Halogen Curing Unit Research Articles

Effects of curing lights on polymerization shrinkage of composite attachments in clear aligner treatment: A microcomputed tomography study

This study aimed to investigate the polymerization shrinkage of composite attachments and changes in attachment templates during bonding in clear aligner treatments. A total of 24 extracted teeth were divided into 4 groups, and plaster models were digitized. Attachment templates were produced with beveled attachments on premolars and rectangular attachments on molars. Polymerizations used a halogen curing light (800 milliwatts per square centimeter [mW/cm2] for 20 seconds) and light-emitting diode (LED) curing light in 3 modes (1000 mW/cm2 for 20 seconds, 1000 mW/cm2 for 10 seconds, and 3200 mW/cm2 for 3 seconds). The curing distance was 5 mm, and temperature changes were recorded with a thermal camera. Microcomputed tomography scanning measured volumetric and linear attachments before and after polymerization. Statistical analyses employed a 1-way analysis of variance with Bonferroni corrected Tukey post-hoc for multiple comparisons and the Kruskal-Wallis test for temperature change. Significant differences (P<0.001) were found in temperature among curing lights. The highest temperature was in the LED unit-extra mode, and the lowest was in the halogen curing unit. The LED unit for 20 seconds caused the highest temperature change. A significant difference (P= 0.048) in occlusal attachment length was found between the LED unit for 20 seconds and the LED unit-extra mode. Polymerization resulted in increased attachment template thickness across all groups, with significant changes noted in the halogen unit, LED unit for 20 seconds, and LED unit-extra mode. Temperature generated during polymerization varied between halogen and LED curing lights. Significant differences were found in attachment length at the occlusal level and template thickness postpolymerization. Preferences in attachment bonding protocols may affect the clinical precision of clear aligner treatments.

The Effect of Light Curing Units on Proliferation and Senescence of Human Dental Pulp Mesenchymal Stem Cells

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different dental light curing units on cellular senescence and proliferation rate of human dental pulp mesenchymal stem cells (hDP-MSCs). hDP-MSCs were seeded at a density of 1x104 cells/cm2 into a 96 well plate. Cells were allowed to attach for 24 h and Halogen curing unit, Light-Emitting-Diode and Plasma arc units (PAC-MOD1, PAC-MOD2, PAC-MOD3) were applied on the cells from 1.2 cm distance (8 mm air + 4 mm growth medium). Media of the wells was refreshed after irradiation and cells cultured at 37 oC in a 5% CO2 incubator for 48 h. Cell growth was determined using the WST-1 cell proliferation assay. The same samples were fixed and evaluated for cellular senescence, the irreversible growth arrest of cells, by staining for SA-β-galactosidase activity. As statistical analyses, Mann-Whitney U test was used for senescence data evaluation and One-way Anova and Tukey HSD tests were used for proliferation data evaluation. Cell proliferation rate was significantly higher under PAC-MOD3 conditions than under Halojen curing unit and PAC-MOD1( p 0.05), but senescence of hDP-MSCs exposed to PAC-MOD2 was greater than the others. When the dental light curing units are used for polymerization of adhesive systems in pulp capping, this procedure may have effects on senescence and proliferation of dental pulp stem cells.

Efficiency of dual-cured resin cement polymerization induced by high-intensity LED curing units through ceramic material.

This study aimed to evaluate the ability of high-intensity light-emitting diode (LED) and other curing units to cure dual-cured resin cement through ceramic material. A halogen curing unit (Jetlite 3000, Morita), a second-generation LED curing unit (Demi, Kerr), and two high-intensity LED curing units (PenCure 2000, Morita; Valo, Ultradent) were tested. Feldspathic ceramic plates (VITABLOCS Mark II, A3; Vita Zahnfabrik) with thicknesses of 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 mm were prepared. Dual-cured resin cement samples (Clearfil Esthetic Cement, Kuraray Noritake Dental) were irradiated directly or through one of the ceramic plates for different periods (5, 10, 15, or 20 seconds for the high-intensity LED units and 20, 40, 60, or 80 seconds for the others). The Knoop hardness test was used to determine the level of photopolymerization that had been induced in the resin cement. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and Dunnett's post-hoc test to identify test-control (maximum irradiation without a ceramic plate) differences for each curing unit (p<0.05). For all curing units, the curing conditions had a statistically significant effect on the Knoop hardness numbers (KHNs) of the irradiated cement samples (p<0.001). In general, the KHN decreased with increasing plate thickness and increased as the irradiation period was extended. Jetlite 3000 achieved control-level KHN values only when the plate thickness was 1.0 mm. At a plate thickness ≥2.0 mm, the LED units (except for PenCure 2000 at 3.0 mm) were able to achieve control-level KHN values when the irradiation time was extended. At a plate thickness of 3.0 mm, irradiation for 20 seconds with the Valo or for 80 seconds with the Demi were the only methods that produced KHN values equivalent to those produced by direct irradiation. Regardless of the type of curing unit used, indirect irradiation of dual-cured resin cement through a ceramic plate resulted in decreased KHN values compared with direct irradiation. When the irradiation period was extended, only the LED units were able to achieve similar KHN values to those observed under direct irradiation in the presence of plates ≥2.0-mm thick. High-intensity LED units require a shorter irradiation period than halogen and second-generation LED curing units to obtain KHN values similar to those observed during direct irradiation.

Effect of different light sources on degree of conversion, hardness and plasticization of a composite

Clinical performance of composite resins depends largely on their mechanical properties, and those are influenced by several factors, such as the light-curing mode. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of different light sources on degree of conversion (DC), Knoop hardness (KHN) and plasticization (P) of a composite resin. Disc-shaped specimens (5 x 2 mm) of Esthet-X (Dentsply) methacrylate-based microhybrid composite were light-cured using quartz-tungsten-halogen (QTH) Optilight Plus (Gnatus) or light-emitting diode (LED) Ultraled (Dabi Atlante) curing units at 400 and 340 mW/cm2 of irradiance, respectively. After 24 h, absorption spectra of composite were obtained using Nexus 670 (Nicolet) FT-IR spectrometer in order to calculate the DC. The KHN was measured in the HMV-2000 (Shimadzu) microhardness tester under 50 g loads for 15 s, and P was evaluated by percentage reduction of hardness after 24 h of alcohol storage. Data were subjected to t-Student test (alpha = 0.05). QTH device showed lower P and higher KHN than LED (p &lt; 0.05), and no difference between the light-curing units was found for DC (p &gt; 0.05). The halogen-curing unit with higher irradiance promoted higher KHN and lower softening in alcohol than LED.

Flexural strengths of conventional and nanofilled fiber‐reinforced composites: a three‐point bending test

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the introduction of nanofillers on the mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced composites (FRCs) for stabilization and conservative treatment of multiple traumatized anterior teeth. In particular, the aim of the research was to point out the force levels of two sizes (diameters 0.6 and 0.9mm) of both conventional and nanofilled FRCs. Eighty FRCs samples were divided into eight groups, each consisting of 10 specimens. Conventional (groups 1, 2, 3, and 4) and nanofilled (groups 5, 6, 7, and 8) FRC samples were evaluated. Each FRC was tested in two diameters (0.6 and 0.9mm) and under two deflections (1 and 2mm). Each sample was polymerized with the same halogen curing unit and then evaluated with a 3-point bending test on a universal testing machine after 48h of dry storage. Nanofilled FRCs showed significantly higher load values than conventional FRCs. Moreover, 0.9-mm-diameter FRCs showed significantly higher load value than 0.6-mm-diameter FRCs. Specimens tested at 2-mm deflection showed significantly higher load values than those tested at 1-mm deflection. Nanofilled FRCs showed significantly higher load values than conventional FRCs. Higher flexural strength values were recorded with 1-mm deflection for both FRC tested.

Phototoxic effect of blue light on the planktonic and biofilm state of anaerobic periodontal pathogens

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to compare the phototoxic effects of blue light exposure on periodontal pathogens in both planktonic and biofilm cultures.MethodsStrains of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Porphyromonas gingivalis, in planktonic or biofilm states, were exposed to visible light at wavelengths of 400.520 nm. A quartz-tungsten-halogen lamp at a power density of 500 mW/cm2 was used for the light source. Each sample was exposed to 15, 30, 60, 90, or 120 seconds of each bacterial strain in the planktonic or biofilm state. Confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM) was used to observe the distribution of live/dead bacterial cells in biofilms. After light exposure, the bacterial killing rates were calculated from colony forming unit (CFU) counts.ResultsCLSM images that were obtained from biofilms showed a mixture of dead and live bacterial cells extending to a depth of 30-45 µm. Obvious differences in the live-to-dead bacterial cell ratio were found in P. gingivalis biofilm according to light exposure time. In the planktonic state, almost all bacteria were killed with 60 seconds of light exposure to F. nucleatum (99.1%) and with 15 seconds to P. gingivalis (100%). In the biofilm state, however, only the CFU of P. gingivalis demonstrated a decreasing tendency with increasing light exposure time, and there was a lower efficacy of phototoxicity to P. gingivalis as biofilm than in the planktonic state.ConclusionsBlue light exposure using a dental halogen curing unit is effective in reducing periodontal pathogens in the planktonic state. It is recommended that an adjunctive exogenous photosensitizer be used and that pathogens be exposed to visible light for clinical antimicrobial periodontal therapy.

The photodynamic therapy on Streptococcus mutans biofilms using erythrosine and dental halogen curing unit

The purpose of our study was to evaluate the effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT), using erythrosine as a photosensitizing agent and a dental halogen curing unit as a light source, on Streptococcus mutans in a biofilm phase. The S. mutans biofilms were formed in a 24-well cell culture cluster. Test groups consisted of biofilms divided into four groups: group 1: no photosensitizer or light irradiation treatment (control group); group 2: photosensitizer treatment alone; group 3: light irradiation alone; group 4: photosensitizer treatment and light irradiation. After treatments, the numbers of colony-forming unit (CFU) were counted and samples were examined by confocal laser scanning fluorescence microscopy (CLSM). Only group 4 (combined treatment) resulted in significant increases in cell death, with rates of 75% and 55% after 8 h of incubation, and 74% and 42% at 12 h, for biofilms formed in brain–heart infusion (BHI) broth supplemented with 0% or 0.1% sucrose, respectively. Therefore, PDT of S. mutans biofilms using a combination of erythrosine and a dental halogen curing unit, both widely used in dental clinics, resulted in a significant increase in cell death. The PDT effects are decreased in biofilms that form in the presence of sucrose.

Effect of light curing modes on mechanical properties of direct and indirect composites

Objective. To evaluate the degree of conversion (DC), flexural strength (FS) and Knoop microhardness (KHN) of direct and indirect composite resins polymerized with different curing systems. Materials and methods. Specimens of direct (Z250, 3M/Espe) and indirect (Sinfony, 3M/Espe) restorative materials were made and polymerized using two light curing units: XL2500 (3M/Espe) and Visio system (3M/Espe). Absorption spectra of both composites were obtained on a FTIR spectrometer in order to calculate the DC. FS was evaluated in a universal testing machine and surface microhardness was performed in a microhardness tester (50gf/15s). DC, FS and KHN data were submitted to two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). Results. Z250 showed higher DC, FS and KHN compared with Sinfony when the polymerization was carried out with XL2500 (p < 0.05). However, there is no statistical difference in DC between the materials when Visio was used (p > 0.05). Visio showed higher DC and KHN for Z250 and Sinfony than the values obtained using XL2500 light curing (p < 0.05). For FS, no significant difference between curing units was found (p > 0.05). Conclusion. Even though the Visio system could increase DC and KHN for some direct and indirect composites, compared with the conventional halogen curing unit, a high number of monomers did not undergo conversion during the polymerization.

An in vitro evaluation of shear bond strength of silorane and bis-GMA resin-based composite using different curing units

Aim:To evaluate shear bond strength of silorane and bis-GMA based composite resins using self-etch and total-etch adhesive systems, and compare the effect of Quartz-tungten-halogen (QTH) and Light emitting diode (LED) on the shear bond strength of the experimental materials.Materials and Methods:Flat dentin surfaces were exposed on intact extracted molars and composite resin was built 2 mm in diameter. Teeth were divided randomly into four groups. Groups 1 and 2 were restored with P90 system adhesive and Filtek P90 and cured with QTH and LED units respectively. Groups 3 and 4 were restored with total etch adhesive and Filtek Z100 and cured with QTH and LED units respectively. Specimens were subjected to shear bond strength testing using Instrom Universal testing machine.Results:Data was subjected to one-way analysis of variance. Total-etch groups gave significantly higher shear bond strength values than the self-etch groups. No significant difference in shear bond strength was found between Groups 3 and 4, while Group 1 showed significantly higher values than Group 2.Conclusion:Type of light curing unit is not a significant factor affecting shear bond strength for bis-GMA RBCs using total-etch technique; while for curing silorane resin based composite (RBCs), conventional halogen curing units showed better results.

Composite resin color stability: influence of light sources and immersion media

ObjectiveThis study evaluated the influence of light sources and immersion media on the color stability of a nanofilled composite resin.Material and MethodsConventional halogen, high-power-density halogen and high-power-density light-emitting diode (LED) units were used. There were 4 immersion media: coffee, tea, Coke® and artificial saliva. A total of 180 specimens (10 mm x 2 mm) were prepared, immersed in artificial saliva for 24 h at 37±1ºC, and had their initial color measured with a spectrophotometer according to the CIELab system. Then, the specimens were immersed in the 4 media during 60 days. Data from the color change and luminosity were collected and subjected to statistical analysis by the Kruskall-Wallis test (p<0.05). For immersion time, the data were subjected to two-way ANOVA test and Fisher's test (p<0.05).ResultsHigh-power-density LED (∆E=1.91) promoted similar color stability of the composite resin to that of the tested halogen curing units (Jet Lite 4000 plus - ∆E=2.05; XL 3000 - ∆E=2.28). Coffee (∆E=8.40; ∆L=-5.21) showed the highest influence on color stability of the studied composite resin.ConclusionThere was no significant difference in color stability regardless of the light sources, and coffee was the immersion medium that promoted the highest color changes on the tested composite resin.

A comparative evaluation of the shear bond strength of five different orthodontic bonding agents polymerized using halogen and light-emitting diode curing lights: An in vitro investigation

With the introduction of photosensitive (light-activated) restorative materials in orthodontics, various methods have been suggested to enhance the polymerization of the materials used, including use of more powerful light curing devices. Bond strength is an important property and determines the amount of force delivered and the treatment duration. Many light-cured bonding materials have become popular but it is the need of the hour to determine the bonding agent that is the most efficient and has the desired bond strength. To evaluate and compare the shear bond strengths of five different orthodontic light cure bonding materials cured with traditional halogen light and low-intensity light-emitting diode (LED) light curing unit. 100 human maxillary premolar teeth, extracted for orthodontic purpose, were used to prepare the samples. 100 maxillary stainless steel bicuspid brackets of 0.018 slot of Roth prescription, manufactured by D-tech Company, were bonded to the prepared tooth surfaces of the mounted samples using five different orthodontic bracket bonding light-cured materials, namely, Enlight, Fuji Ortho LC (resin-modified glass ionomer cement), Orthobond LC, Relybond, and Transbond XT. The bond strength was tested on an Instron Universal testing machine (model no. 5582). In Group 1 (halogen group), Enlight showed the highest shear bond strength (16.4 MPa) and Fuji Ortho LC showed the least bond strength (6.59 MPa) (P value 0.000). In Group 2 (LED group), Transbond showed the highest mean shear bond strength (14.6 MPa) and Orthobond LC showed the least mean shear bond strength (6.27 MPa) (P value 0.000). There was no statistically significant difference in the shear bond strength values of all samples cured using either halogen (mean 11.49 MPa) or LED (mean 11.20 MPa), as the P value was 0.713. Polymerization with both halogen and LED resulted in shear bond strength values which were above the clinically acceptable range given by Reynolds. The LED light curing units produced comparable shear bond strength to that of halogen curing units.

Flexural strength and modulus of elasticity of four dental composites polymerized with light emitting diode (LED) and halogen light

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the flexural strength (FS) and modulus of elasticity (ME) of three microhybrid resins (Filtek Z250; Charisma; P60) and one submicrohybrid resin (Concept) using LED or halogen light polymerization. Twenty specimens (25x2x2 mm) per tested material were prepared and polymerized using a halogen or LED curing unit and stored in distilled water. FS and ME tests were performed on an Instron universal testing machine (0.75mm/min). ANOVA and multiple comparisons (SNK) showed that the two polymerization systems resulted in no significant differences (p&gt;0.05) in the FS of Charisma and Filtek Z250. The two curing systems also produced similar results in the ME of Charisma, Concept and Filtek Z250. Significant differences were found in FS and ME, with the halogen curing light system showing better results than the LED system. The LED LCU systems did not exhibit a superior performance in our investigation of any of the composite resins, in terms of flexural strength and modulus of elasticity.

Bi-axial flexural strength of dual-polymerizing agents cemented to human dentin after photo-activation with different light-curing systems.

This study aimed to assess the bi-axial flexural strength of two dual-polymerizing resin luting agents cemented to human dentin when photo-activated with different light-curing units. Two dual-cured resin cements: choice (CH) and Variolink II (VL) were tested. Hybrid composite resin (Z-250) discs (12×1.5mm) were fabricated. Three types of light-curing units were used halogen-curing unit (QTH), light-emitting diode (LED) and plasma arc (PAC). Sixty dentin discs of 0.5mm thickness were prepared from extracted human teeth. A circular mold (2.5mm in height and 12mm diameter) was utilized to create supporting structure for dentin, resin cement complex. The resin luting cement (0.5mm) was placed on the previously prepared dentin discs and covered with the prefabricated composite discs. Photo-activation of cements was performed for 40s with QTH and LED units and for 3s with PAC. The specimens were divided into 12 groups (20 specimens for each light source). Six groups were kept in distilled water for 24h and the rest were stored for 6weeks. Bi-axial flexural strength was determined using Instron machine. The data was analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey test for comparison. The findings indicated that the bi-axial flexural strength values for both cements CH and VL were higher for 24h over 6weeks but not statistically significant when cured with QTH. Meanwhile, when LED light was used for photo-activation the cements, the flexural strength values reported were statistically higher of 24h over 6weeks storage at P=0.4(E-6) However, PAC light did not record any statistically significant difference between two duration for the CH cement although when used for polymerization of VL the reported value for 6weeks were statistically significantly higher value than 24h duration at P=0.002. When high immediate flexural strength is preferred in clinical situation photo-activation the cements with LED reported the greatest value.

Flowability of composites is no guarantee for contraction stress reduction

Objectives The purpose of this study was to measure the contraction stress development of three flowable resin-composite materials (Grandio Flow, VOCO GmbH, Cuxhaven, Germany; Tetric Flow, Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein; Filtek Supreme XT Flowable Restorative, 3 M ESPE, ST. Paul, MN, USA) and an universal micro-hybrid composite resin (Filtek Z250, 3 M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA) during photopolymerization with a halogen curing light, using a novel stress-measuring gauge. Methods Curing shrinkage stress was measured using a stress-analyzer. Composites were polymerized with a halogen curing unit (VIP, Bisco Inc., Schaumburg, IL, USA) for 40 s. The contraction force (N) generated during polymerization was continuously recorded for 180 s after photo-initiation. Contraction stress (MPa) was calculated at 20 s, 40 s, 60 s, 120 s and 180 s. Data were statistically analyzed. Results Filtek Supreme XT Flowable Restorative exhibited the highest stress values compared to other materials ( p < 0.05), while the lowest values were recorded with Tetric Flow ( p < 0.05). Tetric Flow was also the only flowable composite showing stress values lower than the conventional composite Filtek Z250 ( p < 0.05). Significance Flowable composites investigated with this experimental setup showed shrinkage stress comparable to conventional resin restorative materials, thus supporting the hypothesis that the use of flowable materials do not lead to marked stress reduction and the risk of debonding at the adhesive interface as a result of polymerization contraction is similar for both type of materials.

Force levels of fiber-reinforced composites and orthodontic stainless steel wires: A 3-point bending test

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the force levels of 2 sizes (diameters, 0.6 and 1.2 mm) of fiber-reinforced composites (FRCs) (Ever Stick; Stick Teck Ltd, Turku, Finland) compared with orthodontic stainless steel wires (sections, 0.016, 0.018, 0.017 x 0.025, and 0.019 x 0.026 in) under the same testing conditions. The samples were divided into 12 groups, each consisting of 10 specimens. Each sample was evaluated with a 3-point bending test on a universal testing machine. The FRC groups were light-cured by hand with a halogen curing unit (Optilux 501; SDS Kerr, Danbury, Conn) for 40 seconds. Groups 1 through 6 were tested at 1-mm deflection, and groups 7 through 12 at 2-mm deflection. The results of ANOVA indicated significant differences among the various groups (P = .000). The post-hoc test showed that the 2-mm deflection groups had significantly higher load values than the 1-mm deflection groups (P = .000). The highest force levels were recorded with the 1.2-mm FRCs, followed by the 0.019 x 0.026-in stainless steel wires. No significant differences were found between the 0.6-mm FRCs and the 0.017 x 0.025-in wires. The lowest load values were reported with the 0.016-in stainless steel wires. The 1.2-mm FRCs showed higher load values than the other stainless steel wires and the FRCs, whereas no significant difference was found between the 0.6-mm FRCs and the 0.017 x 0.025-in stainless steel wires. Thus, FRCs can be considered a viable esthetic alternative to full-size stainless steel wires to rigidly join dental segments to form anchorage units or units for active tooth movement.

Flexural strengths of fiber-reinforced composites polymerized with conventional light-curing and additional postcuring

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of hand light-curing (Optilux 501; SDS Kerr, Danbury, Conn) and secondary oven polymerization (Liculite; Dentsply, Dreieich, Germany) on the mechanical properties of 2 sizes (diameters, 0.6 and 1.2 mm) of fiber-reinforced composites (FRCs) (Ever Stick; Stick Tech, Turku, Finland). The FRC samples were divided into 8 groups. Each group consisted of 10 specimens. Each FRC sample was evaluated with a 3-point bending test with a universal testing machine. Groups 1, 3, 5, and 7 were hand light-cured with a halogen curing unit for 40 seconds. Groups 2, 4, 6, and 8 were light-cured with the same curing unit for 40 seconds, followed by polymerization for 15 minutes in a light-curing oven. Groups 1 through 4 were tested at 1-mm deflection, and groups 5 through 8 at 2-mm deflection. The results of ANOVA indicated significant differences among the various groups (P = .000). The post-hoc test showed that the 2-mm deflection groups had significantly higher flexural strengths than the 1-mm deflection groups (P = .000). Moreover, the 1.2-mm FRCs showed significantly higher flexural strength than the 0.6-mm FRCs (P = .000). No significant differences (P >.05) were found between the hand light-cured and the oven-polymerized groups. This investigation demonstrated that oven postcuring does not increase the flexural strength values of 0.6- and 1.2-mm FRCs compared with conventional hand light-curing. Thus, hand light-curing of FRCs is recommended directly in the mouth for orthodontic purposes.

Assessment of polymerization contraction stress of three composite resins

Objectives The purpose of this study was to measure the development of contraction stress of three composite resin restorative materials during photo-polymerization: a micro-hybrid composite (Filtek Z250, 3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA); a nano-filled composite (Filtek Supreme, 3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA); and a low-shrinkage composite (Ælite LS, Bisco Inc., Schaumburg, IL, USA). Methods Curing shrinkage stress was measured using a stress-analyzer. Composites were polymerized with a halogen-curing unit (VIP, Bisco Inc., Schaumburg, IL, USA) for 40 s. The contraction force (N) generated during polymerization was continuously recorded for 150 s after photo-initiation. Contraction stress (MPa) was calculated at 20, 40, 60 and 150 s. Data were statistically analyzed. Results The low-shrinkage composite Ælite LS exhibited the lowest stress values compared to other materials ( p < 0.05). Statistical analysis did not show significant differences between Filtek Z250 and Filtek Supreme. Significance The low-shrinkage composite showed lower contraction stress than micro-hybrid and nano-filled composite. Ideally, non-shrinking resins would represent the ultimate solution to overcome polymerization contraction and stress-related problems.

Effects of Light-Emitting Diode and Halogen Light Curing Techniques on Ceramic Brackets Bonded to Porcelain Surfaces

The objectives of this study were to test the efficiency of LED curing devices in bonding ceramic brackets to porcelain surfaces and to compare the effects of LED and halogen curing techniques on shear bond strength of ceramic brackets. A total of 20 glazed porcelain facets were randomly divided into two groups of 10. Porcelain surfaces were etched with 9.6% hydrofluoric acid for 2 minutes, and silane was applied on the etched porcelain surface. Ceramic brackets were bonded with an LC composite resin cured with soft start mode LED and a halogen light. Bond strengths, as determined in the shear mode, were higher in the LED group (P < .001). LED curing units with the soft start polymerization mode were more effective than halogen curing units in bonding ceramic brackets on porcelain surfaces. The type of curing light must be considered as an important factor affecting bond strength of ceramic brackets on porcelain surfaces.

Influence of thickness on the degree of cure of composite resin core material

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of thickness on the degree of cure of dual-cured composite core. 2, 4, 6, 8 mm thickness Luxacore Dual and Luxacore Self (DMG Inc, Hamburg, Germany) core composites were cured by bulk or incremental filling with halogen curing unit or self-cure mode The specimens were stored at for 24 hours and the Knoop's hardness of top and bottom surfaces were measured. The statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and Tukey's test at p = 0.05 significance level. In self cure mode, polymerization is not affected by the thickness. In Luxacore dual, polymerization of the bottom surface was effective in 2, 4 and 6 (incremental) mm specimens. However the 6 (bulk) and 8 (bulk, incremental) mm filling groups showed lower bottom/top hardness ratio (p

Microhardness of resin-based materials polymerized with LED and halogen curing units

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the microhardness of resin-based materials polymerized with a LED (light-emitting diode) light-curing unit (LCU) and a halogen LCU. Twenty cylindrical specimens (3.0 mm in diameter and 2.0 mm high) were prepared for each tested material (Z100, Definite and Dyract). Specimens were light-cured with two LCUs (Ultraled and Curing Light 2500) for either 40 or 60 s on their top surfaces. Hardness was measured on top and bottom surfaces of each specimen. Statistical analysis was done by ANOVA and Tukey's test (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in hardness between LED LCU and halogen LCU for Z100 and Dyract on top surface. Conversely, lower hardness was recorded when Definite was light-cured with the LED LCU than with the halogen lamp. On bottom surface, hardness was significantly lower for all materials light-cured with LED LCU. Z100 was harder than Dyract and Definite regardless of the light curing unit. There was no significant difference in hardness between the exposure times on top surface. Higher hardness was obtained when the materials were light-cured for 60 s on bottom surface. The tested LED was not able to produce the same microhardness of resin-based materials as the halogen LCU.