Abstract: A device and method for testing the hardness of a dental restorative material before use. The device is a preformed body with an opening in which uncured restorative material is placed for curing under a standard source of light energy for a normal exposure period. The body has a known hardness which is compared against the hardness of the material on the distal side of the body relative to the source of light.

Abstract: A light guide for use in combination with a light source for irradiating a dental restoration. The light guide includes two optical conductors having one end mounted in common for insertion into the light source and with the opposite end of each conductor spaced apart to form a gap into which radiant energy is directly uniformly from opposite sides of the gap.

Abstract: Assembly of interchangeable autofocus light guides of varying diameter for a dental curing light apparatus to provide maximum power density independently of the selection of light guide. Each light guide has an optic rod of a preselected diameter and a proximal end axially spaced from the focal spot, such that radiant energy incident upon the proximal end corresponds to a predetermined surface area matched to said preselected diameter. Each optic rod also has a head of common diameter for interchangeable insertion into the light-curing apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus for supplying light and heat of variable intensity to a photocurable dental material. The apparatus includes a source of light, a reflector, a filter assembly, a light guide and an electrical fan. The heat is generated from the light source and is controllably directed by an arrangement of louvers with a manually adjustable lever through a passageway surrounding the light guide to the operatory site.

Abstract: A method for bleaching stained teeth by applying a concentrated solution of peroxide to the stained teeth and focusing a beam of light at the teeth with the beam containing the combination of ultraviolet and infrared energy for activating the peroxide solution.

Abstract: The lighting system comprises a lamp assembly including a conductive block having a plurality of longitudinal passageways extending from one end of the block adjacent the proximal end of the handpiece in a configuration matching the fluid transmitting conduit configuration extending from the handpiece and terminating at the opposite end of the block, means connecting said passageways at said opposite end to an air/water supply tubing, slidable means for removably coupling the lamp assembly to the handpiece, said block having a cavity for housing a miniature halogen lamp with the halogen lamp longitudinally seated in the cavity, means in said cavity for detachably engaging said lamp such that said lamp may be removed for replacement without disturbing the fluid interface between the block and the supply tubing, said lamp having a light transmitting end in close optical coupling with the proximal end of the handpiece, and wherein said slidable means includes an aperture in a predetermined location and means for

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.