LED Light-curing Unit Research Articles

Controlling In Vivo, Human Pulp Temperature Rise Caused by LED Curing Light Exposure.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vivo effectiveness of air spray to reduce pulp temperature rise during exposure of intact premolars to light emitted by a high-power LED light-curing unit (LCU). After local Ethics Committee approval (#255945), intact, upper first premolars requiring extraction for orthodontic reasons from five volunteers received infiltrative and intraligamental anesthesia. The teeth (n=9) were isolated using rubber dam, and a minute pulp exposure was attained. The sterile probe from a wireless, NIST-traceable, temperature acquisition system was inserted directly into the coronal pulp chamber. Real-time pulp temperature (PT) (°C) was continuously monitored, while the buccal surface was exposed to a polywave LED LCU (Bluephase 20i, Ivoclar Vivadent) for 30 seconds with simultaneous application of a lingually directed air spray (30s-H/AIR) or without (30s-H), with a seven-minute span between each exposure. Peak PT values were subjected to one-way, repeated-measures analysis of variance, and PT change from baseline (ΔT) during exposure was subjected to paired Student's t-test (α=0.05). Peak PT values of the 30s-H group were significantly higher than those of 30s-H/AIR group and those from baseline temperature (p<0.001), whereas peak PT values in the 30s-H/AIR group were significantly lower than the baseline temperature (p=0.003). The 30s-H/AIR group showed significantly lower ΔT values than did the 30s-H group (p<0.001). Applying air flow simultaneously with LED exposure prevents in vivo pulp temperature rise.

Evaluation of Different Light-Curing Units—Light-Emitting Diodes and Quartz–Tungsten–Halogen-Based Light-Curing Units in Polymerization of Posterior Composite: An In Vitro Study

Abstract Objective To assess the adequacy of various light-curing units to polymerize the posterior composite resin. Materials and Methods Specimens were prepared by placing a single increment of posterior composite resin in split cylindrical metallic mold of dimension (6.0 mm in diameter and 5 mm in depth). Polymerization was done by utilizing one quartz-tungsten-halogen and three light-emitting diode light-curing units of different powers. The specimens of composite resin were then mounted on metallic molds utilizing autopolymerizing acrylic resin. After polishing, the complete setting of composite resin material was analyzed using Vickers hardness test. Results Showed in each group, hardness reduced as we moved from upper to lower surface of composite resin. Furthermore, hardness increased as intensity of light was increased. The maximum hardness was detected when light-emitting diode light-curing unit having intensity of 1,250 mW/cm2 was utilized and least hardness was detected when halogen lamp having intensity 418 mW/cm2 was utilized and results were found to be highly significant (p &lt; 0.01). Conclusion It was concluded that increased top and bottom hardness can be accomplished by utilizing the light-curing unit of high intensity.

Use of Artificial Neural Network in Determination of Shade, Light Curing Unit, and Composite Parameters' Effect on Bottom/Top Vickers Hardness Ratio of Composites.

Objective To assess the influence of light emitting diode (LED) and quartz tungsten halogen (QTH) light curing unit (LCU) on the bottom/top (B/T) Vickers Hardness Number (VHN) ratio of different composites with different shades and determination of the most significant effect on B/T VHN ratio of composites by shade, light curing unit, and composite parameters using artificial neural network. Method Three composite resin materials [Clearfil Majesty Esthetic (CME), Tetric N Ceram (TNC), and Tetric Evo Ceram (TEC)] in different shades (HO, A2, B2, Bleach L, Bleach M) were used. The composites were polymerized with three different LED LCUs (Elipar S10, Bluephase 20i, Valo) and halogen LCU (Hilux). Vickers hardness measurements were made at a load of 100 g for 10 sec on the top and bottom surfaces and B/T VHN ratio calculated. The data were statistically analyzed with three-way ANOVA and Tukey test at a significance level of 0.05. The obtained measurements and data were then fed to a neural network to establish the correlation between the inputs and outputs. Results There were no significant differences between the B/T VHN ratio of LCUs for the HO and B shades of CME (p>0.05), but there were significant differences between the B/T VHN ratio of LCUs for shade A2 (p<0.05). No significant difference was determined between the B/T VHN ratio of LCUs for all shades of TNC (p>0.05). For TEC, there was no significant difference between the B/T VHN ratio of halogen and LED LCUs (p>0.05), but a significant difference was determined among the LED LCUs (p<0.05). The artificial neural network results showed that a combination of the curing light and composite parameter had the most significant effect on the B/T VHN ratio of composites. Shade has the lowest effect on the B/T VHN ratio of composites. Conclusion The B/T VHN ratio values of different resin-based composite materials may vary depending on the light curing device. In addition, the artificial neural network results showed that the LCU and composite parameter had the most significant effect on the B/T VHN ratio of the composites. Shade has the lowest effect on the B/T VHN ratio of composites.

The effect of dental LED light‐curing unit photoactivation mode on 3D surface morphology of dental nanocomposites evaluated by two‐dimensional multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of two photoactivation modes of dental LED light-curing unit (LCUs) (conventional and "Soft Start" mode) on surface texture parameters of two dental resin-based nanocomposites. LED LCUs were considered as standard light-curing devices in contemporary dental practice. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was applied to investigate surface morphology on 90 × 90 μm2 scanning area through 2D multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis with computational algorithms basis. In order to compare 3D surface roughness at nanometer scale, singularity spectrum f[α] was used which characterize local scale properties of multifractal nature of samples. The results confirmed that larger spectrum width Δα (Δα = αmax - αmin ) of f(α) is associated with non-uniform surface morphology. Moreover, materials whose polymerization was photoactivated by the "soft start" polymerization mode, showed better quality of the surface microstructure with lower values of AFM surface texture parameters.

Irradiance and Radiant Exposures Delivered by LED Light-Curing Units Used by a Left and Right-Handed Operator.

The combination of the restoration location, the hand preference of the operator using the light-curing unit (LCU), and the design of the LCU all can have an impact on the amount of the light delivered to the restoration. To evaluate the effect of left-handed or right-handed users, the position of the operator (dentist or assistant), and the LCU design on the irradiance, radiant exposure and emission spectrum delivered to the same posterior tooth. Two light emitting diode (LED) LCUs were tested: an angulated monowave LCU Radii-Cal (SDI, Victoria, Australia) and a straight aligned multi-peak LCU Valo Cordless (Ultradent, South Jordan, UT, USA). The irradiance values (mW/cm2), radiant exposure (J/cm2) and emission spectrum were measured using a sensor in maxillary left second molar tooth. The irradiance and radiant exposure were analyzed using three-way ANOVA followed by Tukey test (a=0.05). The emission spectra (nm) were analyzed descriptively. The interaction between LCU design, operator position, and hand preference significantly influenced the irradiance and radiant exposure (P<0.001). In all cases, Valo delivered significantly higher irradiance than Radii-Cal. The handedness and the operator position affected the irradiance and radiant exposure delivered from Valo. Operator position and access affect the irradiance and radiant exposure delivered to the maxillary left second molar. The irradiance and radiant exposure can be greater when a right-hand operator is positioned on the right side of the chair and a left-hand operator is positioned on the left side of the chair. This may result in better resin composite polymerization.

Influence of Class V preparation on in vivo temperature rise in anesthetized human pulp during exposure to a Polywave® LED light curing unit

ObjectiveThis in vivo study evaluated pulp temperature (PT) rise in human premolars having deep Class V preparations during exposure to a light curing unit (LCU) using selected exposure modes (EMs). MethodsAfter local Ethics Committee approval, intact first premolars (n=8) requiring extraction for orthodontic reasons, from 8 volunteers, received infiltrative and intraligamental anesthesia and were isolated using rubber dam. A minute pulp exposure was attained and sterile probe from a wireless, NIST-traceable, temperature acquisition system was inserted into the coronal pulp chamber to continuously monitor PT (°C). A deep buccal Class V preparation was prepared using a high speed diamond bur under air-water spray cooling. The surface was exposed to a Polywave® LED LCU (Bluephase 20i, Ivoclar Vivadent) using selected EMs, allowing 7-min span between each exposure: 10-s in low (10-s/L), 10-s (10-s/H), 30-s (30-s/H), or 60-s (60-s/H) in high mode; and 5-s-Turbo (5-s/T). Peak PT values and PT increases over physiologic baseline levels (ΔT) were subjected to 1-way, repeated measures ANOVAs, and Bonferroni’s post-hoc tests (α=0.05). Linear regression analysis was performed to establish the relationship between applied radiant exposure and ΔT. ResultsAll EMs produced higher peak PT than the baseline temperature (p<0.001). Only 60-s/H mode generated an average ΔT of 5.5°C (p<0.001). A significant, positive relationship was noted between applied radiant exposure and ΔT (r2=0.8962; p<0.001). SignificanceIn vivo exposure of deep Class V preparation to Polywave® LED LCU increases PT to values considered safe for the pulp, for most EMs. Only the longest evaluated EM caused higher PT increase than the critical ΔT, thought to be associated with pulpal necrosis.

Effect of Sonic Resin Composite Delivery on Void Formation Assessed by Micro-computed Tomography.

The aim of this study was to quantify the internal void volume formation in commercially available, resin composites inserted using conventional or sonic insertion methods, and analyzed using three-dimensional (3D) micro-computed tomography (μCT). Four resin composites were evaluated: one conventional (Herculite, Ultra, Kerr Corporation, Orange, CA, USA), one flowable bulk fill (SureFil SDR Flow, Dentsply International, York, PA, USA), and two packable bulk fill (SonicFill, Kerr Corporation, and Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill, Ivoclar Vivadent Inc, Schaan, Liechtenstein). Eight groups were evaluated according to each resin composite type and insertion method (conventional or sonic; n=5). Forty ABS 3D-printed cylindrical molds, 5.0 mm in diameter and 4.0 mm in depth, were fabricated. For the conventional resin composite, the mold was filled incrementally (two layers), while for bulk-fill resin composites, insertion was performed in a single increment. The sonic insertion method was performed using a specific handpiece (SonicFill Handpiece, Kerr Corporation). Resin composites were light cured using a multipeak light-emitting diode light-curing unit (VALO, Ultradent Products Inc, South Jordan, UT, USA) in its regular mode. Samples were evaluated by μCT, and data were imported into software (Amira, version 5.5.2, VSG, Burlington, MA, USA) for 3D reconstruction, from which the percentage of void volume was calculated. Data were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance and Tukey post hoc test at a preset alpha of 0.05. The conventional insertion method resulted in reduced porosity, compared with sonic insertion, for SureFil SDR Flow and Tetric EvoCeram bulk fill. The sonic insertion method did not demonstrate any influence on void formation for Herculite Ultra or SonicFill. Results suggest that the sonic insertion method might increase void formation during resin composite delivery, depending on restorative material brand.

Evaluation of light-curing units used in dental clinics at a University in Malaysia

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of all light-curing units (LCUs) used in dental clinics of a university in Malaysia. Materials and Methods: Light intensity output (LIO) of each LCU was first determined using a light radiometer. A total of 88 LCUs were used in this study which were divided into three groups based on their LIO as follows: Group 1 (G1) ≥1000 mW/cm2, Group 2 (G2) 701–999 mW/cm2, and Group 3 (G3) ≤700 mW/cm2. Prepared composite resin specimens were then cured using these LCUs and were subjected to compressive strength test. Kruskal–Wallis test was used to compare the compressive strength of composite resin specimens cured by the three LCU groups. Independent t-test was used to compare LIO between corded and cordless light-emitting diode (LED) LCUs. The level of significance was set at P ≤ 0.05. Results: About 77.27% of LCUs had LIO ≥1000 mW/cm2 (G1), 14.77% had LIO ranging from 701 to 999 mW/cm2 (G2), and 7.95% ≤700 mW/cm2 (G3). There was no significant difference in the compressive strengths of composites cured by G1 and G2 (P > 0.05). However, compressive strength of composites cured by G1 was significantly higher than that of G3 (P < 0.05). Furthermore, compressive strengths of composite cured by G2 were also significantly higher than that of G3 (P < 0.05). The LIO of cordless LED LCU was significantly higher than that of the corded ones (P < 0.05). Conclusion: LCU with LIO above 700 mW/cm2 outperformed those with LIO < 700 mW/cm2. Cordless LED LCU demonstrated better performance than corded ones.

Effects of blue diode laser (445 nm) and LED (430–480 nm) radiant heat treatments on dental glass ionomer restoratives

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of two radiant heat treatments on water sorption, solubility and surface roughness of three conventional glass ionomer cements by using a blue diode laser (445nm) and a light emitting diode (LED) unit (430–480nm). Thirty disk-shaped specimens were prepared for each tested GIC (Equia Fil, Ketac Universal Aplicap and Riva Self Cure). The experimental groups (n=10) of the study were as follows: Group 1 was the control group, in Group 2 the specimens were irradiated for 60s at the top surface using a LED light-curing unit and in Group 3 the specimens were irradiated for 60s at the top surface using a blue light diode laser. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests at a level of significance of a=0.05. Radiant heat treatments with both laser and LED devices significantly decreased water sorption and solubility (p<0.05) of most of the tested GICs. Blue diode laser treatment was seemed to be more effective compared to LED treatment for some of the tested materials. There were no changes in surface roughness of the GICs after the treatments (p>0.05). Among the tested materials there were differences in water sorption and solubility (p<0.05) but not in surface roughness (p>0.05). The use of the blue diode laser for this radiant heat treatment was harmless for the surface of the tested GICs and may be advantageous for the longevity of their restorations.

Effect of shade, opacity and layer thickness on light transmission through a nano-hybrid dental composite during curing.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of shade and opacity on the change in light transmission through different thicknesses of a nano-hybrid composite during curing. Twelve different shades of Venus Diamond (Heraeus Kulzer) were placed in disk shaped molds with thickness of 1, 2, and 3 mm (n = 3 per group) and cured with an LED light-curing unit. Initial, final and average irradiance, and the total amount of energy passing through the specimen were measured using the MARC Resin Calibrator at every 10s for a total of 40s. The translucency parameter and the contrast ratio were obtained using a chromameter. Results were analyzed with ANOVA/Tukey's test (α = 0.05). All shades and all thicknesses (up to 3 mm) experienced an increase in light transmittance during curing. The majority of the increase occurred during the initial 10s exposure, with significant increase occurring from subsequent exposures only in thicker specimens (i.e., 3 mm). The increase in irradiance at the bottom during curing was dependent on shade, with darker shades and greater depths of material showing less increase. For one specific resin composite formulation, an increase in translucency occurs as cure progresses, and the increase is enhanced for composites with greater lightness and lower contrast ratio. Composites demonstrate increased light transmittance as curing progress, which may improve depth of cure. The thicker composite showed the least increase in light transmission within the same shade. The increase in translucency is enhanced for composites with great lightness and lower contrast ratio.

Battery Charge Affects the Stability of Light Intensity from Light-emitting Diode Light-curing Units.

This study investigated the influence of battery charge levels on the stability of light-emitting diode (LED) curing-light intensity by measuring the intensity from fully charged through fully discharged batteries. The microhardness of resin composites polymerized by the light-curing units at various battery charge levels was measured. The light intensities of seven fully charged battery LED light-curing units-1) LY-A180, 2) Bluephase, 3) Woodpecker, 4) Demi Plus, 5) Saab II, 6) Elipar S10, and 7) MiniLED-were measured with a radiometer (Kerr) after every 10 uses (20 seconds per use) until the battery was discharged. Ten 2-mm-thick cylindrical specimens of A3 shade nanofilled resin composite (PREMISE, Kerr) were prepared per LED light-curing unit group. Each specimen was irradiated by the fully charged light-curing unit for 20 seconds. The LED light-curing units were then used until the battery charge fell to 50%. Specimens were prepared again as described above. This was repeated again when the light-curing units' battery charge fell to 25% and when the light intensity had decreased to 400 mW/cm2. The top/bottom surface Knoop hardness ratios of the specimens were determined. The microhardness data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance with Tukey test at a significance level of 0.05. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to determine significant correlations between surface hardness and light intensity. We found that the light intensities of the Bluephase, Demi Plus, and Elipar S10 units were stable. The intensity of the MiniLED unit decreased slightly; however, it remained above 400 mW/cm2. In contrast, the intensities of the LY-A180, Woodpecker, and Saab II units decreased below 400 mW/cm2. There was also a significant decrease in the surface microhardnesses of the resin composite specimens treated with MiniLED, LY-A180, Woodpecker, and Saab II. In conclusion, the light intensity of several LED light-curing units decreased as the battery was discharged, with a coincident reduction in the units' ability to polymerize resin composite. Therefore, the intensity of an LED light-curing unit should be evaluated during the life of its battery charge to ensure that sufficient light intensity is being generated.

Effect of radiant heat on conventional glass ionomer cements during setting by using a blue light diode laser system (445nm).

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of radiant heat on surface hardness of three conventional glass ionomer cements (GICs) by using a blue diode laser system (445nm) and a light-emitting diode (LED) unit. Additionally, the safety of the laser treatment was evaluated. Thirty disk-shaped specimens were prepared of each tested GIC (Equia Fil, Ketac Universal Aplicap and Riva Self Cure). The experimental groups (n = 10) of the study were as follows: group 1 was the control group of the study; in group 2, the specimens were irradiated for 60s at the top surface using a LED light-curing unit; and in group 3, the specimens were irradiated for 60s at the top surface using a blue light diode laser system (445nm). Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc tests at a level of significance of a = 0.05. Radiant heat treatments, with both laser and LED devices, increased surface hardness (p < 0.05) but in different extent. Blue diode laser treatment was seemed to be more effective compared to LED treatment. There were no alterations in surface morphology or chemical composition after laser treatment. The tested radiant heat treatment with a blue diode laser may be advantageous for the longevity of GIC restorations. The safety of the use of blue diode laser for this application was confirmed.

Bonding to Different PEEK Compositions: The Impact of Dental Light Curing Units.

This study investigated the impact of different light curing units (LCUs) for the polymerization of adhesive system visio.link (VL) on the tensile bond strength (TBS) of different PEEK compositions. For TBS measurements, 216 PEEK specimens with varying amounts of TiO2 (PEEK/0%, PEEK/20%, PEEK/>30%) were embedded, polished, air abraded (Al2O3, 50 µm, 0.4 MPa), conditioned using VL, and polymerized using either a halogen LCU (HAL-LCU) or a LED LCU (LED-LCU) for chairside or labside application, respectively. After thermocycling (5000×, 5/55 °C), TBS was measured, and fracture types were determined. Data was analyzed using a 2-way ANOVA followed by Tukey–HSD, Kruskal–Wallis H and Mann–Whitney U tests as well as a Chi2-test and a Ciba–Geigy table (p < 0.05). Globally, the light curing units, followed by PEEK composition, was shown to have the highest impact on TBS. The HAL-LCUs, compared to the LED-LCUs, resulted in a higher TBS for all PEEK compositions—without significant differences between chairside and labside units. Regarding the different PEEK compositions, PEEK/20%, compared to PEEK/0%, resulted in a higher TBS when both, HAL-LCUs or LED-LCUs were used for labside application. In comparison with PEEK/>30%, PEEK/20% resulted in a higher TBS after using HAL-LCU for labside application. No significant differences were found between PEEK/0% and PEEK/>30%. HAL-LCU with PEEK/20% for labside application showed a higher TBS than HAL-LCU with PEEK/20% for chairside application, whereas LED-LCU with PEEK/>30% for chairside application showed a higher TBS than LED-LCU with PEEK/>30% for labside application.

Factors affecting marginal integrity of class II bulk-fill composite resin restorations.

Background. Bulk-fill composite resins are a new type of resin-based composite resins, claimed to have the capacity to be placed in thick layers, up to 4 mm. This study was carried out to evaluate factors affecting gap formation in Cl II cavities restored using the bulk-fill technique. Methods. A total of 60 third molars were used in this study. Two Cl II cavities were prepared in each tooth, one on the mesial aspect 1 mm coronal to the CEJ and one on the distal aspect 1 mm apical to the CEJ. The teeth were divided into 4 groups: A: The cavities were restored using the bulk-fill technique with Filtek P90 composite resin and its adhesive system and light-cured with quartz tungsten halogen (QTH) light-curing unit. B: The cavities were restored similar to that in group A but light-cured with an LED light-curing unit. C: The cavities were restored using the bulk-fill technique with X-tra Fil composite resin and Clearfil SE Bond adhesive system and light-cured with a QTH curing unit. D: The cavities were restored similar to that in group C but light-cured with an LED light-curing unit. The gaps were examined under a stereomicroscope at ×60. Data were analyzed with General Linear Model test. In cases of statistical significance (P<0.05), post hoc Bonferroni test was used for further analyses. Results. The light-curing unit type had no effect on gap formation. However, the results were significant in relation to the composite resin type and margin location (P<0.001). The cumulative effects of light-curing unit*gingival margin and light-curing unit*composite resin type were not significant; however, the cumulative effect of composite rein type*gingival margin was significant (P=0.04) Conclusion. X-tra Fil composite exhibited smaller gaps compared with Filtek P90 composite with both light-curing units. Both composite resins exhibited smaller gaps at enamel margins.

Evaluation of Surface Microhardness and Abrasion Resistance of Two Dental Glass Ionomer Cement Materials after Radiant Heat Treatment

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a radiant heat treatment using a dental LED unit on the surface microhardness and abrasion resistance after toothbrushing simulation of two conventional GIC materials. Two conventional GIC materials were studied in this investigation: Ketac Fil Plus Aplicap and IonoStar Molar. Twenty disk-shaped specimens (n=10) were prepared of each GIC (7 mm × 2 mm) using cylindrical Teflon molds. Group 1 specimens were left in the mold to set without any treatment, while in Group 2 after placement in the mold the specimens were irradiated for 60 sec at the top surface using a LED light-curing unit. Toothbrushing simulation was carried out using a commercial electric toothbrush which was fixed in a constructed device that allowed the heads of the brushes to be aligned parallel to the surface of the specimens and to control the pressure, with the following parameters: load of the toothbrush standardized at 250 g, medium hardness toothbrush head, and rotation sense changing every 30 sec. The toothbrush abrasion test mechanism, based on a 1.25-Hz frequency for 10,000 cycles, was equivalent to 800 days (~2 years) of brushing. Surface hardness, surface roughness, and surface loss after abrasive procedure were evaluated using Vickers method and Vertical Scanning Interferometry. Data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test (a=0.05). The radiant heat treatment increased the surface microhardness and decreased surface roughness and surface loss after abrasive procedures of both the tested GIC materials but to different extent. Between the tested GIC materials there were significant differences in their tested properties (p&lt;0.05).

Influence of different wavelengths peaks in LED units on the degree of conversion of orthodontic composites

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the influence of adding a second wavelength peak (400 nm) to a light-emitting diode (LED) unit on the degree of conversion (DC) of two commercial orthodontic composites, as well as comparing the DC of those two composites. MethodsTransbond XT and Opal Bond MV were the composites used for the tests, cured either with second- or third-generation LED units adjusted to produce the same power density on a given time. Analysis of DC was performed by using the Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy in four groups of 5 specimens each divided according to the composites and LED curing units being used. The results, which were normally distributed, were analyzed using a two-way ANOVA test. ResultsThe composites showed very similar degrees of conversion when light-cured with second-generation (74.3%) and third-generation (73.2%) LED light-curing units. The Opal Bond MV composite had a higher degree of conversion (81.9%) than the Transbond XT composite (65.7%). No interaction was found (P = 0.56) between the composites and the LED curing units, regardless of their wavelength, on the degree of conversion. ConclusionThere was no influence of either a second- or third-generation LED curing unit on orthodontic composites.

Guidelines for the selection, use, and maintenance of LED light-curing units - Part II.

This paper is the second in a two-part series on the topic of LED light-curing units (LCUs). This part discusses LCU selection, cross infection and decontamination, maintenance, the blue-light hazard, and some possible future developments for LCUs. The article focusses on the practical aspects of the subject from the clinician's perspective. Scientific aspects are dealt with in the cited literature.

Guidelines for the selection, use, and maintenance of LED light-curing units - Part 1.

Light curing is a critical step in the restorative process when using light-activated resin-based composites, but it is frequently not given the attention it deserves. The selection of a reliable light curing unit (LCU) that meets the practitioner's needs is an important equipment purchase. Using an inappropriate LCU may seriously compromise the quality of care without the practitioner realising their mistake until years later. The importance of the subject is reflected by the rapidly increasing use of light-cured composites and the decline in the use of amalgam. Many changes have occurred in the equipment and materials available for making light-cured restorations in the last twenty years. This article is part of a two-part series that will describe those changes and recommend guidelines for the selection, use, and maintenance of light emitting diode light-curing units (LED LCUs). This paper (Part 1) discusses terminology, clinical studies, the development of LCUs in dentistry, the aims of light-curing, and the need to deliver an adequate amount of energy. The interaction between light source and material is briefly described to demonstrate the complex nature of the resin photopolymerisation process.

Ability of four dental radiometers to measure the light output from nine curing lights

ObjectivesTo evaluate the accuracy of four dental radiometers when measuring the output from nine light curing units (LCUs). MethodsThe light output from nine light-emitting diode LCUs was measured with a laboratory-grade power meter (PowerMax-Pro 150 HD) and four dental radiometers (Bluephase Meter II, SDI LED Radiometer, Kerr LED Radiometer, and LEDEX CM4000). Ten measurements were made of each LCU with each radiometer. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey tests (α=0.05) were used to determine if there was a difference between the calculated irradiance values from the power meter and those from the radiometers. Where applicable, the LCUs were ranked according to their power and irradiance values. The emission spectra from the LCUs was measured using an integrating sphere attached to a fiber-optic spectrometer (N=10). The beam profile of the LCUs was measured with a beam profiler camera. ResultsOf the dental radiometers, only the Bluephase Meter II could measure power. ANOVA showed no significant difference between power values measured with the laboratory-grade meter and the Bluephase Meter II (p=0.527). The difference between the mean irradiance reported by the various radiometers for the same LCU was up to 479mW/cm2. The ranking of the power values obtained using the laboratory-grade meter was the same for the Bluephase Meter II. ConclusionWhen compared to the calculated irradiance values from the laboratory-grade power meter, the Bluephase Meter II provided the most accurate data. Clinical significanceConsidering the great variation between the irradiance values provided by radiometers and their overall inaccuracy when compared to a laboratory-grade meter, dentists should not place too much faith in the absolute irradiance value. However, hand-held radiometers can be used to monitor changes in the light output of LCUs over time.

Comparison of Surface Hardness of Various Shades of Twinky Star Colored Compomer Light-cured with QTH and LED Units.

IntroductionColored compomers are a group of restorative materials that were introduced in 2002 to repair primary teeth, and they provide attractive color and ease of use in pediatric dentistry. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of QTH and LED light-curing units on the surface hardness of different colors of Twinky Star compomers.MethodsIn this experimental study, a composite resin (Z250, 3M, and USA), an ionosit compomer (DMG, Germany) with A3 shade and 8 different Twinky Star colored compomer (Voco, Germany) samples were used. In all, 100 samples were prepared with 10 samples in each group, i.e., 10 Z250 composite resin, 10 ionosit compomers, and 10 Twinky Star compomer samples of each color. The samples were prepared in a 4×4-mm Teflon mold. Half of the samples were light-cured with QTH and the other half with LED units. Then, the surface microhardness was measured by Vickers hardness test. The data were analyzed with IBM-SPSS version 22, using the t-test and ANOVA.ResultsTwo-way ANOVA showed that the mean surface hardness of the compomer samples cured with the QTH unit was significantly higher than that cured with the LED unit (p < 0.001). In each curing unit, surface hardness of some materials exhibited significant differences with the highest hardness being observed in the Z250 composite resin (650.35 ± 56.320) and the lowest hardness being detected in the ionosit compomers (461.10 ± 96.170). One-way ANOVA also showed that, among the different colors of the Twinky Star compomer, the lowest hardness with both units (QTH and LED) was observed in the gold color (214.32 ± 22.026 and 175.116 ± 15.918, respectively).ConclusionThe colored compomer and the type of light-curing unit affected the microhardnesses of the surfaces. Different colors of Twinky Star compomers exhibited different surface microhardnesses.