

etchant lemon juice.

15. The method of claim 2, further including the step of providing a food

grade dye as the colorizing compound and blending said food grade dye

with said lac based covering compound to provide a colorized covering

compound.

16. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of preparing a lac based

covering compound further includes selecting a food grade dye and

blending said dye with said covering compound to provide a colored

covering on said tooth.

17. A method for cosmetically altering the appearance of teeth to whiten or

colorize the teeth, comprising the steps of:

a) preparing the tooth by exposing the tooth so that the tooth surface

to be altered is visible to the gum line; b) providing palette means containing a plurality of tooth-colored

shaded pigment compounds, including the step of providing a container

means for holding the pigment compounds and providing a mixing area;

c) selecting from said palette means one or more of said pigments

contained in the container means to match the shade of adjacent or

surrounding teeth in an individual's mouth;

d) preparing a lac based covering compound to be applied onto the

enamel surface of the tooth to be altered by placing said lac based

covering compound in said mixing area of said container means and

adding to said lac based covering compound from said container means

a pigment compound from said palette means;

e) mixing said covering compound with said pigment compound;

f) applying the lac based covering compound prepared in step e) to

the tooth surface to be coated; and

g) drying the covering compound applied to the tooth in step f) by

exposing the covered tooth to air.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of preparing a tooth further

comprises the steps of:

a) providing a weak acid solution; b) etching the tooth by contacting the tooth with a weak acidic

solution to provide small microscopic pits in the enamel surface of said

tooth; and

c) rinsing the weak acid solution off of the tooth with water.

19. A system for cosmetically altering the appearance of teeth wherein a

removable coating is applied directly on the tooth and cured on the tooth

surface, including a lac based covering compound which comprises a lac

compound and a solvent, means for storing the lac based covering

compound and associated means for storing one or more colorizing

pigment compounds, wherein the lac based polymer compound is

provided as the covering compound with another compound selected

from the group consisting of Bis-GMA sealants or from the group

consisting of glass ionomeric cements, the tooth being prepared by

leaving it wet and exposing the tooth surface which is to be cosmetically

altered, the user having the ability to select from the associated means

one or more colorizing pigment compounds and mix said selected one or

more colorizing pigment compounds with the lac compound and solvent

to form a pigmented covering compound, wherein the pigmented

covering compound is then applied to cover the surface of the tooth to

be altered, the pigmented covering compound then being allowed to dry

by exposure to air, wherein the pigmented covering compound remains on the tooth and wherein the pigmented covering compound is

removable from the tooth at the user's discretion.

20. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of preparing a lac based

covering compound further comprises providing said lac based covering

compound in a fluidic suspension for delivery by spraying, and wherein

the step of applying the covering compound to the tooth surface

comprises the step of spraying the covering compound on the tooth

surface.

21. A composition for cosmetically altering the appearance of teeth to

whiten or colorize the teeth by applying said composition to a tooth

surface, said composition comprising:

a) a lac resin;

b) a solvent for dissolving said lac resin; and

c) a pigment.

22. The composition of claim 21 , wherein said solvent comprises ethanol.

23. The composition of claim 21 , wherein said pigment comprises titanium

dioxide.

24. The composition of claim 21 , wherein the concentration of said lac resin

is approximately 1 g./lO ml ethanol.

25. The composition of claim 21 , further including a brightening agent.

26. The composition of claim 25, wherein said brightening agent comprises

finely divided fluoroaluminosilicate compound.

27. A covering composition for application to the surface of a tooth for

cosmetically altering the appearance of the tooth to whiten or colorize

the tooth, said covering composition comprising dewaxed orange flake

lac resin solubilized in an ethanol solution at a concentration of 1 g. per

10 ml of ethanol, and a pigment.

28. The covering compound of claim 27, wherein said ethanol solution

comprises a 90% ethanol in water.

29. The covering compound of claim 27, wherein said pigment comprises

titanium dioxide.

30. The covering compound of claim 27, wherein said pigment comprises a

non-tooth colored shade for cosmetically colorizing the tooth when the

covering compound is applied thereon.

31. The composition of claim 22, wherein said lac resin comprises refined

bleached food grade dewaxed lac.

32. The composition of claim 31, wherein said solvent comprises specially

denatured alcohol, formula 45/200 proof.

33. The composition of claim 32, wherein the concentration of said lac resin

is approximately 34 to 37% by weight.

34. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of providing a lac based

compound includes providing fluoride with the lac based compound.

35. A method for administering a treatment agent to the teeth, comprising

the steps of:

a) preparing the tooth by exposing the tooth so that the tooth

to be treated is exposed;

b) preparing a lac based covering compound containing a treatment

agent to be applied onto the enamel surface of the tooth to be

treated, including selecting a compound from a plurality of tooth

colored compounds to match the shade of the adjacent or suπounding teeth in the individual's mouth;

c) applying the covering compound prepared in step b to the tooth

surface to be coated; and

d) allowing the covering compound applied to the tooth to dry by

exposing the tooth to air.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein the treatment agent comprises fluoride

and wherein the method of administering a treatment agent comprises

applying a fluoride treatment to a tooth.

37. The method of claim 35, wherein the step of preparing a lac based

covering compound containing a treatment agent includes selecting a

color from one or more non-tooth colored compounds and mixing said

non-tooth-colored compound with said lac based covering compound to

provide an overall non-tooth colored appearance.

38. The method of claim 37, further including the step of providing palette

means, said palette means including a plurality of pigmented

compounds, and selecting one or more of said pigmented compounds

from said palette means and mixing said selected one or more pigmented

compounds with said the lac based covering compound of step b) before

applying said lac based covering compound to said tooth.

39. The method of claim 34, further including the step of selectively removing the lac based covering compound applied to the tooth.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein the step of selectively removing the

lac based covering compound from the tooth includes contacting the

compound with a solvent.

41. The method of claim 39, wherein the step of selectively removing the

lac based covering compound containing a treatment agent includes

applying to the tooth surface containing the lac based covering

compound a forced stream of water.

42. The method of claim 1 , wherein colorizing means is provided containing

a plurality of pigments, and wherein the method further includes the

steps of selecting from colorizing means at least one pigment from

palette means, and mixing said selected pigment with said lac based

covering compound to be applied to the tooth.

43. The method of claim 52, further including the step of mixing a reflecting

material into said lac based covering compound to be applied to said

tooth.

44. The method of claim 35, wherein the step of preparing a lac based covering compound includes providing a lac resin and dissolving said

lac resin in an ethanol solution.

45. The method of claim 35, wherein the step of preparing the lac based

covering compound includes admixing pulverized fluoroaluminosilicate

glass particles.

46. The method of claim 35, wherein the step of preparing a tooth further

includes the steps of providing a weak acid solution and contacting the

tooth surface with the weak acid solution.

47. The method of claim 46, wherein the step of contacting the tooth with a

weak acid solution, includes etching the tooth with an acid selected from

the group of citric acid and polyacrylic acid.

48. The method of claim 35, wherein the step of preparing a tooth further

includes the step of etching microscopic pits which are less than about

5.0 μm in the tooth surface with an etchant.

49. The method of claim 47, further including the step of providing as an

etchant lemon juice.

50. The method of claim 37, further including the step of providing a food

grade dye as the colorizing compound and blending said food grade dye

with said lac based covering compound to provide a colorized covering

compound.

51. The method of claim 34, wherein the step of preparing a lac based

covering compound further includes selecting a food grade dye and

blending said dye with said covering compound to provide a colored

covering on said tooth.

52. A method for treating teeth with fluoride, comprising the steps of:

a) preparing a tooth by exposing the tooth so that the tooth surface

to be treated is exposed;

b) providing palette means containing a plurality of tooth-colored

shaded pigment compounds, including the step of providing a

container means for holding the pigment compounds and

providing a mixing area;

c) selecting from said palette means one or more of said pigments

contained in the container means to match the shade of adjacent

or surrounding teeth in an individual's mouth;

d) preparing a lac based covering compound containing fluoride to

be applied onto the enamel surface of the tooth to be altered by placing said lac based covering compound in said mixing area of

said container means and adding to said lac based covering

compound from said container means a pigment compound from

said palette means;

e) mixing said covering compound with said pigment compound;

f) applying the lac based covering compound prepared in step e) to

the tooth surface to be coated; and

g) drying the covering compound applied to the tooth in step f) by

exposing the covered tooth to air.

53. The method of claim 52, wherein the step of preparing a tooth further

comprises the steps of:

a) providing a weak acid solution;

b) etching the tooth by contacting the tooth with a weak acidic

solution to provide small microscopic pits in the enamel surface

of said tooth; and

c) rinsing the weak acid solution off of the tooth with water.

54. A system for treating teeth with fluoride wherein a removable coating is

applied directly on the tooth and cured on the tooth surface, including a

lac based covering compound with fluoride which comprises a lac

compound and a solvent, means for storing the lac based covering

compound and associated means for storing one or more colorizing

pigment compounds, wherein the lac based polymer compound is

provided as the covering compound with another compound selected

from the group consisting of Bis-GMA sealants or from the group

consisting of glass ionomeric cements, the tooth being prepared by

leaving it wet and exposing the tooth surface which is to be cosmetically

altered, the user having the ability to select from the associated means

one or more colorizing pigment compounds and mix said selected one or

more colorizing pigment compounds with the lac compound and solvent

to form a pigmented covering compound, wherein the pigmented

covering compound is then applied to cover the surface of the tooth to

be altered, the pigmented covering compound then being allowed to dry

by exposure to air, wherein the pigmented covering compound remains on the tooth and wherein the pigmented covering compound is

removable from the tooth at the user's discretion.

55. The method of claim 35, wherein the step of preparing a lac based

covering compound further comprises providing said lac based covering

compound in a fluidic suspension for delivery by spraying, and wherein

the step of applying the covering compound to the tooth surface

comprises the step of spraying the covering compound on the tooth

surface.

56. A composition for cosmetically altering the appearance of teeth to

whiten or colorize the teeth by applying said composition to a tooth

surface, said composition comprising:

a) a lac resin;

b) a solvent for dissolving said lac resin; and

c) fluoride; and

d) a pigment.

57. The composition of claim 55, wherein said solvent comprises ethanol.

58. The composition of claim 55, where in said fluoride comprises a fluoride

containing compound.

59. The composition of claim 58, wherein said fluoride containing

compound comprises sodium fluoride.

60. The composition of claim 55, wherein said pigment comprises titanium

dioxide.

61. The composition of claim 56, wherein the concentration of said lac resin

is approximately 1 g./lO ml ethanol.

62. The composition of claim 56, further including a brightening agent.

63. The composition of claim 62, wherein said brightening agent comprises

finely divided fluoroaluminosilicate compound.

64. A covering composition for application to a tooth for administering a

treatment agent to the tooth, said covering composition comprising

dewaxed orange flake lac resin solubilized in an ethanol solution at a

concentration of 1 g. per 10 ml of ethanol, a pigment, and a treatment

agent, wherein the treatment agent comprises fluoride.

65. The composition of claim 64, wherein the treatment agent comprises

sodium fluoride.

66. The covering compound of claim 64, wherein said ethanol solution

comprises a 90% ethanol in water.

67. The covering compound of claim 64, wherein said pigment comprises

titanium dioxide.

68. The covering compound of claim 64, wherein said pigment comprises a

non-tooth colored shade for cosmetically colorizing the tooth when the

covering compound is applied thereon.

69. The composition of claim 57, wherein said lac resin comprises refined

bleached food grade dewaxed lac.

70. The composition of claim 69, wherein said solvent comprises specially

denatured alcohol, formula 45/200 proof.

71. The composition of claim 70, wherein the concentration of said lac resin

is approximately 34 to 37% by weight.

72. A method of making a design or other indicia on a tooth comprising the

steps of:

a) providing a masking material having a design or indicia formed by an aperture cut into said masking material;

b) providing adhesion means for temporarily adhering the masking

material onto a tooth surface;

c) attaching the masking material to a tooth surface;

d) providing a covering compound for application to a tooth surface;

e) applying the covering compound over the masking material to cover

the tooth surface which is accessible through the apertured design or indicia of

the masking material;

f) allowing the covering compound to dry; and

g) removing the masking material from the tooth surface.

73. The method of claim 72, wherein the covering compound provided is a

compound containing a lack resin.

74. A system for applying a design or other indicia on the surface of a tooth,

comprising:

a) stenciling means for stenciling a design or indicia on a tooth;

b) a covering compound which can be applied to a tooth surface, said

covering compound having an appearance which is different than the color or

appearance of the tooth on which it is being applied;

c) adhering means for temporarily adhering the stenciling means to the

tooth surface; and

d) applicator means for applying the covering compound onto a tooth

having the masking means installed thereon.

75. The system of claim 74, wherein the stenciling means comprises a

masking material.

76. The masking system of claim 74, wherein the covering compound

comprises a lac resin.

77. The system of claim 75, wherein the adhering means comprises

adhesive, and wherein the masking material has an adhesive on one side

thereof which is activated by peeling a release tape from said adhesive.

80. The system of claim 74, wherein said design or indicia comprises an

aperture cut into the masking material.