LIGHT-ACTIVATED TOOTH WHITENING DEVICE AND METHOD OF USING SAME

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a tooth whitening device for applying a light-activated tooth whitening composition so as to whiten a tooth, and a method for using the device. SOLUTION: The present invention provides a tooth whitening composition having a transparent first component that is a carrier compound and a transparent second component that is an oxidizing compound which when applied to a stained tooth and exposed to actinic light is activated to promote tooth whitening. The present invention also provides a device for tooth whitening which has: a light source; at least one optical output, a projection means 11, 12, 13 (for holding and positioning the optical output outside of a patient's mouth in a manner so as to provide approximately simultaneous and uniform illumination of a patient's front teeth by the optical output); and a connection means (for connecting the light source to the optical output). The invention also provides methods of using the device. COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT