Low-Intensity Blue Light Tooth Whitening With Reduced Sensitivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tooth whitening methods using high irradiance density and high concentrations of oxidizers result in increased tooth sensitivity and oral discomfort, necessitating a more efficient whitening process without these adverse effects.
Innovation Solution
A method involving low-intensity LED light irradiation with wavelengths between 390 nm to 450 nm and irradiance densities of 3 mW/cm2 to 20 mW/cm2, combined with a whitening agent like hydrogen peroxide, to achieve effective tooth whitening with reduced sensitivity and irritation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high irradiance density light (at least 200 mW/cm2) and high concentration oxidizer (at least 35 wt. %) are used for tooth whitening, then whitening efficiency is improved, but tooth sensitivity and oral discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the key parameters of the whitening system by using low irradiance density light (0.3-20.0 mW/cm2, preferably 1.0-10.0 mW/cm2) in the blue-violet range (380-450 nm) combined with low concentration oxidizer (1-20 wt. % hydrogen peroxide). This parameter change allows achieving effective whitening without the harmful effects of high intensity treatments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic illumination cycles consisting of irradiation periods (300-1800 seconds) followed by recovery periods (120-600 seconds). This periodic action allows the teeth to recover between treatments, reducing cumulative sensitivity and discomfort while maintaining whitening efficacy through multiple cycles.
2Productivity
If high concentration oxidizer (at least 35 wt. %) is used for tooth whitening, then whitening effect is improved, but soft tissue irritation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces the oxidizer concentration parameter from at least 35 wt. % to 1-20 wt. % hydrogen peroxide, which significantly reduces soft tissue irritation while maintaining whitening effectiveness when combined with low-intensity blue-violet light activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The low-intensity blue-violet light acts as an intermediary that activates the low concentration hydrogen peroxide to produce singlet oxygen and other reactive species that enable whitening at lower oxidizer concentrations, thereby reducing direct contact irritation from high concentrations of peroxide.
3Productivity
If contact time of oxidizer agent is increased to improve whitening, then whitening amount is improved, but treatment time and patient discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic illumination with irradiation periods of 300-1800 seconds followed by recovery periods of 120-600 seconds, allowing cumulative whitening effect over multiple cycles while providing intervals for patient comfort and reduced sensitivity buildup.
Solution Approach 2:
The low-intensity blue-violet light continuously activates the hydrogen peroxide throughout the treatment period, maintaining a steady state of reactive oxygen species generation that progressively whitens teeth over the treatment cycles without requiring prolonged continuous high-intensity exposure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method achieves superior tooth whitening with lower irradiance densities and oxidizer concentrations, minimizing discomfort and damage to teeth and gums, while maintaining or improving whitening efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
a light source, preferably a light emitting diode (LED), that emits light having a wavelength of about 380 nm to about 450 nm
Implementation Method 2
The light source may be used in combination with a whitening agent that comprises hydrogen peroxide
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a new methodology for whitening teeth that provided increased whitening efficiency without increased health risk to the user. The methodology includes irradiating a tooth at a wavelength in the visible spectrum at a reduced irradiation density.