Compositions and methods for whitening teeth

Abstract

Compositions and methods for whitening the teeth of a patient or subject are described for performing a dental prophylaxis or cleaning procedure during which at least one tooth whitening composition is applied to the surface of a stained tooth, said compositions and methods resulting in a tooth color change that is noticeable to the patient or subject immediately following the procedure. The novel procedure allows for a high degree of tooth whitening to be safely achieved in a short period of time while under the control of a dentist, dental hygienist, or other dental professional, and which at least partially coincides with the performance of a dental prophylaxis or cleaning procedure in order to save significant clinical operatory chair time compared to cleaning and whitening procedures that are performed in non-overlapping time frames or appointments. Light may also be used to enhance whitening.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A tooth whitening method comprising:
 applying an oxidizing composition comprising a fluid carrier and an oxidizing agent to one or more teeth in an oral cavity; and   thereafter applying a sealant composition to the one or more teeth to which the oxidizing composition was applied, wherein the sealant composition comprises a fluid carrier and a water resistant polymer that forms a coating that resists moisture contamination of the previously applied oxidizing agent.