| abstract |
Compositions, method and systems for bleaching tooth surfaces in an accelerated manner. The dental bleaching compositions include a bleaching agent and a stable radiant energy absorbing material that acts as a bleaching agent activator. The dental bleaching compositions of the present invention can be stable one-part compositions that do not require mixing at the time of treating a person's teeth but which remain stable over time. The dental bleaching composition is applied to the labial surface of teeth that are to be bleached. A source of radiant energy is directed onto the treated tooth surfaces to accelerate bleaching activity. The radiant energy source includes a dental light guide having an arcuate light directing member that is positioned in close proximity to the treated teeth. The light directing member has one or more light-emitting panels communicating with a radiant energy generating source that efficiently direct radiant energy onto the treated tooth surfaces. The dental light guide can irradiate all treated teeth of one or both dental arches simultaneously while in a fixed position relative to the one or both dental arches. The inventive dental compositions may also be activated using, e.g., conventional curing lights and lasers. |