Biolase Awarded Patent for Tooth-Whitening System

Biolase Technology Inc., an Irvine, Calif., dental laser company, announced it has been granted a US patent for a tooth-cleaning and whitening system using a toothbrush that emits electromagnetic energy combined with a dentifrice containing a photosensitive agent. The patent, No. 7,261,558, covers device and method claims related to a "cleaning and whitening system for teeth comprised of a toothbrush with a cleaning surface that incorporates a source of electromagnetic radiation (energy) that focuses energy toward the cleaning surface during brushing to enhance cleaning of the teeth and a dentifrice that disperses a photosensitive agent including a whitening compound." The patent contains 147 claims, seven of which are independent, Biolase said.