Methods and compositions 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 method for simultaneous cleaning and whitening teeth comprising:
 applying an oxidizing composition to the surfaces of the teeth to be whitened;   exposing the surfaces of the teeth to be whitened to light energy; and   performing a dental cleaning or hygiene procedure while the oxidizing composition is in contact with the teeth, the dental cleaning or hygiene procedure including at least one of cleaning said teeth, scaling said teeth, and polishing said teeth