Dental Light Guide

Abstract

The present invention is a device that attaches to a light source to transmit and distribute light energy to the surface or internal chamber of a tooth for the purpose of photo-initiation of light curing resins and dental tooth whitening. More particularly, the invention may be used with a single or multiple Light Emitting Diode(s) to more efficiently collect and transmit the light energy emitted by the LED(s) resulting in increased total energy, uniform illumination, and collimation of the light energy delivered to the tooth.

1 . A light guide comprising an entrance area, a lens, at least one reflector, a light pipe and an exit area. 
   
   
       2 . The light guide of  claim 1 , wherein the light guide is further comprised of injection molded acrylic, plastic or glass. 
   
   
       3 . A multi-piece light guide comprising an entrance area, at least one reflector, and lens all functionally attached to an image conduit by a metal sleeve. 
   
   
       4 . The multi-piece light guide of  claim 3 , wherein the entrance area, at least one reflector and lens are molded in a single glass part. 
   
   
       5 . An apparatus comprising a light source and a light guide for transmitting light from said light source, said light guide comprising an entrance area, a lens, at least one reflector, a light pipe and an exit area. 
   
   
       6 . The light-curing apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the light source is LED, tungsten, halogen, metal halide, or xenon. 
   
   
       7 . The light curing apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the light source is a multiple LED emitter. 
   
   
       8 . A light guide substantially similar to the light guide depicted in  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 7 ,  FIG. 8  or  FIG. 9 . 
   
   
       9 . An apparatus comprising a light source and the light guide of  claim 8 , wherein the light source is LED, tungsten, halogen, metal halide, or xenon. 
   
   
       10 . An apparatus comprising a light source and the light guide of  claim 8 , wherein the light source is LED. 
   
   
       11 . An apparatus comprising a light source and the light guide of  claim 8 , wherein the light source is multiple LED emitter.