Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for treating a root canal in a tooth or hard and/or soft tissue within a tooth and surrounding tissues by pulsing a laser light into a reservoir, preferably after introducing liquid fluid into the reservoir, so as to disintegrate, separate, or otherwise neutralize pulp, plaque, calculus, and/or bacteria within and adjacent the fluid reservoir without elevating the temperature of any of the dentin, tooth, bones, gums, other soft tissues, other hard tissues, and any other adjacent tissue more than about 5° C.

Abstract: A new and useful dental cleansing solution, and a method of application of the solution, is provided. The dental cleansing solution is designed to be applied by a tooth brush to the teeth of a child under the age of 2. The dental solution is fluoride free, includes a plaque inhibitor, has a viscosity that promotes wicking when applied to the bristles of a tooth brush, is palatable to children, especially children under 2 years old, and further characterized in that it does not foam when brushed onto teeth. The solution includes a carrier, a plaque inhibitor, a humectant, a preservative and a colloidal thickener. The solution may further include one or more additives that provide pH control. The solution can be applied onto the bristles of a tooth brush and is designed to wick into the bristles of the tooth brush. Moreover, the solution can be applied to other objects that may be inserted into the oral cavity of a human, particularly a child under the age of 2.

Abstract: The present invention relates in a first aspect to an adhesion material for use in an individual containing encapsulated phase-change material. In particular, the adhesion material is for cosmetical or medicinal use in the body of an individual. The adhesion material contains encapsulated phase-change material having preferably a phase transition temperature above 40° C., like above 55° C. The adhesion material is particularly useful for adhering elements, like dental restorations, e.g. crowns or bridge, or brackets on elements in the body of an individual, like teeth or implants. That is, the adhesion material is particularly useful for adhering material in dental applications. In another aspect, a method is provided allowing removing a bracket, a crown or bridge, from implants, abutments or teeth. Furthermore, dental implant restoration systems and kits for permanent fixation of implants allowing improved removal thereof are provided.

Abstract: The interdental cleaner includes a source of liquid (22) and a control system (42) including a manual pump (26), for moving a selected amount of liquid, suitable for a single use, into a liquid pathway and there to a mixing chamber (53). A source of pressurized gas (30), such as a CO2 cartridge, is used to preload a selected amount of gas into a gas chamber (52). The control system includes a spring-loaded button (18), which upon operation results in the manual pump (26) being operated, forcing the selected amount of liquid into the mixing chamber, and then upon release, permits the pressurized gas in the gas chamber to enter the mixing chamber, breaking up the liquid therein into droplets and a liquid stream, and propelling the resulting liquid out of a nozzle portion (14) of the cleaner into the interproximal area of the teeth.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the concurrent treatment of multiple oral diseases and defects while promoting general oral hygiene utilizing direct current electricity. Electrodes are used to deliver a direct current to the gingival tissues of a mouth in order to achieve a number of therapeutic, prophylactic, and regenerative benefits. These benefits include killing oral microbes, increasing oral vasodilation, improving oral blood circulation, reversing oral bone resorption, promoting oral osteogenesis, treating gum recession, and fostering gingival regeneration. Other benefits include the treatment of gingivitis, perdiodontitis, and oral malodor while also promoting general oral hygiene.

Abstract: A method of removing a dental adhesive may comprise locating the position of the dental adhesive, directing radiant energy into the dental adhesive causing the dental adhesive to weaken a bond formed with the dental adhesive, and breaking the bond by applying a suitable force to overcome the weakened bond. A dental adhesive may comprise a polymer and a dye or pigment, The dental adhesive may be formulated to cure to form a bond that is weakened in response to the dye or pigment absorbing radiant energy subsequent to curing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a pair of dry type patches for teeth whitening, having a patch for upper teeth and a patch for lower teeth, in which the patch for upper teeth has a shape different from the patch for lower teeth, and each patch has a controlled width and shape such that the contact area of each patch with gums is minimized. In the patch for upper teeth, a central portion covering right and left upper central incisors is widest. In the patch for lower teeth, either portion covering right and left lower canine teeth is widest. Since the dry type patches covers all the portions of the teeth while minimizing the contact area with gums, no or little irritation is caused and wearability is excellent.

Abstract: The invention relates to personal care products containing multilayer films with decorative layers and may impart a noticeable color change. The invention is applicable in products including type toothpaste, soaps, and other products until diluted with water (or saliva).

Abstract: A dental piezoelectric ultrasonic magnetic switching scaler handpiece is activated by magnetic means. The dental piezoelectric scaler handpiece includes a housing that contains a fixed magnet and a magnetically activated switch. An activation magnet longitudinally slides along the outside of the housing from a de-energized position to an energized position. The activation magnet is biased to the de-energized position by the fixed magnet. When a user moves the activation magnet away from the fixed magnet and toward the magnetically activated switch, the magnetic field of the activation magnet activates the magnetically activated switch and turns the dental scaler handpiece on.

Abstract: The self-contained intraoral appliance includes first and second substantially rigid bands (12, 14) configured to fit along the outer and the inner surfaces of a row of teeth in the mouth. A motor (20) driven by a battery is connected to the bands through a connecting assembly (2, 24, 28, 34, 40 and 44) in such a manner that one end of the first band moves through a displacement to brush the teeth while the other end remains substantially stationary, and such that an opposing end of the second band moves through a displacement while the other end remains substantially stationary. Brush elements (16, 18) are mounted on the surfaces of the bands to provide cleansing of the teeth.

Abstract: An oral appliance is provided for delivering a medicament to at least a portion of teeth and/or soft tissue areas inside a mouth, the oral appliance comprising an interior surface having a porous material disposed on at least a portion of the interior surface of the oral appliance, the porous material containing a medicament and the interior surface being formed to fit contours of at least the portion of the teeth and/or soft tissue areas inside the mouth and being capable of supporting and holding the porous material in contact with at least the portion of the teeth and/or soft tissue areas inside the mouth to deliver the medicament.

Abstract: A device for applying a tooth brightening composition to a tooth includes a reservoir fluidly connected to an applicator, where applicator having a factional stress value sufficient to cause mechanical displacement of a biofilm present on a surface of the tooth; a tooth brightening composition disposed within the reservoir; and an activator configured to dispense the tooth brightening composition from the reservoir onto an exterior surface of the applicator. Alternatively or in combination with the above device, the applicator contains pores having a diameter of 0.1-1000 ?m.

Abstract: A method for cleaning tooth surfaces with a powder and a powder mixture, preferably by powder blasting with a powder-jet device, said device mixing the powder or the powder mixture with air to form a powder/air mixture, wherein said powder and/or powder mixture is an alditol or contains such alditol. Preferably, mannitol and/or erythritol are used, because of their anti-cariogenic effect. Xylitol is also suitable for cleaning tooth surfaces, especially of less strongly mineralized tooth surfaces like dentine.

Abstract: An oral preparation of the present invention contains a multi-composition system including a calcium ion supplying compound; a fluoride ion supplying compound a polyolphosphate ion supplying compound; and, a monofluorophosphate ion supplying compound, wherein the calcium ion supplying compound and the fluoride ion supplying compound are separated within the oral preparation.

Abstract: In a tooth whitening method, a whitening composition is applied to at least one tooth. The whitening composition is maintained on the at least one tooth for a first time period. After the first time period, a light radiation is directed toward the at least one tooth for a second time period. The first time period has a duration greater than 50% of a total duration of the first and second time periods. The whitening composition is removed from the at least one tooth.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for whitening human teeth containing peroxide and a hydroperoxidase inhibitor. The compositions exhibit superior teeth whitening effects while also retaining a greater amount of peroxide compared to compositions not containing the hydroperoxidase inhibitors. The compositions may be formulated in a hydrocarbon humectant free vehicle comprising a peroxide compound, a hydroperoxidase inhibitor, a chelating agent, an anti-oxidizing agent, and a thickening agent. The compositions may further include compounds to reduce oxidative stress. Also disclosed is a delivery system including a flexible film, an oral care composition that contacts the teeth, an adhesive material that generally contacts the soft tissues, and a physical barrier that prevents contact between the oral care composition and the adhesive material.

Abstract: For to avoid clogging from abrasive media, a nozzle contains an element for circular vortexing the passing jet of detergents in combination with a defined flexibility of its elements, which—together with a pulsating stream of media—causes vibrations, that constantly lead to peeling off adhering residues.

Abstract: A method for simultaneously cleaning and whitening teeth comprising the steps of: applying a conditioning composition to the teeth surface, applying an oxidizing composition to the teeth surface, applying a sealant composition to the teeth surface, cleaning the teeth surface, polishing the teeth surface and removing the condition compositions from the teeth.

Abstract: Compositions having high fluoride ion recovery comprising a hydrocolloid, a heteropolysaccharide, a PVME/MA copolymer, and a fluoride ion source and use thereof, e.g., in the treatment of xerostomia and/or sensitive teeth.

Abstract: A method of whitening teeth comprises the steps of contacting a stained tooth surface with an organic metal-ligand complex and an oxidizing compound, and exposing the stained tooth surface to actinic radiation.

Abstract: A dental probe is disclosed which is designed to be used to probe around and between teeth and surrounding soft tissue in a person's mouth. The dental probe has an arcuately shaped first portion terminating in a blunt tip and a second portion secured to the first portion opposite the tip. The dental probe also has a textured outer surface. The dental probe is capable of transferring a solution or liquid medication onto the teeth and surrounding soft tissue in a person's mouth. A method of molding the dental probe and a method of using the dental probe are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an oral cavity composition with which brief treatment using the same yields a high effect for dental cavity prevention and an excellent dental hyperesthesia preventive and treatment effects, and a method of treatment using such a composition. The oral cavity composition according to the present invention contains a first composition (A) containing a fluoride ion-supplying compound, an inorganic phosphoric acid and a salt thereof, and a second composition (B) containing a calcium salt of organic acid, with an organic acid constituting said calcium salt of organic acid having a pKa value ranging from 3 to 11, or at least one pKa value ranging from 3 to 11 when said organic acid has plural pKa values, wherein said first composition (A) and said second composition (B) are discretely packed from each other so that said two compositions can be alternately used and then come to be mixed with each other at a tooth region when applied thereto.

Abstract: A dental tray with a hydrophobic tooth whitening formulation where the tooth whitening formulation is substantially non-water soluble, and a method of using this dental tray to whiten the teeth. The tooth whitening formulation is primarily comprised of a hydrophobic polymer and a peroxide or a peroxide yielding compound. Preferably the hydrophobic polymer is the condensation product of a silicone resin and an organosiloxane. The dental tray is formed to encompass the front and the rear surfaces of the teeth. The dental tray is comprised of a thermoplastic or thermoset polymer. The teeth whitening formulation is placed into the dental tray and the tray placed against the teeth to be whitened. This is for a sufficient period of time to at least partially whiten teeth. This can be a period of time from about 0.5 hour to 2 hours or more.

Abstract: An oral care kit comprising an oral care implement and a dispenser. In one aspect, the invention can be an oral care kit comprising at least one toothbrush and a dispenser. The dispenser (300) comprises a housing (309) having an internal chamber (321) containing a plurality of capsules (310) containing an oral care material; a dispensing conduit (322) extending from the internal chamber to an exterior of the dispenser; a valve (325) positioned in the dispensing conduit and biased into a sealed state that prevents moisture from entering the internal chamber; and a dispensing subassembly (302, 315, 316, 317) configured to dispense one of the capsules from the internal chamber through the valve. The valve is forced into an open state that allows the one capsule to pass therethrough when the one capsule is subjected to a dispensing force imparted by the dispensing subassembly and automatically returns to the sealed state after the one capsule passes therethrough.

Abstract: Oral care compositions comprising: (a) a peroxide complex comprising a peroxide component and an N-vinyl heterocyclic polymer (e.g., poly-N-vinyl polylactam, or poly-N-vinyl-polyimide); (b) a whitening agent (e.g., hydrogen peroxide); and (c) an orally acceptable carrier. In one embodiment, the carrier comprises a film forming material. Methods are also provided for making an oral care composition comprising: (a) mixing a whitening agent, silicone adhesive and carrier fluid to form a homogenous mixture; (b) adding a peroxide complex to said homogenous mixture, wherein said complex comprises hydrogen peroxide and an N-vinyl heterocyclic polymer; and (c) mixing under vacuum.

Abstract: A replaceable accessory head for a powered toothbrush. The user selects one of a plurality of dental care accessory assemblies for flossing, brushing teeth, or for stimulating the gums. That assembly is engaged with the head which in turn is engaged with the handle and is locked thereto. This locking motion also causes the assembly to become locked to the head and the assembly may then be used for its intended purpose. A vibratory mechanism in the handle is activated causing vibration in the accessory assembly and thus improving the flossing, brushing or gum stimulation motions. When the assembly is worn out or when a different dental hygiene task is to be undertaken, the user detaches the head from the handle, thereby simultaneously unlocking the accessory assembly from the head. The assembly is then disengaged and is replaced by a different accessory assembly.

Abstract: A tooth whitening product is provided. The tooth whitening product has a backing layer and a tooth whitening composition. The tooth whitening composition includes first and second water soluble polymers, water, and a tooth whitening agent, wherein the first water soluble polymer is polyethelene oxide and the second water soluble polymer is polyvinyl alcohol.

Abstract: A kit for promoting oral hygiene, and a method for using such a kit are disclosed. The kit may comprise several compositions or a single composition, each of which comprises an effective amount of xylitol. For example, the kit may comprise a chewing gum composition, a morsel composition, a paste-like composition, and an oral rinse composition; or any one of the above compositions; or any combination thereof. It will be appreciated that a novel method for using such a kit for promoting oral hygiene may include: brushing a user's teeth with the paste-like composition comprising at least about 0.05 g to about 0.75 g of xylitol at least in the morning and in the evening, administering at least about 0.75 g of xylitol after consumption of nutrition by chewing a gum composition or by partaking of a morsel composition, and rinsing the user's oral cavity with an oral rinse composition comprising at least about 0.75 g of xylitol at least before bedtime.

Abstract: An oral care implement has a head portion with tooth cleaning elements on one surface thereof and a reservoir containing at least one active agent. A capillary channel extends through at least a portion of the oral care implement to deliver active agent(s) to one or more outlets. In one aspect, a vibration-producing device is provided to vibrate at least a portion of the implement to enhance the function of tooth cleaning elements and the delivery of the active agent through capillary action. A variety of active agents can be administered for therapeutic, hygienic, and/or other benefits, such as fresh breath, tooth whitening, or producing sensations of heat, cool, or tingling.

Abstract: Devices and methods for cleaning an oral cavity by positioning a device suitable for detecting and removing plaque from the surface within the oral cavity having applied thereto a fluorescent agent capable of binding to plaque on the surface. The surface is substantially simultaneously cleaned and irradiated with a light of a wavelength effective to provide a fluorescent emission when contacted with said fluorescent agent. A portion of the fluorescent emission is collected (APV1), and compared to a predetermined threshold value (PPTV). If APV1 is less than PPTV, the device is moved to another section. If APV1 is greater than or equal to PPTV, then another portion of fluorescent emission is collected (APV2). The percent reduction from APV1 to APV2 determines when the device is moved to another section.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the concurrent treatment of multiple oral diseases and defects while promoting general oral hygiene utilizing direct current electricity. Electrodes are used to deliver a direct current to the gingival tissues of a mouth in order to achieve a number of therapeutic, prophylactic, and regenerative benefits. These benefits include killing oral microbes, increasing oral vasodilation, reducing oral biofilm, improving oral blood circulation, reversing oral bone resorption, promoting oral osteogenesis, treating gum recession, and fostering gingival regeneration. Other benefits include the treatment of gingivitis, periodontitis, and oral malodor, and other systemic diseases correlated with oral pathogens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compressed chewing gum tablet possessing tooth brush properties, which compressed chewing gum tablet comprises at least gum base and a) at least one whitening agent, b) at least one fresh-breath agent, c) at least one anti-plaque agent, d) at least one anti-gingivitis agent, e) at least one re-mineralization agent, and f) optionally at least one anti-calculus agent, wherein the compressed chewing gum tablet at least partly is manufactured from a compressed mixture of granules and agents.

Abstract: A dental tray with a hydrophobic tooth whitening formulation where the tooth whitening formulation is substantially non-water soluble, and a method of using this dental tray to whiten the teeth. The tooth whitening formulation is primarily comprised of a hydrophobic polymer and a peroxide or a peroxide yielding compound. Preferably the hydrophobic polymer is the condensation product of a silicone resin and an organosiloxane. The dental tray is formed to encompass the front and the rear surfaces of the teeth. The dental tray is comprised of a thermoplastic or thermoset polymer. The teeth whitening formulation is placed into the dental tray and the tray placed against the teeth to be whitened. This is for a sufficient period of time to at least partially whiten teeth. This can be a period of time from about 0.5 hour to 2 hours or more.

Abstract: Compositions and methods to inhibit adverse physiological effects caused by resin-based and resin-containing materials are disclosed. More specifically, the use of N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) to inhibit hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA)-mediated cell death and cytotoxicity.

Abstract: Oral care compositions containing a stannous salt and sodium tripolyphosphate are provided where stannous tripolyphosphate ionic intermediates comprise less than about 1% of the compositions Tetrasodium pyrophosphate, a methylvinyl ether-maleic anhydride copolymer and/or a silica oral polishing agent may be added for further efficacy. In a single phase blend, the oral care composition may be effectively limited to comprise less than about 10% water. In a dual-phase blend a mixture having the stannous salt in a first phase and the sodium tripolyphosphate in a second phase may be generated from a dual chamber storage tube (with each phase provided from a separate chamber) immediately prior to dental care usage.

Abstract: Teeth cleaning apparatus comprises a cylindrical cleaning implement. The cleaning implement includes a resilient support shaft and an engagement thread and is drivingly rotatable. The implement is so configured that, when presented between a pair of adjacent teeth, a rotating implement threads itself into the interproximal space and extracts interproximal debris.

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.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of use for desensitizing a subject to an allergen via regions of the oral mucosa are provided.

Abstract: Devices and methods for cleaning an oral cavity by positioning a device suitable for detecting and removing plaque from the surface within the oral cavity having applied thereto a fluorescent agent capable of binding to plaque on the surface. The surface is substantially simultaneously cleaned and irradiated with a light of a wavelength effective to provide a fluorescent emission when contacted with said fluorescent agent. A portion of the fluorescent emission is collected (APV1), and compared to a predetermined threshold value (PPTV). If APV1 is less than PPTV, the device is moved to another section. If APV1 is greater than or equal to PPTV, then another portion of fluorescent emission is collected (APV2). The percent reduction from APV1 to APV2 determines when the device is moved to another section.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for treating a root canal in a tooth or hard and/or soft tissue within a tooth and surrounding tissues by pulsing a laser light into a reservoir, preferably after introducing liquid fluid into the reservoir, so as to disintegrate, separate, or otherwise neutralize pulp, plaque, calculus, and/or bacteria within and adjacent the fluid reservoir without elevating the temperature of any of the dentin, tooth, bones, gums, other soft tissues, other hard tissues, and any other adjacent tissue more than about 5° C.

Abstract: The present application provides dental fillers, and methods of making and using dental fillers that include a treated surface that includes a caseinate. Dental compositions including such dental fillers can be useful for delivering ions to the oral environment. Dental compositions, and methods of using dental compositions that include a caseinate and a hardenable resin or a water-dispersible, polymeric film former are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for preventing, reversing, ameliorating or treating dental diseases, disorders or injuries are provided. In particular, methods for preventing, reversing, ameliorating or treating dental diseases of the gingival (gums) and bone are provided. Such methods utilize novel compositions including, but not limited to, extraembryonic cytokine-secreting cells (herein referred to as ECS cells), including, but not limited to, Amnion-derived Multipotent Progenitor cells (herein referred to as AMP cells) and conditioned media derived therefrom (herein referred to as Amnion-derived Cellular Cytokine Solution or ACCS), and Physiologic Cytokine Solution (herein referred to as PCS), each alone or in combination with each other and/or other agents.

Abstract: A non-custom, dental tray device includes a moisture-resistant barrier layer having a labial-buccal wall, a lingual wall, and a bottom wall. The dental tray device includes at least one of the following structural features to enhance the fit of the device; (1) the bottom wall includes an abrupt reduction of width at a location corresponding to where the first bicuspid meets the canine; (2) a bottom wall in the posterior region having a width that is equal to or less than the width of the bottom wall in the anterior region, with no lingual wall in the posterior region; or (3) a transition portion between the bottom wall and either the labial-buccal wall or the lingual wall has a larger radius of curvature as compared to a radius of curvature at a transition portion between the bottom wall the other of the labial-buccal wall and the lingual wall.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and a device for cleaning teeth wherein a variety of cleaning tools are coupled to a common handle section for the individual cleaning of teeth. It relates in particular to a handle section of an electric dental cleaning device, with a coupling section for coupling various cleaning tools thereto, as well as said cleaning tools. According to the invention the handle section detects a coding provided on the respective cleaning tool attached. In dependence upon the respective coding detected, various functions of the dental cleaning device are controlled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and inventive composition for implant cleaning and/or debridement of hard surfaces in the oral cavity, which comprises optimally activated nanoparticles of TiO2, having a mean particle diameter (D50) of about 10-100 nm at a concentration between 0.5-500 g/L, and H2O2, at a concentration of at the most 7.5% by volume, said composition being antibacterial, without causing microbial resistance, and anti-inflammatory, and wherein said composition further comprises solid microparticles, having a mean particle diameter (D50) of about 100-200 ?m at a concentration between 0.5-300 g/L, for improved mechanical debridement and/or cleaning of rough surfaces in the oral cavity and/or on an implant.

Abstract: According to a present invention embodiment, a dental appliance maintains a patient mouth in an open state, retracts tissue, and evacuates bodily and/or other fluids from a dental site. The dental appliance includes an elongated tube configured with a looped section. The elongated tube is flexible, where the looped section is adjustable and manipulated to enable the dental appliance to accommodate mouths of various dental patients. Further, the looped section is resilient in order to maintain the patient mouth in an open state for dental procedures. In addition, the elongated tube includes perforations to remove bodily or other fluids from the patient mouth. A vacuum or suction device is coupled to an end of the elongated tube, where suction is applied to the tube to draw bodily or other fluids from the patient mouth through the perforations and remove these fluids from a dental site.

Abstract: The mouthpiece appliance includes an assembly for receiving teeth (12) which includes a plurality of cleansing portions, typically two opposing side portions (14, 16) and an intermediate center portion (18). The brushing portions include bristle sections which are adapted to clean teeth. The appliance includes at least one DC motor assembly (26) with an output shaft with an eccentric mass of crankshaft (28). The appliance further includes a mechanical motor cover comprising a plurality of arm members which are arranged to connect the DC motor assembly to the cleansing portions of the appliance so that as the unbalanced weight on the output shaft rotates, movement of the cleansing portions, toward and away from the teeth or along the surfaces of the teeth occurs, producing cleansing of the teeth.

Abstract: In situ foamable dental bleaching compositions include a dental bleaching agent, thickening agent, polyol, and in situ foaming agent. The foamable dental bleaching compositions are initially dispensed as a dental bleaching gel. Upon placement of the dental bleaching gel onto a person's tooth surfaces, the in situ foaming agent causes the bleaching gel to foam. Dental bleaching systems include an in situ foamable dental bleaching composition within a pressurized container (e.g., bag-on valve container) having a nozzle that, when actuated, expels the in situ dental bleaching composition as a gel. Dental bleaching methods include dispensing the in situ foamable dental bleaching composition as a gel, contacting a person's tooth surfaces with the dental bleaching gel, and allowing the gel to expand and foam in order to dynamically distribute and replenish the dental bleaching agent to the tooth surfaces and into the interproximal spaces between teeth.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions containing one or more polymerizable bisphosphonic acids and optionally one or more additional polymerizable components.

Abstract: A method for whitening teeth is disclosed. The method includes supplying a liquid sufficient to at least partially submerge a portion of a tooth; positioning a plasma device adjacent to the submerged portion of the tooth; supplying ionizable media to the plasma device; and igniting the ionizable media at the plasma device sufficient to form a plasma effluent in the presence of the liquid at the distal portion, whereby the plasma effluent reacts with the liquid to form at least one reactive species that interacts selectively with foreign matter disposed on the tooth.