Abstract: The present invention relates to a tooth-whitening composition comprising (i) a substantially water-insoluble and substantially non-degradable polymer matrix component capable of adhering to the surface of a tooth, provided that if the polymer matrix component is in non-solid form, it is solidifiable by chemical alteration; and (ii) gas- or liquid-filled pores embedded in said polymer matrix component, wherein at least a portion of said gas- or liquid-filled pores have at least one size dimension in the range of about 70 nm to about 5 microns, and wherein the gas- or liquid-filled pores and polymer matrix component possess a difference in refractive index of at least 0.1. The invention is also directed to a tooth-whitening system containing the above composition in combination with an applicator device. The invention is also directed to methods for applying the tooth-whitening composition onto teeth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tooth-whitening composition comprising (i) a substantially water-insoluble and substantially non-degradable polymer matrix component capable of adhering to the surface of a tooth, provided that if the polymer matrix component is in non-solid form, it is solidifable by chemical alteration; and (ii) gas- or liquid-filled pores embedded in said polymer matrix component, wherein at least a portion of said gas- or liquid-filled pores have at least one size dimension in the range of about 70 nm to about 5 microns, and wherein the gas- or liquid-filled pores and polymer matrix component possess a difference in refractive index of at least 0.1. The invention is also directed to a tooth-whitening system containing the above composition in combination with an applicator device. The invention is also directed to methods for applying the tooth-whitening composition onto teeth.