Abstract: A dental composition and method for bleaching vital and non-vital teeth, comprising a preselected, concentrated, aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide and a nonaqueous component mixed to form an aqueous gel or paste, with the nonaqueous component including an inert silica gelling agent, an accelerator, a plasticizer and thickening agent, and means for establishing a substantially fixed time period for treating the teeth in response to the application of optical energy. A redox color indicator is used to transform from one color to another over the fixed time period to provide a visual indication that the treatment is completed, as well as an indication that the peroxide solution was active.

Abstract: A compact, lightweight source of radiation at wavelengths ranging from long wave ultraviolet through the visible powered from a low power DC source wherein a high frequency oscillator provides regulated driving current for the excitation of a fluorescent tube which emits energy at wavelengths outside the erythemal zone and wherein a first level of energizing current is provided for a warmup of the tube, a second level of energizing current is provided for standby excitation and a third level of energizing current is available for more intense operating excitation during which time there is also provided an audible timing signal.