A tooth whitening method applies a light transmitting oxidizing composition to teeth in an oral cavity, after which a hand-held LED light source with a light transmitting lens and a cup forming a chamber having an open end is moved over the teeth so that the cup distributes the oxidizing composition while the teeth are exposed to light transmitted through the lens. This not only ensures intimate contact of the teeth with the oxidizing composition, but also maintains a more or less constant spacing between the light source and the tooth surfaces for optimum results. A sealant is then applied to the teeth to resist moisture contamination of the oxidizing composition.

A dental prophylaxis angle having a tool head and a hand piece includes an adjustment mechanism, which allows the tool head to be angularly adjusted between a plurality of angular positions relative to the hand piece. The tool head is axially shiftable relative to the hand piece between a locked position and an adjustment position. In the locked position, the tool head is prevented from shifting angularly relative to the hand piece. In the adjustment position, the tool head may be selectively pivoted relative to the hand piece and thereby angularly adjusted. A spring may be provided to urge the tool head into the locked position at one or more of the angular positions.

A disposable prophy angle is provided, the prophy angle comprising a housing containing a drive shaft and a driven shaft; the drive shaft having a proximal end and a distal end and a longitudinal axis therebetween, the distal end having a substantially conical driving portion and a projection, the proximal end of the drive shaft configured to engage a dental hand piece; and the driven shaft having a driven portion comprising a recess configured for engagement by the projection and/or the substantially conical portion of the drive shaft to oscillate the driven shaft at an oscillation angle greater than 90 degrees. In some embodiments, there is a method of making a disposable prophy angle by overmolding a prophy cup to the prophy angle. In other embodiments, there is a method of using the prophy angle to prevent tooth decay.

A dental handpiece and a dental cleaning procedure are disclosed. The dental handpiece includes an inner barrel for rotatably retaining an ultrasonic insert, the inner barrel configured for contacting the ultrasonic insert with a cooling fluid in the inner barrel, a coil unit arranged and disposed to apply an alternating magnetic field to the ultrasonic insert when positioned in the inner barrel, an outer sheath extending around at least a portion of the coil unit. The dental handpiece includes flow regions permitting steam, chemicals, and heat to flow into the inner barrel and out of the inner barrel during a sterilization technique. The dental cleaning procedure includes operating the dental handpiece and autoclaving the dental handpiece.

The present invention relates to devices and systems for detecting the existence of oral conditions. In one aspect, the invention is a device including a detector capable of detecting a marker of an oral condition; a self-contained indicator that is actuated by a signal from the detector, wherein the indicator is one of a structural indicator adapted to undergo a physical change that is haptically perceptible, a dye adapted to be released into a user's mouth, and a flavor adapted to be released into a user's mouth; and wherein said device is detachably securable to an oral care implement.

An oral care implement includes a housing defining a cavity and configured for at least partial insertion into an oral cavity. An opening in the housing fluidly connects the cavity to an environment of the housing. First and second spaced electrodes are disposed in the cavity. An electrical connection electrically connects the first electrode and the second electrode to a power source. At least one of the first electrode or the second electrode is a sacrificial electrode and passing a current through the electrical connection causes the sacrificial electrode to oxidize.

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.

A dental polishing cup includes a body that defines a cup cavity for holding a dental treatment material, with the cup having an opening at its distal end. A portion of the body includes an enhanced-flexibility band (EFB) situated circumferentially at a certain distance from the distal end, the EFB providing a lesser stiffness of the body than other portions of the body that are situated lengthwise immediately distally and immediately proximately of the EFB.

Compositions and methods for whitening the teeth of a patient or subject include the application of at least one tooth whitening composition having a viscosity of at least 100 centipoise to the surface of a stained tooth, accompanied by the application of a sealant composition that forms protective film or coating on the tooth surface to resist moisture contamination of the oxidizing composition. The whitening procedure can be further enhanced by removal of acquired pellicle from the tooth surface prior to application of oxidizing and sealant compositions. The novel procedure allows for a high degree of tooth whitening by protecting the oxidizing composition while it is in contact with the tooth surface.

A prophylaxis angle that is configured to be attached to and operated by a powered dental handpiece. The prophylaxis angle includes a cup having a first end and a second end. The first end is couplable to the dental handpiece and at least one projection is at the second end of the cup.