System and method for whitening teeth

Abstract

A teeth whitening system includes a heating module, a mouthpiece thermally connected to the heating module such that heat can be transferred to the mouthpiece, and a thermocatalytically activated whitening gel positioned in the mouthpiece such that the gel contacts a user's teeth, whereby when heat is transferred from the heating module to the mouthpiece, the gel is activated by heat, metal surface catalysis, and water or saliva to whiten the user's teeth.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A teeth whitening system, comprising: 
 a heating module;    a mouthpiece thermally connected to said heating module such that heat can be transferred from said heating module to said mouthpiece; and    a heat-activated whitening gel positioned in said mouthpiece such that said gel contacts a user's teeth, whereby when heat is transferred from said heating module to said mouthpiece, said gel is activated and whitens the user's teeth.    
     
     
         2 . A teeth whitening system according to  claim 1 , wherein said heating module includes a heat sink and an insulation layer surrounding said heat sink, whereby said insulation layer maintains the temperature of said heat sink.  
     
     
         3 . A teeth whitening system according to  claim 2 , wherein said mouthpiece includes a metallic connector passing through said insulation layer and contacting said heat sink, thereby creating the thermal connection between said heat sink and said mouthpiece.  
     
     
         4 . A teeth whitening system according to  claim 3 , wherein said heating module is electrically powered and controlled.  
     
     
         5 . A teeth whitening system according to  claim 4 , wherein said connector includes a first thermocouple and said heat sink includes a second thermocouple, whereby said first thermocouple and said second thermocouple act together to regulate the temperature of said mouthpiece.  
     
     
         6 . A teeth whitening system according to  claim 3 , wherein 
 said insulation layer includes a first portion and a second portion, said first portion and said second portion being releasably connected; and    said heat sink is affixed to said first portion such that when said first portion and said second portion are separated, a portion of said heat sink is exposed, whereby said heat sink can be heated to an operating temperature.    
     
     
         7 . A teeth whitening system according to  claim 3 , wherein said mouthpiece includes 
 a metallic substructure attached to said connector; and    a molded tooth form surrounding said substructure, said tooth form transferring heat to the user's teeth from said heat sink through said connector and to said metallic substructure, said tooth form preventing the user's teeth from contacting said metallic substructure.    
     
     
         8 . A teeth whitening system according to  claim 7 , wherein said mouthpiece is removably connected to said heating module.  
     
     
         9 . A teeth whitening system according to  claim 7 , wherein said tooth form is sized and shaped to fit at least one of the upper set of teeth and the lower set of teeth of the user.  
     
     
         10 . A teeth whitening system according to  claim 7 , wherein said tooth form is made of plastic.  
     
     
         11 . A teeth whitening system according to  claim 7 , wherein said tooth form is made of molded foam.  
     
     
         12 . A teeth whitening system according to  claim 11 , wherein the molded foam in an open cell, porous foam.  
     
     
         13 . A mouthpiece for use in a teeth whitening system, comprising: 
 a substructure;    a connector attached to said substructure, said connector sized and shaped to interface with the teeth whitening system; and    a molded tooth form attached to said substructure opposite said connector.    
     
     
         14 . A mouthpiece according to  claim 13 , wherein said substructure is made of metal.  
     
     
         15 . A mouthpiece according to  claim 14 , wherein said substructure has a rough surface, thereby enhancing the chemical reactions that cause the teeth to whiten.  
     
     
         16 . A mouthpiece according to  claim 14 , wherein said substructure is coated with a catalyst, thereby enhancing the chemical reactions that cause the teeth to whiten.  
     
     
         17 . A mouthpiece according to  claim 13 , wherein said substructure is made of a metal composite.  
     
     
         18 . A mouthpiece according to  claim 17 , wherein said substructure has a rough surface, thereby enhancing the chemical reactions that cause the teeth to whiten.  
     
     
         19 . A mouthpiece according to  claim 17 , wherein said substructure is coated with a catalyst, thereby enhancing the chemical reactions that cause the teeth to whiten.  
     
     
         20 . A mouthpiece according to  claim 13 , wherein said tooth form is sized and shaped to fit at least one of the upper set of teeth and the lower set of teeth of a user.  
     
     
         21 . A mouthpiece according to  claim 13 , wherein said tooth form is made of molded foam.  
     
     
         22 . A mouthpiece according to  claim 21 , wherein the molded foam is an open cell, porous foam.  
     
     
         23 . A method for whitening teeth, comprising the steps of: 
 providing a heat-conducting mouthpiece;    applying a heat-activated whitening gel to the mouthpiece;    connecting the mouthpiece to a heat source; and    inserting the mouthpiece into a mouth of a user, whereby heat flows from the heat source to the mouthpiece, where the heat activates the whitening gel to whiten the user's teeth.    
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein the applying step includes moistening the mouthpiece with water prior to applying a non-hydrous or hydrous whitening gel.