Conventional Quartz Tungsten Halogen Research Articles

Effect of Light-Sources and Thicknesses of Composite Onlays on Micro-Hardness of Luting Composites.

The aim of this study was to compare three different light-curing-units (LCUs) and determine their effectiveness in the adhesive cementation of indirect composite restorations when a light-curing resin cement is used. Two resin composites were selected: Enamel Plus HRI (Micerium) and AURA (SDI). Three thicknesses (3 mm, 4 mm and 5 mm) were produced and applied as overlays and underlays for each resin composite. A standardized composite layer was placed between underlay and overlay surfaces. Light curing of the resin-based luting composites was attained through the overlay filters using LCUs for different exposure times. All specimens were allocated to experimental groups according to the overlay thickness, curing unit and curing time. Vickers Hardness (VH) notches were carried out on each specimen. Data were statistically evaluated. The curing unit, curing time and overlay thickness were significant factors capable of influencing VH values. The results showed significantly decreased VH values with increasing specimen thickness (p < 0.05). Significant differences in VH values were found amongst the LCUs for the various exposure times (p < 0.05). According to the results, a time of cure shorter than 80 s (with a conventional quartz–tungsten–halogen LCU) or shorter than 40 s (with a high-power light-emitting diode (LED) LCU) is not recommended. The only subgroup achieving clinically acceptable VH values after a short 20 s curing time included the 3 mm-thick overlays made out of the AURA composite, when the high-power LED LCU unit was used (VH 51.0). Composite thickness has an intense effect on polymerization. In clinical practice, light-cured resin cements may result in insufficient polymerization for high thickness and inadequate times. High-intensity curing lights can attain the sufficient polymerization of resin cements through overlays in a significantly shorter time than conventional halogen light.

The effect of curing time by conventional quartz tungsten halogens and new light-emitting diodes light curing units on degree of conversion and microhardness of a nanohybrid resin composite.

Background:Little is known about the relationship between the minimal light-curing time required for proper polymerization on various quartz–tungsten–halogen (QTH) and light-emitting diode (LED) light-curing units that have different light intensities.Aim:To evaluate the effects of curing time by QTH and LED light-curing units on the degree of conversion (DoC) and surface microhardness of a nanohybrid resin composite.Setting and Design:Experimental design.Materials and Methods:One hundred and twenty cylindrical specimens (4.0 mm in diameter, 2.0 mm thick) of shade A2 resin composite were prepared and polymerized with either QTHs or LEDs for 20 and 40 s. The DoC and the top and bottom surface microhardness were recorded.Statistical Analysis Used:Two-way analysis of variance, Tukey's test, and the t-test (α = 0.05) were used.Results:Surface microhardness and DoC values were affected by light intensity and curing time (P < 0.05). In terms of microhardness and DoC, LED groups gave significantly more values than QTH groups (P < 0.05).Conclusion:Curing time affected surface microhardness and DoC values of a nanohybrid resin composite in both conventional QTH and new LED light-curing units.

A Comparison of Properties of Restorative Composite Resins Cured withQuartz Tungsten Halogen (QTH) and Light Emitting Diode (LED) LightCuring Units: An Invitro Study

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to compare the different properties of restorative composite resin cured for specific period of time with conventional quartz tungsten halogen and light emitting diode light curing units. Material and methods: Sixty specimens of standard dimensions (4mm in diameter and 8mm in length) were made from transparent polyester sheets. The specimens were divided into three groups and each specimen was filled with light cure composite resin (Esthet X, Dentsply) and cured with QTH and LED light curing units for 40 seconds. The comparative evaluation of compressive strength, surface hardness and depth of cure were done with Instron machine, Vickers hardness testing machine and standardized scrapping methods described in the ISO standard for resin based composite, ISO 4049: 2000, respectively. Results: Statistical analysis of the data demonstrated a significant difference (p 0.05) in the surface hardness at the illuminated surface of the composite resin cured with QTH and LED light curing units. Conclusion: Careful selection of the light emitting diode light curing units having intensity equal or greater than conventional quartz tungsten halogen light curing units is very important to achieve desirable results, keeping in mind the certain advantages of LED as compared to QTH for the polymerization of composite resin

Effect of Energy Density on Low-Shrinkage Composite Resins: Diode-Pumped Solid State Laser Versus Quartz-Tungsten-Halogen Light-Curing Unit

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of energy density on the polymerization of low-shrinkage composite resins. The number of photons needs to initiate the polymerization process can be controlled by light intensity and curing time through the form of energy density. For the study, two methacrylate-based (Premise [PR] and Venus Diamond [VE]) and one silorane-based (Filtek LS [LS]) composite resins were light cured using a quartz-tungsten-halogen (QTH) light-curing unit (LCU) and a 473 nm diode-pumped solid state (DPSS) laser. Degree of conversion (DC), microhardness, refractive index, and polymerization shrinkage were evaluated under different energy densities. Through the study, the feasibility of DPSS laser as a light source was tested as well. LS showed the highest DC and refractive index both on the top and bottom surfaces, and the least polymerization shrinkage among the tested specimens. For the same or similar energy density, QTH and DPSS showed insignificant DC difference (p>0.05). On the other hand, for microhardness, except for one case at the bottom surface, QTH and DPSS showed significant difference (p<0.001). DPSS generated slightly lower polymerization shrinkage than that by QTH. DC, microhardness, refractive index, and polymerization shrinkage were linearly correlated with energy density. In most cases, there was a strong linear correlation among DC, mirohardness, and refractive index. The DPSS laser of 473 nm could polymerize low-shrinkage composite resins to the level that was achieved by the conventional QTH unit.

Degree of conversion of three fissure sealants cured by different light curing units using micro-Raman spectroscopy

Background/purposeMonomer to polymer conversion is important for optimal mechanical properties and resistance to biodegradation of resin-based materials. Incomplete conversion of fissure sealants may account for lower retention and fracture resistance as well as elution of leachable components. The objective of this study was to determine the degree of conversion (DC) of three fissure sealants cured using a conventional quartz-tungsten halogen (QTH) or a high power light-emitting diode (LED) light-curing unit using micro-Raman spectroscopy. Materials and methodsDelton Opaque and Helioseal Opaque and Helioseal Clear were applied to 60 noncarious permanent molars and cured with the QTH or the LED. Micro-Raman spectra were obtained from the top and the bottom surface of each sample. Three-way analysis of variance (α=0.05) was used for data analysis. ResultsTop surface DC values were significantly higher than bottom surface in each material irrespective of the light-curing unit (P<0.05). LED produced significantly higher DC values than the QTH with all three materials (P<0.05). Helioseal Opaque showed significantly lower DC values than Helioseal Clear (P<0.05). DC values for Delton and Helioseal Clear were comparable (P>0.05). ConclusionHigher DC is achieved with the LED with less exposure time compared with the conventional QTH at top and bottom surfaces of the three fissure sealants, although a lower conversion may be expected in opaque materials.

Comparative evaluation of marginal adaptation between nanocomposites and microhybrid composites exposed to two light cure units

Recent advances in resin adhesives and restorative materials, as well as an increased demand for esthetics, have lead to the introduction of newer resin-based composites like nanocomposites and light-curing units like light emitting diodes (LEDs). The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of conventional quartz tungsten halogen (QTH) curing unit and blue LED on marginal adaptation of microhybrid composite (Filtek Z250) and nanocomposite (Filtek Z350) resins. Eighty Class V cavities were prepared on, extracted human premolars and were divided into four groups of 20 each. The four groups were designed according to the restorative resin and light cure unit used microhybrid/QTH, nanocomposites/QTH, microhybrid/LED and nanocomposites/LED. After thermocycling and immersion in 2% Basic Fuschin dye solution, the teeth were sectioned and dye penetration was observed under a stereomicroscope at 20X magnification. All the samples were scored and results were analyzed using the "Kruskal Wallis and Mann Whitney tests" with "Wilcoxone correction." The results revealed least microleakage in microhybrid composites exposed to QTH and maximum in nanocomposites exposed to LED. Microhybrid composites exhibited lesser microleakage than nanocomposite resins.

Influence of light curing and sample thickness on microhardness of a composite resin

Influence of light curing and sample thickness on microhardness of a composite resin Flávio HB Aguiar1, Kelly RM Andrade1, Débora AN Leite Lima1, Gláucia MB Ambrosano2, José R Lovadino11Department of Restorative Dentistry; 2Department of Social Dentistry/Statistics, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas, SP, BrazilAbstract: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the influence of light-curing units and different sample thicknesses on the microhardness of a composite resin. Composite resin specimens were randomly prepared and assigned to nine experimental groups (n = 5): considering three light-curing units (conventional quartz tungsten halogen [QTH]: 550 mW/cm2 – 20 s; high irradiance QTH: 1160 mW/cm2 – 10 s; and light-emitting diode [LED]: 360 mW/cm2 – 40 s) and three sample thicknesses (0.5 mm, 1 mm, and 2 mm). All samples were polymerized with the light tip 8 mm away from the specimen. Knoop microhardness was then measured on the top and bottom surfaces of each sample. The top surfaces, with some exceptions, were almost similar; however, in relation to the bottom surfaces, statistical differences were found between curing units and thicknesses. In all experimental groups, the 0.5-mm-thick increments showed microhardness values statistically higher than those observed for 1- and -2-mm increments. The conventional and LED units showed higher hardness mean values and were statistically different from the high irradiance unit. In all experimental groups, microhardness mean values obtained for the top surface were higher than those observed for the bottom surface. In conclusion, higher levels of irradiance or thinner increments would help improve hybrid composite resin polymerization.Keywords: photo-polymerization, light-curing distance, light-curing units, composite resin, composite thickness, microhardness

Influence of light curing and sample thickness on microhardness of a composite resin

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the influence of light-curing units and different sample thicknesses on the microhardness of a composite resin. Composite resin specimens were randomly prepared and assigned to nine experimental groups (n = 5): considering three light-curing units (conventional quartz tungsten halogen [QTH]: 550 mW/cm(2) - 20 s; high irradiance QTH: 1160 mW/cm(2) - 10 s; and light-emitting diode [LED]: 360 mW/cm(2) - 40 s) and three sample thicknesses (0.5 mm, 1 mm, and 2 mm). All samples were polymerized with the light tip 8 mm away from the specimen. Knoop microhardness was then measured on the top and bottom surfaces of each sample. The top surfaces, with some exceptions, were almost similar; however, in relation to the bottom surfaces, statistical differences were found between curing units and thicknesses. In all experimental groups, the 0.5-mm-thick increments showed microhardness values statistically higher than those observed for 1- and -2-mm increments. The conventional and LED units showed higher hardness mean values and were statistically different from the high irradiance unit. In all experimental groups, microhardness mean values obtained for the top surface were higher than those observed for the bottom surface. In conclusion, higher levels of irradiance or thinner increments would help improve hybrid composite resin polymerization.

Effect of Light‐Curing Method and Cement Activation Mode on Resin Cement Knoop Hardness

To evaluate the Knoop hardness (KHN) of the resin cement Enforce activated by chemical/physical mode or physical mode solely; light-cured directly or through a 1.5 mm thick ceramic disc (HeraCeram) on shade DD2. Light-curing was carried out using a conventional quartz tungsten halogen light (QTH) (XL2500) for 40 seconds at 700 mW/cm(2); light-emitting diodes (LED) (Ultrablue Is) for 40 seconds at 440 mW/cm(2); and Xenon plasma arc (PAC) (Apollo 95E) for 3 seconds at 1600 mW/cm(2). Bovine incisors had their buccal faces flattened and hybridized. A mold was seated on these surfaces and filled with cement. A disc of the acid-etched and silanized veneering material was seated over this set for light-curing. After dry storage (24 hours at 37 degrees C), specimens (n= 10) were sectioned for KHN measurements performed in a microhardness tester (50 gf load for 15 seconds). Data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey's test (alpha= 0.05). The highest KHN values were obtained with LED, for both dual-cured and light-cured cement. The lowest KHN value was obtained with light-cured PAC. Light-curing with QTH resulted in hardness values similar to PAC in dual-cured groups. Light-curing through HeraCeram can influence resin cement hardness.

In vitro microleakage of a fissure sealant polymerized by either a quartz tungsten halogen curing light or a plasma arc curing light

The benefits of using plasma arc curing lights with their shorter curing times in the management of children are potentially great, provided there are no adverse effects. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the microleakage of a resin-based sealant is influenced by polymerization with either a conventional quartz tungsten halogen or a plasma arc curing light. This study took the form of an in vitro randomized control trial. Seventy extracted human first and second permanent premolars and molars were randomly allocated into two groups. Their occlusal surfaces were sealed with a light-cured fissure sealant using either a quartz tungsten halogen curing light or a plasma arc curing light. The teeth were then sectioned, resulting in four surfaces per tooth, which were examined for microleakage under x 15 magnification with a light microscope. The principal unit of analysis was the tooth (worst section score) and not the section microleakage score. No statistical significant difference in microleakage scoring between the two groups was demonstrated. This study found no difference in the degree of microleakage of fissure sealants polymerized by either light source.

Effect of light curing type on cytotoxicity of dentine‐bonding agents

To compare the cytotoxic effects of dentine-bonding agents (DBAs) polymerized with two different curing units at 24 h and 72 h on L-929 cells. Disc-shaped test samples of light-activated DBAs were prepared according to manufacturers' instructions and cured with either conventional quartz tungsten halogen or light-emitting diode light curing units (LCUs). After curing, the samples were transferred into a culture medium for 24 h. Eluates were obtained and pipetted onto L-929 mouse fibroblast cultures (3 x 10(4) cells per well), incubated for evaluation after 24 and 72 h. After both incubation periods, measurements were performed by an dimethylthiazol diphenyltetrazolium assay. The degree of cytotoxicity for each sample was determined according to the reference value represented by the cells with a control (culture without sample). Statistical significance was determined by a three-way analysis of variance followed by the Mann-Whitney U-test. No significant three-factor interaction occurred amongst LCUs, DBAs and time factors (P = 0.955). LCUs and DBAs had a significant two-factor interaction (P < 0.001). In general, the test materials cured with the light-emitting diode LCU demonstrated higher cell survival rates when compared with the those cured with the quartz tungsten halogen. Differential toxic effects of the DBAs cured with the quartz tungsten halogen or the light-emitting diode on the fibroblast cells may prove to be very important when suitable DBAs or LCUs are used for operative restorations.

The Knoop Hardness of a Composite Resin Polymerized with Different Curing Lights and Different Modes

The purpose of this study was to compare the surface hardness of a hybrid composite resin polymerized with different curing lights. Two 3.0 mm thick composite resin discs were polymerized in a prepared natural tooth mold using: (1) a conventional quartz-tungsten halogen light (QTH- Spectrum 800); (2) a high-intensity halogen light, Elipar Trilight (TL)-standard/exponential mode; (3) a high-intensity halogen light, Elipar Highlight (HL)-standard/soft-start mode; (4) a light-emitting diode, Elipar Freelight (LED); and (5) a plasma-arc curing light, Virtuoso (PAC). Exposure times were 40 seconds for the halogen and LED lights, and three and five seconds for the PAC light. Following polymerization, the Knoop hardness was measured at the bottom and the top surfaces of the discs. Significant differences were found between top and bottom Knoop Hardness number (KHN) values for all lights. The hardness of the top and bottom surfaces of both specimens cured by the PAC light was significantly lower than the other lights. No significant hardness differences were observed between the remaining curing units at the top of the 2.0 mm specimens. Significant differences were found between the LED and two modes of HL on the bottom surfaces. For the 3.0 mm thick samples, while significant differences were noted between LED and TL standard mode and between the two TL curing modes on the top, significant differences were only observed between QTH and the standard modes of TL and HL at the bottom.

Knoop hardness of dental resin cements: Effect of veneering material and light curing methods

This study evaluated the Knoop hardness of one resin cement (dual-cure mode or light-cure mode) when illuminated directly or through restorative materials—ceramic (HeraCeram) or composite (Artglass)—by two light curing units. Light curing was carried out using a conventional quartz tungsten halogen (QTH) light source (XL2500) for 40 s, and a light emitting diodes (LED) light source (Ultrablue Is) for 40 s. Bovine incisors had their buccal faces flattened and hybridised. On these surfaces, a mould was seated and filled with cement. A disc of the veneering material (1.5 mm thickness) was positioned over this set for light curing. After storage (24 h/37 °C), samples ( n = 10 ) were sectioned for hardness (KHN) measurements. Data were submitted to ANOVA and to Tukey's test ( α = 0.05 ). In general, light curing with LED resulted in higher hardness values than QTH. Distinct cement behaviour was observed with different veneering material in association with different light curing units (LCUs).

The degree of conversion of fiber-reinforced composites polymerized using different light-curing sources

Fiber-reinforced composites (FRC) with different polymer matrix compositions are available on the market. The aim of this study was to compare the degree of monomer conversion of FRC that contained either dimethacrylate resin matrix or semi-IPN resin matrix. In addition, the effect of different types of light-curing units and durations of light irradiation on the degree of conversion was evaluated. Continuous unidirectional fibers impregnated with dimethacrylate or semi-IPN resin were compared. As control materials, a particulate filler composite resin and an unfilled resin were used. The materials were photopolymerized using various irradiation times and different types of light-curing units (quartz-tungsten-halogen with standard or turbo tip, light-emitting diode and plasma-arc). Degree of monomer conversion (DC%) was determined by FT-IR spectrometry. The infrared spectra were recorded at seven different time points after polymerization. ANOVA showed significant differences between the materials tested, and the curing units (P<0.05). The DC% of semi-IPN and dimethacrylate matrix FRC was not statistically different (P>0.05) compared to that of unfilled resin. Conventional quartz-tungsten halogen with turbo tip showed the highest DC% (69-72.3%), whereas the plasma-arc curing unit showed the lowest degree of conversion (47-62%). Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that semi-IPN matrix of FRC did not show a difference in the degree of conversion compared to dimethacrylate resin FRC when quartz-tungsten or a light-emitting diode polymerization unit was used. The plasma-arc light-curing unit showed a lower degree of conversion with all materials compared to the light-emitting diode and quartz-tungsten-halogen lamps.

Depth of cure and surface microhardness of composite resin cured with blue LED curing lights

Objectives. This study examined the depth of cure and surface microhardness of Filtek Z250 composite resin (3M-Espe) (shades B1, A3, and C4) when cured with three commercially available light emitting diode (LED) curing lights [E-light (GC), Elipar Freelight (3M-ESPE), 475H (RF Lab Systems)], compared with a high intensity quartz tungsten halogen (HQTH) light (Kerr Demetron Optilux 501) and a conventional quartz tungsten halogen (QTH) lamp (Sirona S1 dental unit). Methods. The effects of light source and resin shade were evaluated as independent variables. Depth of cure after 40 s of exposure was determined using the ISO 4049:2000 method, and Vickers hardness determined at 1.0 mm intervals. Results. HQTH and QTH lamps gave the greatest depth of cure. The three LED lights showed similar performances across all parameters, and each unit exceeded the ISO standard for depth of cure except GC ELight for shade B1. In terms of shade, LED lights gave greater curing depths with A3 shade, while QTH and HQTH lights gave greater curing depths with C4 shade. Hardness at the resin surface was not significantly different between LED and conventional curing lights, however, below the surface, hardness reduced more rapidly for the LED lights, especially at depths beyond 3 mm. Significance. Since the performance of the three LED lights meets the ISO standard for depth of cure, these systems appear suitable for routine clinical application for resin curing.

Performance of two blue light-emitting-diode dental light curing units with distance and irradiation-time

Objectives. To assess the performance of two blue light-emitting-diode (LED) curing units, in terms of their spectral output and irradiance and the depth of cure ( d cure) produced in standard hybrid and modified composites, compared with a conventional quartz tungsten halogen (QTH) light curing unit. Methods. The following light curing units (LCUs) were studied: Elipar-Freelight-1 LED (LED-1) 3 M-ESPE, Ultralume-2 LED (LED-2) Optident, and the Optilux-500 QTH (QTH-1) Sybron-Kerr. For each LCU, using a UV–visible spectrophotometer, the output spectrum was measured and the irradiance of emitted light as a function of source–detector distance. Three composites were studied of similar formulation but differing in their initiator concentrations and/or opacity. These were: Tetric Ceram (A3), Tetric Ceram HB containing an additional photoinitiator responding to ∼435 nm (A3) and Tetric Ceram Bleach (L). d cure was measured using a calibrated digital needle-penetrometer, as a function of source–specimen distance and for irradiance periods of 10, 20 and 40 s. Results. Each unit delivered a single peak in the blue region of the visible spectrum. The wavelength maxima for LED-1, LED-2 and QTH-1 were 486.4, 458.2 and 495.2 nm, respectively. Cure-depth ( d cure) values varied significantly ( p<0.001) with irradiance times and source–specimen distance for both LED and QTH sources. The percentage reduction in d cure values resulting from LED versus QTH irradiance increased with source–specimen distance. Significance. The LED–LCUs had an energy-efficient spectral output for conventional composite curing but had a lower irradiance compared with the QTH-LCU, leading to reduced performance in depths of cure. Design improvements to provide greater irradiance from the LED-1 and to a lesser extent LED-2, should result in increased performance.

Irradiance effects on the mechanical properties of universal hybrid and flowable hybrid resin composites

Objectives. A potential problem with high-intensity lights might be failure of polymer chains to grow and cross-link in a desired fashion, thereby affecting the structure and properties of the polymers formed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate mechanical properties of resin composites polymerized using four different light-curing units. Methods. A conventional quartz–tungsten–halogen (QTH) light, a soft-start light, an argon-ion laser, and a plasma-arc curing light were used to polymerize disk-shaped (9.0 mm diameter×1.0 mm high) and cylinder-shaped (4 mm diameter×8 mm high) specimens of a universal hybrid and a flowable hybrid composite. Biaxial flexure strength, fracture toughness, hardness, compressive strength, and diametral tensile strength were determined for each composite. Results. The use of the plasma-arc curing light, a high-intensity light, resulted in significantly lower hardness for the universal hybrid composite compared with the hardness obtained using the conventional QTH and the soft-start units. Hardness was the only mechanical property that was adversely affected by the use of a high-intensity light. Significance. High-intensity lights might affect some resin composite mechanical properties, but this effect cannot be generalized to all resin composites and all properties.

The amounts and speed of polymerization shrinkage and microhardness in LED cured composites

# This study evaluated the effectiveness of the light emitting diode(LED) units for composite curing. To compare its effectiveness with conventional quartz tungsten halogen (QTH) light curing unit, the micro- hardness of 2mm composite, Z250, which had been light cured by the LEDs (Ultralume LED2, FreeLight, Developing product D1) or QTH (XL 3000) were compared on the upper and lower surface. One way ANO- VA with Tukey and Paired t-test was used at 95% levels of confidence. In addition, the amount of linear polymerization shrinkage was compared between composites which were light cured by QTH or LEDs using a custom-made linometer in 10s and 60s of light curing, and the amount of linear polymerization shrinkage was compared by one way ANOVA with Tukey . The amount of polymerization shrinkage at 10s was XL3000 > Ultralume 2, 40, 60> FreeLight, D1 (P Ultralume 2, 60> Ultralume 2,40> FreeLight, D1 (P<0.05) The microhardness on the upper and lower surface was as follows; XL 3000 ABSTRACT

The effect of irradiation wavelength bandwidth and spot size on the scraping depth and temperature rise in composite exposed to an argon laser or a conventional quartz–tungsten–halogen source

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the spectral distribution of the curing irradiation near the maximum excitation wavelength of the photo-initiator and the effect of the irradiation spot size on the scraping depth-of-cure and temperature rise in a resin composite for both an argon laser and a quartz–tungsten–halogen lamp. Methods: Using bandpass filters, the spectral outputs of an argon laser and a quartz–tungsten–halogen lamp were restricted to pass selected wavelengths on to a commercial camphorquinone-based resin composite and the depth-of-cure, using scraping methods, was measured. The temperature rise in composite was measured for some of the above-mentioned sources. The spot sizes for both sources were varied and the scraping depth was measured. Lateral curing or the extent of curing away from the focused spot was also measured. Results: For constant power density and exposure time, an irradiation spectral distribution closer to the photo-initiator excitation peak yielded a higher scraping depth than a broadband spectral distribution for both sources. Under similar conditions, the argon laser resulted in a lower temperature rise in the composite than the lamp. For the same total energy imparted to the resin composite, the scraping depth increased with reducing spot size of the curing irradiation. Furthermore lateral curing of the composite well beyond the irradiation spot size was observed. Significance: The spectral and spatial characteristics of the curing irradiation need to be carefully considered as these affect the scraping depth-of-cure and temperature rise in a resin composite.

Comparison of linear polymerization shrinkage in composites and compomer polymerized by plasma arc or conventional visible light curing

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of plasma arc curing (PAC) unit for composite and compomer curing. To compare its effectiveness with conventional quartz tungsten halogen (QTH) light curing unit, the polymerization shrinkage rates and amounts of three composites (Z100, Z250, Synergy Duo Shade) and one compomer, that had been light cured by PAC unit or QTH unit, was compared using a custome made linometer. The measurement of polymerization shrinkage was performed after polymerization with either QTH unit or PAC unit. In case of curing with the PAC unit, the composite was light cured with Apollo 95E for 6s, the power density of which was recorded as 1350 mW/cm 2 by Coltolux Light Meter. For light curing with QTH unit, the composite was light cured for 30s with the XL2500, the power density of which was recorded as 800 mW/cm2 by Coltolux Light Meter. The amount of linear polymerization shrinkage was recorded in the computer every 0.5s for 60s. Ten measurements were made for each material. The amount of linear polymerization shrinkage for each material in 10s and 60s which were cured with PAC or QTH unit were compared with t test. The amount of polymerization shrinkage in the tested materials were compared with 1way ANOVA with Duncan’ s multiple range test. As for the amounts of polymerization shrinkage in 60s, there was no difference between PAC unit and QTH unit in Z250 and Synergy Duo Shade. In Z100 and Dyract AP, it was lower when it was cured with PAC unit than when it was cured with QTH unit (p<0.05). As for the amounts of polymerization shrinkage in 10s, there was no difference between PAC unit and QTH unit in Z100 and Dyract AP. The amounts of polymerization shrinkage was significantly higher when it was cured with PAC unit in Z250 and Synergy Duo Shade (p<0.05). The amounts of polymerization shrinkage in the tested materials when they were cured with QTH unit were Z250 (6.6um) < Z100 (9.3um), Dyract AP (9.7um) < Synergy Duo Shade (11.2um) (p<0.05). The amount of polymerization shrinkage when the materials were cured with PAC unit were Dyract AP (5.6um) < Z100 (8.1um), Z250(7.0um)<Synergy Duo Shade (11.2um) (p<0.05).