| abstract |
A dental bleaching composition having enhanced effectiveness and reduced sensitivity, its method of use, and a kit containing the ingredients for making the composition. The dental bleaching composition is in the form of a gel with a pH of about 9 to 11 and comprises a bleaching agent such as hydrogen peroxide, an inert gelling material such as silica compounds, a pH modifier such as sodium hydroxide, and a discrete inert particulate material capable of absorbing the emitted laser light and retransmitting it as thermal energy. The dental bleaching composition is placed on the teeth to be bleached, exposed to laser energy, and removed. The process is then repeated until the desired amount of bleaching is achieved. Neutral sodium fluoride is then applied to the bleached teeth for at least 10 minutes to reduce or eliminate post-bleaching sensitivity. |