Abstract: A dental curing light includes a body, one or more LEDs configured to emit a first spectrum of light having a relatively short first peak wavelength (e.g., UV) disposed on the body, and a fluorescing lens that converts at least a portion of the first spectrum of light into a second spectrum of light having a second peak wavelength that is longer than the first peak wavelength. The second spectrum of light is selected so as to match the curing spectrum of a desired light-curable dental composition. In a preferred embodiment, the body comprises an elongate wand having a proximal end and distal end. The LEDs may be disposed at or near the distal end of the elongate wand.

Abstract: An aspheric lens focuses light emitting from a light-emitting diode (LED) of a light-generating dental device for curing light-curable compounds during dental procedures. The LED is preferably affixed to the end of an extension arm extending away from a light-generating dental device. A transparent shield, which is removably attachable to the extension arm, protects the aspheric lens from physical contact during use. The aspheric lens, which has a flat end and an aspheric end, is held in place by the extension arm and/or the transparent shield with the flat end of the aspheric lens being held in close proximity to the LED. Light emitted from the LED enters the flat end of the lens and exists the aspheric end of the lens, which focuses the light for curing light-curable compounds during dental procedures.

Abstract: A kit used to form a customized dental tray from a heat-softenable polymeric material using a person's teeth as a template includes a preformed tray and a color-changing temperature indicator. The color-changing temperature indicator may be attached to or separate from the preformed tray. When heated together, the indicator signals to the user by a color change when the tray has reached a customization temperature range. This signal prevents errors of underheating and overheating common in the customization process.

Abstract: A tissue illumination apparatus is useful in identifying caries, calculus, fractures, diseases or other defects in tissues within the oral cavity. The tissue illumination apparatus includes a light emitting device and at least one focusing lens. The lens may be configured to be integrally or releasably attached to the light emitting device. The tissue illumination apparatus may optionally include one or more intermediate focusing lenses. The fluorescing lens and/or any intermediate focusing lenses are made from any desired material that may be impregnated or coated with one or more fluorescing compounds and/or one or more light-absorbing dyes or pigments. The fluorescing lens converts light emitted by the light emitting device into light having a longer wavelength in order to transilluminate oral tissues and render certain dental tissues and/or defects therein visible to a dental practitioner.

Abstract: The invention is directed to lenses having thin walls and a generally conical shape for use with dental light-curing devices. The conical or otherwise tapered shape enables the apex of the lenses to be inserted at least partially within a dental preparation (e.g., a Class II dental preparation). The thin walls allow the light emitted from the light-curing device to pass through the lens and apex without being undesirably refracted, thereby enabling light to be emitted directly in front of the apex with sufficient intensity to cure light-curable compounds within the dental preparation.

Abstract: A tissue illumination apparatus is useful in identifying caries, calculus, fractures, diseases or other defects in tissues within the oral cavity. The tissue illumination apparatus includes a light emitting device and at least one fluorescing lens. The lens may be configured to be integrally or releasably attached to the light emitting device. The tissue illumination apparatus may optionally include one or more intermediate focusing lenses. The fluorescing lens and/or any intermediate focusing lenses are made from any desired material that may be impregnated or coated with one or more fluorescing compounds and/or one or more light-absorbing dyes or pigments. The fluorescing lens converts light emitted by the light emitting device into light having a longer wavelength in order to better transilluminate oral tissues and render certain dental tissues and/or defects therein more visible to a dental practitioner.

Abstract: A light emitting system for curing light curable compositions, illuminating tissue, or other uses includes a light emitting device having an LED light source configured to emit radiant energy and one or more detachable lenses. The detachable lens may be a cone-shaped lens, a collimating lens, a diffusing lens, a spot curing lens, or a diagnostic lens. The light emitting device and a plurality of different lenses can be packaged together as a kit.

Abstract: The invention is directed to lenses having thin walls and a generally conical shape for use with dental light-curing devices. The conical or otherwise tapered shape enables the apex of the lenses to be inserted at least partially within a dental preparation (e.g., a Class II dental preparation). The thin walls allow the light emitted from the light-curing device to pass through the lens and apex without being undesirably refracted, thereby enabling light to be emitted directly in front of the apex with sufficient intensity to cure light-curable compounds within the dental preparation.

Abstract: An aspheric lens focuses light emitting from a light-emitting diode (LED) of a light-generating dental device for curing light-curable compounds during dental procedures. The LED is preferably affixed to the end of an extension arm extending away from a light-generating dental device. A transparent shield, which is removably attachable to the extension arm, protects the aspheric lens from physical contact during use. The aspheric lens, which has a flat end and an aspheric end, is held in place by the extension arm and/or the transparent shield with the flat end of the aspheric lens being held in close proximity to the LED. Light emitted from the LED enters the flat end of the lens and exists the aspheric end of the lens, which focuses the light for curing light-curable compounds during dental procedures.