Delivery of hydrogel compositions as a fine mist

Abstract

Dental compositions are provided that can be delivered as a fine mist and that have the capability of undergoing an increase in viscosity in response to an increase in temperature. In a preferred embodiment, the compositions also have the ability to reverse their viscosity in response to a decrease in temperature.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A spray device comprising: 
 a container;    an aqueous dental composition in the container, the composition comprising about 10% by weight to about 50% by weight of a thermally responsive viscosity modifier and water, wherein the composition is in a low viscosity state at a pre-treatment temperature and a highly viscous state at a treatment temperature that is higher than the pre-treatment temperature; and    a sprayer in fluid communication with the dental composition, the device being capable of spraying the dental composition as a fine mist into the oral environment.    
     
     
         2 . The device of claim  19  wherein the device further comprises a propellant.  
     
     
         3 . A fine mist of a dental composition in the oral environment, the composition comprising about 10% by weight to about 50% by weight of a thermally responsive viscosity modifier and water, wherein the composition is in a low viscosity state at a pre-treatment temperature and a highly viscous state at a treatment temperature that is higher than the pre-treatment temperature.  
     
     
         4 . A dental composition capable of being sprayed as a fine mist into the oral environment, the composition comprising: 
 about 10% by weight to about 50% by weight of a thermally responsive viscosity modifier;    water; and    a propellant, wherein the composition is in a low viscosity state at a pre-treatment temperature and a highly viscous state at a treatment temperature that is higher than the pre-treatment temperature.