LED Tooth Whitening Device Using Blue Light Activation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current tooth-whitening methods using peroxide-based compositions face challenges such as tooth sensitivity, gingival irritation, and inconvenient usage due to high concentrations and prolonged application times, while existing blue light delivery systems are cumbersome, require recharging, and lack portability and comfort for self-administration.
Innovation Solution
A portable, lightweight device with primary-cell powered LEDs delivering blue light at a peak intensity of 450-470nm, designed for self-administration, providing sufficient intensity and duration for multiple treatments without recharging, and adaptable for both maxillary and mandibular teeth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the concentration of peroxide is increased to achieve faster whitening, then the whitening efficacy is improved, but tooth sensitivity and soft-tissue irritation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces blue light as an intermediary activation mechanism that enables peroxide to work at lower concentrations. The blue light activates the peroxide through photodynamic action, allowing effective whitening at 10% concentration or below, thereby avoiding the sensitivity and irritation caused by high-concentration peroxide alone
2Productivity
If the contact time of peroxide on teeth is extended to improve whitening, then the whitening efficacy is improved, but tooth sensitivity and gingival irritation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic application of blue light during the peroxide contact time to accelerate the whitening reaction. This allows for shorter overall treatment duration while maintaining or improving efficacy, thereby reducing the cumulative exposure time that causes sensitivity and irritation
3Productivity
If high-power blue light systems are used to accelerate whitening, then the whitening speed is improved, but the device complexity and portability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that can be recharged via USB connection, transforming the power system from fixed and heavy to dynamic and portable. This allows the device to maintain high-power LED output while being lightweight and suitable for home use
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical delivery systems (in-office lamps requiring 110VAC power) with electronic LED arrays powered by rechargeable batteries. This substitution enables portable, self-contained operation without requiring external power sources or complex mechanical structures
4Productivity
If conventional high-concentration peroxide is used with blue light activation, then the whitening efficacy is improved, but the requirement for physical barriers and professional supervision increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the concentration parameter of peroxide from high (traditional) to low (10% or below), combined with blue light activation. This parameter change allows the system to achieve effective whitening without requiring protective barriers or professional supervision, enabling safe self-administration
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 device effectively accelerates tooth whitening with reduced sensitivity and irritation, offering a convenient, portable, and comfortable solution for self-administered treatments over a full regimen without battery replacement, ensuring adequate light coverage and intensity for all anterior teeth surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
The mechanism of bleaching by peroxide involves the reduction of yellowness by generating singlet oxygen through the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide to convert C=C bonds to carbon single bonds (C-x)
Implementation Method 2
one hypothesis being that application of blue light elevates outer-shell electrons in C=C pairs to a higher quantum level, or energy state, increasing their ability to bond with available peroxide derivatives
Implementation Method 3
A portable, lightweight device with primary-cell powered LEDs delivering blue light at a peak intensity of 450-470nm
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~3A
Figure 4~5A
AI summary
A tooth-whitening process includes providing an array of LEDs (20) disposed in a first plane and forming an inner arc (30) having an inner focal point (31) and an outer arc (40) having an outer focal point (41) different from the inner focal point; applying a whitening composition to at least the anterior surfaces of at least six mandibular or maxillary anterior teeth and maintaining the whitening composition on the at least six teeth for a first time period; after the first time period, directing a light radiation comprising blue visible light or near-visible UV light of at least a threshold intensity from the least a first array of LEDs for a second time period to the anterior surfaces of the at least six teeth, the first time period having a duration greater than 50% of a total duration of the first time period and the second time period; and removing the whitening composition from the at least six teeth.