Method for Whitening Teeth

Abstract

A method for whitening teeth which utilizes laser light to activate bleaching agents applied to the teeth. The mouth is first prepared so that the soft tissues of the gums are protected and only the teeth are exposed. The teeth are cleaned to remove any materials which will reduce or nullify the effects of the bleaching agents. A first bleaching composition comprising a peroxide compound is prepared and applied to the teeth. The teeth are exposed to laser light from an argon laser which light activates the peroxide to accelerate the bleaching process without heat. If further whitening is desired, a second bleaching composition comprising a peroxide compound is prepared and applied to the teeth. The teeth are briefly exposed to laser light from a carbon dioxide laser which heat activates the peroxide to accelerate the bleaching process.

1 - 11 . (canceled) 
   
   
       12 . A system for whitening a patient's teeth, comprising:
 a bleaching composition comprising an oxygen radical generating agent; and a booster agent, a substance for raising the pH of said bleaching composition to between 7 and 11 or mixtures thereof; for whitening teeth by exposure to light having a wavelength between about 450 nanometers and about 530 nanometers for a selected time interval to accelerate whitening; and   a bleaching kit comprising a low peroxide content bleaching gel for bleaching the teeth following the light bleaching.   
   
   
       13 . The tooth whitening system of  claim 12  wherein said bleaching kit further comprises a tray. 
   
   
       14 . The tooth bleaching system of  claim 12  wherein said low peroxide gel comprises from about 8-10% peroxide. 
   
   
       15 . The tooth bleaching system of  claim 12  wherein said substance for raising the pH is selected from the group consisting of urea, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate, calcium bicarbonate, calcium hydroxide, or combinations thereof. 
   
   
       16 . The tooth bleaching system of  claim 12  wherein said composition further comprises a desensitizing agent, a color stabilizing agent, a pigment, a thickening agent, or combinations thereof. 
   
   
       17 . The tooth bleaching system of  claim 12  wherein said booster agent is selected from the group consisting of ammonium persulfate, sodium persulfate, potassium persulfate, sodium perborate, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate, ammonium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and calcium hydroxide. 
   
   
       18 . The tooth bleaching system of  claim 16  wherein the desensitizing agent is selected from the group consisting of fluoride, calcium, and phosphate. 
   
   
       19 - 25 . (canceled)