LED Light-curing Unit Research Articles

Methacrylate- and silorane-based composite restorations: Hardness, depth of cure and interfacial gap formation as a function of the energy dose

Objectives To investigate the influence of the energy dose on the hardness, polymerization depth, and internal adaptation of silorane and methacrylate-based posterior composites in Class II restorations with different bonding approaches. Materials and methods Class II preparations were made on the mesial and distal surfaces of extracted third molars and randomly distributed into 6 groups ( n = 20), according to the restorative systems [methacrylate-based composite: Filtek P60 + Adper Single Bond 2 (etch-and-rinse adhesive) – P60/SB; Filtek P60 + Adper Easy One (self-etching adhesive) – P60/EO; silorane-based composite: Filtek P90 + P90 System Adhesive – P90 (self-etching adhesive)] and the energy dose (20 and 40 J/cm 2). Resin composites were applied in two increments, individually photoactivated using an LED light-curing unit. After 24 h, all restorations were mesio-distally sectioned. Hardness was evaluated along the transversal section of the fillings (1–4 mm below the restoration surface) using a load of 50 g for 5 s. In order to evaluate the internal gap formation, specimens were air dried and 1% acid red propylene glycol solution was applied to the internal margins for 20 s. Specimens were then water rinsed, air dried, and digitally image recorded. The internal gap (%) was calculated as the ratio between the stained margins and the total length of the internal margin. Kruskal–Wallis test was conducted to evaluate internal gap formation, and three-way ANOVA and Tukey's test were performed to evaluate hardness/polymerization depth ( α = 0.05). Results Regarding the internal gap formation, a significant difference was observed among all groups (P60/EO < P90 < P60/SB), regardless of the energy dose. For 40 J/cm 2, a significant increase in gap formation was seen for P60/EO and P90 when compared to 20 J/cm 2. The KHN of both resin composites was not affected by the depth of evaluation, but the influence of the material was significant (P60 > P90; p < 0.05). The highest energy dose (40 J/cm 2) produced significant increase in the KHN only for Filtek P90 ( p < 0.05). Significance Although a higher energy dose produces a slight increase in hardness for the silorane based composite, it also increases the internal gap formation. Dose of 20 J/cm 2 seems to be more suitable as it provides reduced internal gaps and satisfactory hardness. In addition, gap formation seems to be a consequence of an underperformed bonding approach rather than the differences in the resin-composite formulation.

Spectral Characteristics of Light-curing Units and Dental Adhesives

Most manufacturers do not provide details about the photoinitiators contained in dental adhesives. Therefore, it is difficult to choose an optimal combination of dental adhesive and light-curing unit. The purpose of this study was therefore to investigate the spectral emission characteristics of several commercially available light-curing units and the spectral transmittance characteristics of contemporary dental adhesives. Spectral distributions of emitted lights were determined on a UV-vis-NIR spectrometer for three quartz-tungsten-halogen (QTH) light-curing units (Jetlite 3000, J. Morita; New Light VL-2, GC; D-Lux 2000, Dentrade) and three light-emitting diode (LED) light-curing units (Curenos, Shofu; G-Light Prima, GC; Bluephase, Ivoclar Vivadent). Spectral distributions of light transmittance in contemporary dental adhesives (Scotchbond Multi-Purpose, 3M ESPE; Adper Single Bond, 3M ESPE; One-Step, Bisco; AQ Bond Plus, Sun Medical; OptiBond All-in-One, Kerr; Clearfil S3 Bond, Kuraray Medical; G-Bond, GC; Tokuyama Bond Force, Tokuyama Dental; GBA 300 experimental, GC) were also determined. Each of the three QTH light-curing units had a wide emission range of 380-510 nm. A narrower emission range was observed in the LED light-curing units than in the QTH light-curing units. It was found that 2 LED light-curing units had dual peak wavelengths in both the blue and violet regions of the visible spectrum. There were some variations in light transmittance, and therefore the results suggested that some dental adhesives contain alternative photoinitiators besides camphorquinone. The selection of suitable light-curing units on the basis of the light absorption of dental adhesives and resin composites in dental clinics is of upmost importance.

A method for improving the light intensity distribution in dental light-curing units

A method for improving the uniformity of the radiation light from dental light-curing units (LCUs), and the effect on the polymerization of light-activated composite resin are investigated. Quartz-tungsten halogen, plasma-arc, and light-emitting diode LCUs were used, and additional optical elements such as a mixing tube and diffusing screen were employed to reduce the inhomogeneity of the radiation light. The distribution of the light intensity from the light guide tip was measured across the guide tip, as well as the distribution of the surface hardness of the light-activated resin emitted with the LCUs. Although the additional optical elements caused 13.2-25.9% attenuation of the light intensity, the uniformity of the light intensity of the LCUs was significantly improved in the modified LCUs, and the uniformity of the surface hardness of the resin was also improved. Our results indicate that the addition of optical elements to the LCU may be a simple and effective method for reducing inhomogeneity in radiation light from the LCUs.

Monomer elution from nanohybrid and ormocer-based composites cured with different light sources

Objectives To study monomer elution from four resin-based composites (RBCs) cured with different light sources. Methods Twenty-eight premolars were randomly allocated to four groups. Standardized cavities were prepared and restored with a nanohybrid (Filtek Supreme XT or Tetric EvoCeram), an ormocer (Admira) or a microhybrid RBC (Filtek Z250) which served as control. Buccal restorations were cured with a halogen and oral restorations with an LED light-curing unit. Elution of diurethane dimethacrylate (UDMA), Bisphenol A diglycidylether methacrylate (BisGMA), triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) 1 h to 28 days post-immersion in 75% ethanol. Data were analyzed using multivariate and repeated measures analysis of variance ( α = 0.05). Results The greatest elution of UDMA and BisGMA occurred from Tetric EvoCeram and the least from Filtek Z250 ( p < 0.05). LED and halogen light-curing units gave similar results for all RBCs ( p > 0.05) except Tetric EvoCeram which showed greater elution for the LED unit ( p < 0.05). TEGDMA was below the limit of quantification. HEMA eluted in similar concentrations from Filtek Supreme and Tetric EvoCeram ( p > 0.05). Significance : The two nanohybrid RBCs eluted more cross-linking monomers than the ormocer and the control microhybrid RBC. Continuous elution over 28 days indicates that RBCs act as a chronic source of monomers in clinical conditions. Light source may affect monomer elution since differences were found for one out of four RBCs. Mathematical models for elution kinetics of UDMA and BisGMA indicated two elution mechanisms.

Continuous and gradual photo-activation methods: influence on degree of conversion and crosslink density of composite resins

Thermal properties and degree of conversion (DC%) of two composite resins (microhybrid and nano- composite) and two photo-activation methods (continuous and gradual) displayed by the light-emitting diode (LED) light-curing units (LCUs) were investigated in this study. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) thermal analysis technique was used to investigate the glass transition temperature (Tg) and degradation temperature. The DC% was determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The results showed that the microhybrid com- posite resin presented the highest Tg and degradation temperature values, i.e., the best thermal stability. Gradual photo-activation methods showed higher or similar Tg and degradation temperature values when compared to contin- uous method. The Elipar Freelight 2 TM LCU showed the lowest Tg values. With respect to the DC%, the photo- activation method did not influence the final conversion of composite resins. However, Elipar Freelight 2 TM LCU and microhybrid resin showed the lowest DC% values. Thus, the presented results suggest that gradual method photo- activation with LED LCUs provides adequate degree of conversion without promoting changes in the polymer chain of composite resins. However, the thermal properties and final conversion of composite resins can be influenced by the kind of composite resin and LCU.

Effect of different photo-initiators and light curing units on degree of conversion of composites

The aim of this study was to evaluate: (i) the absorption of photo-initiators and emission spectra of light curing units (LCUs); and (ii) the degree of conversion (DC) of experimental composites formulated with different photo-initiators when activated by different LCUs. Blends of BisGMA, UDMA, BisEMA and TEGDMA with camphorquinone (CQ) and/ or 1-phenyl-1,2-propanedione (PPD) were prepared. Dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) was used as co-initiator. Each mixture was loaded with 65 wt% of silanated filler particles. One quartz-tungsten-halogen - QTH (XL 2500, 3M/ESPE) and two lightemitting diode (LED) LCUs (UltraBlue IS, DMC and UltraLume LED 5, Ultradent) were used for activation procedures. Irradiance (mW/cm²) was calculated by the ratio of the output power by the area of the tip, and spectral distribution with a spectrometer (USB 2000). The absorption curve of each photo-initiator was determined using a spectrophotometer (Varian Cary 5G). DC was assessed by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy. Data were submitted to two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (5%). No significant difference was found for DC values when using LED LCUs regardless of the photo-initiator type. However, PPD showed significantly lower DC values than composites with CQ when irradiated with QTH. PPD produced DC values similar to those of CQ, but it was dependent on the LCU type.

The effect of light curing units and modes on cytotoxicity of resin-core systems

The aim of this study was to compare the cytotoxic effects of various resin-based core materials that were cured with three light curing units (LCUs) in different modes on L-929 mouse fibroblast cells over 24 h and 72 h periods. Eighty-four cylindrical discs (2 mm in thickness and 6 mm in diameter) of each material (Rebilda, Voco; Build-It FR, Pentron; Clearfil DC Core, Kuraray and Bis-core, Bisco) were cured by QTH LCU (soft-up and high-power modes), LED LCU (exponential and standard modes) and PAC LCU (normal and ramp-curing modes). Then the samples were aged for 24 and 72 hours in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium/Ham's F12 (DMEM/F12). After each ageing interval, cytotoxicity of the extracts to cultured fibroblasts (L 929) was measured by MTT assay. The degree of cytotoxicity for each sample was determined according to the reference value represented by the cells with a pure culture medium. Statistical significance was determined by a multifactorial analysis of variance followed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test or independent t tests. Data showed that there are significant differences among resin based core materials, LCUs, curing modes and time factors (p<0.001). The test materials cured with the QTH and LED demonstrated statistically higher cell survival rates when compared with those cured with the PAC (p<0.001). Differential toxic effects of the resin-based core materials cured with QTH, LED and PAC on the fibroblast cells may prove to be very important when suitable resin-core systems, LCUs and curing modes are used for operative restorations.

In vitro biological response to a self‐adhesive resin cement under different curing strategies

Self-adhesive resin cements represents a new approach in indirect restorative dentistry, although little is known about its biological properties. The influence of the curing strategy on the biological response of a self-adhesive resin cement (Rely-X Unicem/3M ESPE) was evaluated through methyltetrazolium (MTT) and nitric oxide (NOx) assays. Cylindrical specimens (n = 48) were prepared and cured according to the following strategies: photoactivation with halogen light-curing unit (LCU) Demetron/Kerr, LED LCU Radii/SDI, and chemical activation. A control group with culture medium and a group with lipopolysaccharide, employed for cells stimulation, were used for comparisons (n = 8). After 24 h of direct contact between specimens and rat alveolar macrophages, the biological response was evaluated. Statistical evaluation of the data was performed with Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's test (p = 0.05). The MTT test showed that the specimens cured by halogen light and chemical activation provided higher alterations on cell metabolism. For LED-cured specimens, cell viability was compatible to the results observed in the control group. For the NOx assay, all curing methods were cytotoxic to rat macrophages. Rely-X Unicem demonstrated different cytotoxic effects according to the curing strategy employed.

Influence of different light sources and photo-activation methods on degree of conversion and polymerization shrinkage of a nanocomposite resin

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of different light sources and photo-activation methods on degree of conversion (DC%) and polymerization shrinkage (PS) of a nanocomposite resin (Filtek™ Supreme XT, 3M/ESPE). Two light-curing units (LCUs), one halogen-lamp (QTH) and one light-emitting-diode (LED), and two different photo-activation methods (continuous and gradual) were investigated in this study. The specimens were divided in four groups: group 1—power density (PD) of 570 mW/cm2 for 20 s (QTH); group 2—PD 0 at 570 mW/cm2 for 10 s + 10 s at 570 mW/cm2 (QTH); group 3—PD 860 mW/cm2 for 20 s (LED), and group 4-PD 125 mW/cm2 for 10 s + 10 s at 860 mW/cm2 (LED). A testing machine EMIC with rectangular steel bases (6 × 1 × 2 mm) was used to record the polymerization shrinkage forces (MPa) for a period that started with the photo-activation and ended after two minutes of measurement. For each group, ten repetitions (n = 40) were performed. For DC% measurements, five specimens (n = 20) for each group were made in a metallic mold (2 mm thickness and 4 mm diameter, ISO 4049) and them pulverized, pressed with bromide potassium (KBr) and analyzed with FT-IR spectroscopy. The data of PS were analyzed by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with Welch’s correction and Tamhane’s test. The PS means (MPa) were: 0.60 (G1); 0.47 (G2); 0.52 (G3) and 0.45 (G4), showing significant differences between two photo-activation methods, regardless of the light source used. The continuous method provided the highest values for PS. The data of DC% were analyzed by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and shows significant differences for QTH LCUs, regardless of the photo-activation method used. The QTH provided the lowest values for DC%. The gradual method provides lower polymerization contraction, either with halogen lamp or LED. Degree of conversion (%) for continuous or gradual photo-activation method was influenced by the LCUs. Thus, the presented results suggest that gradual method photo-activation with LED LCU would suffice to ensure adequate degree of conversion and minimum polymerization shrinkage.

Influence of LED irradiance on flexural properties and Vickers hardness of resin-based composite materials

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of irradiance through choice of LED light-curing unit (LCU) and fiber-optic tip on the mechanical properties of methacrylate resin-based composites (RBCs). MethodsRectangular bar-shaped specimens (25mm×2mm×2mm) of four RBCs, irradiated from one side for the manufacturer's recommended times with one of two LED LCUs, and with either 8 or 13mm tip diameter, were tested in three-point bend for flexural strength and modulus of elasticity; Vickers hardness was measured on top and bottom surfaces, on overlapped and non-overlapped irradiation sites. The effects and interactions of all factors were examined by analysis of variance. ResultsWhile the materials tested differed significantly for all properties (P<1×10−6), there was no significant effect for LCU, tip, or irradiance for flexural strength or modulus of elasticity. For hardness, the only significant effect overall was due to irradiance on the bottom surface. ConclusionsBoth LCUs and both tips could be used to give adequate top surface hardness, but the recommended maximum increment thickness is too great for adequate cure at the bottom with the tested LCUs at the recommended times. An extended experimental design would be valuable to test behavior at much elevated irradiances.

Influence of flowable materials on microleakage of nanofilled and hybrid Class II composite restorations with LED and QTH LCUs

Class II composite restorations are more frequently being placed with margins apical to the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) and margins within the dentin are prone to microleakage. This in vitro study was used to evaluate the influence of flowable composite and flowable compomer as gingival liner on microleakage in Class II composite restorations and compare a light-emitting diode (LED) unit with a quartz tungsten halogen (QTH) unit for light-activating composite resins. Mesioocclusal and distoocclusal Class II cavity preparations were made in 72 sound extracted premolars. The buccolingual width was 2.5 mm and the gingival margins of all the cavities were placed 1.0 mm apical to the CEJ. The boxes were prepared 1.5 mm deep axially, making 144 slot cavities. Teeth were randomly divided into the following two groups (n = 72): (I) Universal Filtek Supreme XT; Universal Filtek Supreme XT + Flwable Filtek XT and Universal Filtek Supreme XT + Dyract Flow and (II) Filtek Z250; Filtek Z250 + Flwable Filtek XT and Filtek Z250 + Dyract Flow. Flowable materials were injected into the gingival floor of the cavity to a thickness of 1.0 mm. Each increment was cured for 20 s. One-half of the subgroups in each group were cured with QTH and the other half with LED light curing units (LCUs). After 1 week of incubation at 37 degrees C, the specimens were thermocycled (5-55 degrees C, x1500), immersed in 0.5% basic fuchsine dye for 24 h and sectioned and microleakage was evaluated at the gingival margin by two examiners using a 0-3 score scale. The data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. The groups utilizing flowable liners had significantly less microleakage (P < 0.05). No significant difference was identified between Universal Filtek Supreme XT and Filtek Z250 composites with and without flowable materials. There was no significant between utilizing flowable composite or flowable compomer and between each similar subgroup when polymerized with either the LED or the QTH LCUs. A layer of flowable materials at the gingival floor of Class II composite restorations may be recommended to improve the marginal seal of a restoration.

Knoop hardness of composites cured with halogen and led light-curing units in class I restorations

Aim: To evaluate the effect of light-curing units (LCUs) on the microhardness of class I composite restorations at different depths. Methods: Two light emitting diodes (LED) (Freelight 2, Radii) and one halogen (Optilux 501) LCUs were evaluated. Thirty class I cavities prepared in human third molars were restored with a microhybrid (Charisma) and a microfilled (Renamel) resin composite. After seven days of water storage, the teeth were decoronated and the crowns were bisected mesiodistally and tested for microhardness under a 25 g load for 20 seconds. Fifteen indentations were performed at three depths for each half-crown. Results: Charisma presented significantly higher Knoop hardness number (KHN) values than Renamel. At the superficial depth, there were no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) when Charisma was cured with both LED curing units. However, statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was found when Charisma was light-cured with the halogen LCU. The lowest KHN value was obtained by Renamel light-cured with both LED LCUs, regardless of the composite. Nevertheless, when the microfilled composite was light-cured with the halogen LCU, hardness was significantly higher compared to those cured with LED units at all evaluated depths. Conclusions: The effectiveness of polymerization is related not only to the light-curing source, but also to the type of composite and the curing depth.

Effect of light-curing units, post-cured time and shade of resin cement on knoop hardness

The aim of this study was to evaluate the Knoop hardness after 15 min and 24 h of different shades of a dual-cured resin-based cement after indirect photoactivation (ceramic restoration) with 2 light-curing units (LCUs). The resin cement Variolink II (Ivoclar Vivadent) shade XL, A2, A3 and opaque were mixed with the catalyst paste and inserted into a black Teflon mold (5 mm diameter x 1 mm high). A transparent strip was placed over the mold and a ceramic disc (Duceram Plus, shade A3) was positioned over the resin cement. Light-activation was performed through the ceramic for 40 s using quartz-tungsten-halogen (QTH) (XL 2500; 3M ESPE) or light-emitting diode (LED) (Ultrablue Is, DMC) LCUs with power density of 615 and 610 mW/cm(2), respectively. The Koop hardness was measured using a microhardness tester HMV 2 (Shimadzu) after 15 min or 24 h. Four indentations were made in each specimen. Data were subjected to ANOVA and Tukey's test (alpha=0.05). The QTH LCU provided significantly higher (p<0.05) KHN values than the LED LCU. When the post-cure times were compared for the same shade, QTH and LED at 24 h provided significantly higher (p<0.05) KHN values than at 15 min. It may be concluded that the Knoop hardness was generally dependent on the LCU and post-cure time. The opaque shade of the resin cement showed lower Knoop hardness than the other shades for both LCUs and post-cure times.

Cytotoxic effects of halogen‐ and light‐emitting diode‐cured compomers on human pulp fibroblasts

The aim of this study was to determine the cytotoxic effects of three different compomers (Dyract AP, Compoglass, and Hytac) cured using a halogen light-curing unit (LCU) and a light-emitting diode (LED) LCU on human pulp fibroblasts. Specimens of three compomers were added to human pulp fibroblast cultures. Cytotoxicity was evaluated over 96 h using the agar overlay method. All three compomers tested were found to be moderately cytotoxic to human pulp fibroblasts, regardless of whether they were cured using halogen or LED LCUs. The decolorization zone of Hytac was significantly larger than those of the other compomers tested (P < 0.05). Dyract AP and Compoglass specimens showed greater decolorization when cured with LED than with halogen LCUs (P < 0.05). Compomers are potentially toxic to human pulp fibroblasts, and the type of curing unit may affect compomer toxicity.

Temperature Rise Within the Pulp Chamber During Composite Resin Polymerisation Using Three Different Light Sources

The purpose of the study was to compare temperature rise during polymerisation of resin based composites (RBCs) with two LED light curing units (LCUs) compared to a halogen control light.Methods:Forty-five extracted molars, patients aging 11-18 years were used. Thermocouples (TCs) were placed in contact with the roof of the pulp chamber using a ‘split-tooth’ method. Teeth were placed in a water bath with the temperature of the pulp chamber regulated at 37°±1°C.Group 1 (control):Prismatics® Lite II (Dentsply Detrey, Konstanz, Germany), a halogen LCU, light intensity 500 mW/cm2.Group 2:Bluephase® ( Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein), light intensity 1100 mW/cm2. Group 3:Elipar Freelight2 (3M ESPE, Seefeld, Germany), light intensity 1000 mW/cm2. Temperature changes were continuously recorded with a data logger connected to a PC.Results:Significantly higher temperature rise was recorded during bond curing than RBC curing in all 3 groups. (Halogen; p =0.0003: Bluephase; p=0.0043: Elipar; p=0.0002.). Higher temperatures were recorded during polymerisation of both Bond and RBC with both LED sources than with the halogen control. There was no significant difference between the two LED,LCUs (Bond:p=0.0279: RBC p=0.0562: Mann-Whitney).Conclusion:The potential risk of pulpal injury during RBC polymerisation is increased when using light-curing units with high energy output compared to low energy output light sources. The rise is greatest when curing bonding agent alone and clinicians are advised to be aware of the potential hazard of thermal trauma to the pulp when using high intensity light sources. However the mean temperature rise with all three units was below the limits normally associated with permanent pulp damage.

Curing depth of composite resin light cured by LED and halogen light-curing units

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the polymerization effectiveness of a composite resin (Z-250) utilizing microhardness testing. In total, 80 samples with thicknesses of 2 and 4 mm were made, which were photoactivated by a conventional halogen light-curing unit, and light-curing units based on LED. The samples were stored in water distilled for 24 h at 37°C. The Vickers microhardness was performed by the MMT-3 microhardness tester. The microhardness means obtained were as follows: G1, 72.88; G2, 69.35; G3, 67.66; G4, 69.71; G5, 70.95; G6, 75.19; G7, 72.96; and G8, 71.62. The data were submitted to an analysis of variance (ANOVA’s test), adopting a significance level of 5%. The results showed that, in general, there were no statistical differences between the halogen and LED light-curing units used with the same parameters.

Effect of therapeutic dose X rays on mechanical and chemical properties of esthetic dental materials

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of therapeutic dose X rays on the microhardness (MH) and degree of conversion (DC) of two different esthetic restorative dental materials. The materials were photo-activated with a LED light-curing unit using three cure-times: 5, 20 and 40 seconds. The photo-activation was carried out in two distinct periods: before and after irradiation with doses of 5, 35 and 70 Gy, from a 6 MV X rays beam. In accordance with the methodology used, it was conclude that a therapeutic dose does not have a detrimental effect on the photoinitiator molecules, because the photo-activation occurred after they were irradiated. When the irradiation was applied before photo-activation, the materials showed MH improvement, but when photo-activation was performed after irradiation, there was less improvement. However, there was no correlation between MH and DC. Thus, a therapeutic dose applied to cured material can promote linking and breaking of chain bonds in a non-linear way.

Cure width potential for MOD resin composite molar restorations

Objectives To investigate the capability of modern light-curing units exhibiting differences in emission spectra and light source exit window dimensions, for “one-shot” full-width curing of extensive (molar MOD) resin composite restorations. Method Specimens of Tetric (TT), Tetric Ceram HB (TC), Tetric Evoceram (TE) and Tetric Ceram Bleach (TB) resin composites containing varying ratios of Lucirin (TPO) and/or camphorquinone (CQ) photoinitiators were packed into a bar-shaped mould (12 mm length × 2 mm width × 2 mm thickness). Each product was irradiated using a halogen (Optilux 401; QTH), a conventional LED (LEDemetron; LED) and two so-called “third generation” oval-footprint LED light-curing units (LCUs) of the same model. The latter featured bimodal emission spectra (blue and ultraviolet diodes) with either high (unmodified output) and approximately 50% (modified output) blue light intensity (UltraLume-5; ULs, ULm, respectively). Vickers hardness number was obtained across the lateral extent of the bar at 1 mm increments from the centre point on both upper and lower surfaces of the specimens. Results Significant linear relationships ( R 2 = 0.71–0.98) for each distance from the central position of all LCUs were identified between measured light intensity and corresponding upper and lower surface hardness values for each product ( P < 0.05). No significant differences ( P > 0.05) were recorded in total upper surface hardness of TC or TE cured with LED (68.7 ± 3.2 and 70.5 ± 2.5) or ULm (56.8 ± 2.0 and 57.7 ± 2.0). However, upper surface hardness of TT (CQ only) cured with ULm was significantly decreased ( P < 0.05) compared with other LCUs. When the ratio of hardness at the edge to central positions of the bar-shaped specimens for either surface was calculated, no significant difference ( P > 0.05) was identified for TB (containing TPO and decreased CQ) cured with either ULs or ULm ( P > 0.05) and was significantly increased (P < 0.05) when cured with ULs compared with LED and QTH. Significance Variability in light intensity across the curing-tip face, spectral output of dental light-curing units and differences in product photoinitiator chemistry all influence curing efficiency significantly across the width of extensive resin composite geometries.

Stability and Reproducibility of Radiometric Properties of Light Curing Units (LCUs). Part II: LED LCUs

The present work is the second part of a study on the stability and reproducibility of the energy and spectral emission of some light curing units (LCUs). In this part, Part II, LED LCUs were investigated. Results revealed that these devices presented high stability and reproducibility in terms of their spectral emission, with values of VAF (variance accounting for) coefficient calculated from the Cauchy-Schwarz inequality all close to 100%. With respect to energy stability, the LED LCUs presented energy stability except for the third-generation LED LCUs which have several LEDs. For these devices, the law of reciprocity was not fulfilled as irradiance was not constant over exposure time. This result should be taken into account both in works examining the polymerization kinetics of dental materials as well as when these LED LCUs are used in clinical practice.

Sorption and Solubility of Composites Cured with Quartz-tungsten Halogen and Light Emitting Diode Light-curing Units

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of light polymerization on water sorption and solubility of hybrid composites. Three composite resins were used to make discs cured with either quartz-tungsten halogen (QTH) or light emitting diode (LED) curing units. The specimens were stored in a desiccator at 37 degrees C and weighted to a constant mass, then immersed in deionized water for different periods of time, and reconditioned until achieving a constant mass. Sorption and solubility were calculated and subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey tests (p<0.01). There were no statistically significant differences between the light sources. Water sorption increased with storage time for all the composites. The lowest sorption was observed for Herculite XRV, followed by Tetric Ceram, and Filtek Z250. Increased storage times reduced the solubility of Filtek Z250 but did not affect the solubility of Herculite XRV and Tetric Ceram. Water sorption and solubility of composites are not affected by the type of polymerization when the same intensity and exposure times are used. Thus, the differences found are probably related to the composition of the materials. Water sorption and solubility of composites can lead to a shortened service life. However, these properties are not correlated to the type of polymerization.