Abstract
Objectives/Aims:This study aimed to improve effectiveness of red protective shields in filtering unwanted light using window films.Materials and Methods:Red protective shields were modified by placing V-Kool (VK), Scotchtint (ST) or Hüper Optik (HP) window films on both sides. Percentage transmittance (%T) of light with a wavelength of 190–990 nm was determined using a double-beam ultraviolet (UV) and visible spectrophotometer.Results:In UV light (190–390 nm) and visible light (430–590 nm) ranges, %T in all modified groups and the control was below 2.5%. An increase in %T was observed at the wavelength of 630 nm, when all the modified shields showed superior effectiveness in light filtration over the control. In the infrared spectrum (700–990 nm), %T in the control was constantly high, ranging from 86 to 91%, compared to %T of 2–38% in all the modified groups, with the application of VK on both sides being the most effective group, followed by a combination of VK and HP.Conclusion:This study has introduced an economical and simple, yet highly effective, means of enhancing the efficiency of a red plastic protection shield in filtering unwanted infrared light, thereby additionally providing protection for dental personnel from potential ocular damages.
Highlights
Nowadays, the light curing unit is an essential equipment in the dental clinic
In contrast to the unmodified red plastic protective shields, which allowed up to 91% of infrared light to transmit through them, the modifications with window films were able to significantly reduce the transmittance of infrared light by 77–98% when compared to the unmodified shields
Most studies on ocular damages caused by light generated by light curing units have focused on UV light[20] and visible light,[7] since these wavelength spectra are known for their causative relationship with retinal injuries.[21,22]
Summary
The light curing unit is an essential equipment in the dental clinic. It is available in many types, with the quartz– tungsten–halogen light curing unit being the most commonly used type in the dental office This instrument employs a tungsten halogen lamp to generate radiation with wavelengths between. These wavelengths include ultraviolet (UV), visible light and infrared spectra, with an emission peak between 970 and 980 nm.[1] The radiation with wavelengths of less than 380 nm and more than 520 nm is undesired and thereby purged,[2,3] leaving a broad spectral range of light emission for the use in the curing process of a composite resin.[4] Light at a wavelength of 468 nm is the most effective in activating composite resins[5] as well as other light-sensitive dental materials, such as bonding agents, glass ionomer cements and sealants.[6]
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