Quartz Tungsten Halogen Light Curing Units Research Articles

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

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

The effect of different curing units on the degree of polymerization of different composite resins

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the degree of polymerization of composite resins cured with different light-curing units (LCUs). Materials and Methods: Three bulk-fill composite (Beautifil Bulk-Fill Giomer, Filtek Bulk-Fill, and X-Tra Fill) and a methacrylate-based composite (Filtek Z250) were used in this study. Thirty disc-shaped specimens, 4 mm thick, were prepared from each composite resin. Specimens were divided into three groups and polymerized with light-emitting diode (LED), Plasma arch curing unit (PAC), and quartz-tungsten halogen LCU. The bottom and top surface microhardness of the specimens stored in distilled water for 24 h at 37°C after polymerization was measured with a universal test device. The hardness ratio (HR) of specimens was calculated by the bottom surface microhardness/top surface microhardness formula. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey's least significant difference post hoc tests (α = 0.05). Results: Statistically significant differences were detected between the mean HR values of the specimens polymerized with different LCUs (P Conclusion: The degree of polymerization of the composite resin restoration may be affected by the structural properties of the resin and the type of LCU. The clinician may use alternative techniques, especially in deep cavities.

Surface Hardness of Nanohybrid and Microhybrid Resin Composites Cured by Light Emitting Diode and Quartz Tungsten Halogen Light Curing Systems: An Invitro Study

Introduction: New generation composite resin materials have revolutionized the art of aesthetic dentistry. The clinical success is dependent on effective polymerisation and surface hardness which in turn are dependent on the performance of Light Curing Units (LCU). This study utilises surface hardness as a measure of degree of polymerisation of composite resins achieved by LCUs. Aim: To evaluate the difference in surface hardness of nanohybrid and microhybrid resin composites cured by light curing systems, Light Emitting Diode (LED) and Quartz Tungsten Halogen (QTH). Materials and Methods: In this invitro experimental study, two types of hybrid composites (Nanohybrid and Microhybrid) were tested for surface hardness by using two different light curing systems (LED and QTH). All the Nanohybrid and Microhybrid specimens were cured using LED and QTH LCUs, thus giving four combinations. A total of 60 specimens (6 mm diameter and 2 mm depth) were prepared using Teflon mould with 15 samples for each combination. Surface hardness was measured on upper and lower surface after 24 hours and hardness ratio was calculated. Data was analysed using independent t-test for intergroup comparison. Level of significance was kept at 5%. Results: Surface hardness of resin composites cured by LED LCU was greater than those cured by QTH LCU. Additionally, the hardness value was greater for the upper surface. Nanohybrids showed better surface hardness than Microhybrids for both the LCUs. Conclusion: Nanohybrid composite resins and LED system were found to be more effective in terms of surface hardness as compared to their counterparts.

Effect of 457 nm diode-pumped solid state laser on the polymerization composite resins: microhardness, cross-link density, and polymerization shrinkage.

The purpose of the present study was to test the usefulness of 457 nm diode-pumped solid state (DPSS) laser as a light source to cure composite resins. Five different composite resins were light cured using three different light-curing units (LCUs): a DPSS 457 nm laser (LAS), a light-emitting diode (LED), and quartz-tungsten-halogen (QTH) units. The light intensity of LAS was 560 mW/cm(2), whereas LED and QTH LCUs was ∼900 mW/cm(2). The degree of polymerization was tested by evaluating microhardness, cross-link density, and polymerization shrinkage. Before water immersion, the microhardness of laser-treated specimens ranged from 40.8 to 84.7 HV and from 31.7 to 79.0 HV on the top and bottom surfaces, respectively, and these values were 3.3-23.2% and 2.9-31.1% lower than the highest microhardness obtained using LED or QTH LCUs. Also, laser-treated specimens had lower top and bottom microhardnesses than the other LCUs treated specimens by 2.4-19.4% and 1.4-27.8%, respectively. After ethanol immersion for 24 h, the microhardness of laser-treated specimens ranged from 20.3 to 63.2 HV on top and bottom surfaces, but from 24.9 to 71.5 HV when specimens were cured using the other LCUs. Polymerization shrinkage was 9.8-14.7 μm for laser-treated specimens, and these were significantly similar or lower (10.2-16.0 μm) than those obtained using the other LCUs. The results may suggest that the 457 nm DPSS laser can be used as a light source for light-curing dental resin composites.

Effectiveness of light emitting diode and halogen light curing units for curing microhybrid and nanocomposites

Aim:To compare the polymerization efficacy of micro-hybrid and nanocomposites cured with Quartz-tungsten halogen (QTH) and light emitting diode (LED) light curing units (LCUs). The effectiveness of pulse cure mode in LED LCU was also investigated.Materials and Methods:Both micro-hybrid and nanocomposite specimens were cured using four different curing protocols giving a total of eight experimental groups. Ten cylindrical specimens were prepared for each group, and light cured for 40 s on the top surface, thus giving a total of eighty specimens. Vicker hardness measurements were carried out on the top and bottom surfaces after 24 h and hardness ratio was calculated.Results:For both micro-hybrid and nanocomposites, highest mean VHN was observed for the group cured with QTH LCU, and the lowest was observed for the group cured with second LED LCU in standard mode but the difference was significant only in case of nanocomposite.Conclusion:Curing nanocomposites with QTH LCU results in better micro hardness. Pulse cure mode does not effectively increase polymerization efficacy than the standard mode of curing.

Analysis of the Effect of Dental Chair Light on the Knoop Hardness of Composite Resin While Light Curing with QTH and LED Light Units

ABSTRACT Dental chair lights have been known to rapidly polymerize lightcured composites beyond the point of workability. Often in our dental clinics we are advised to switch off the dental chair light while light curing of dental composites. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the dental chair light causes any effect on the degree of polymerization of light cured composites using the quartz tungsten halogen (QTH) and the light emitting diode (LED) light curing units (LCUs). Filtek Z350 composite samples of 2 × 5 mm were prepared in an acrylic mold. Four groups were made having 20 samples each. In group I and II light curing was done using QTH LCU with and without the dental chair light respectively. Similarly in group III and IV LED LCU was used. Microhardness was measured and compared using Knoop's hardness Test. Data was submitted to ANOVA and Tukey's test. Results showed that the average microhardness was significantly higher in group 4 (LED light curing with dental chair light on). Thus, it was concluded that the dental chair light can be left on while using QTH and LED LCU's during light curing of composite material. How to cite this article Parekh B, Sathe S, Hegde V. Analysis of the Effect of Dental Chair Light on the Knoop Hardness of Composite Resin While Light Curing with QTH and LED Light Units. World J Dent 2012;3(2):156-160.

Effects of different luting cements and light curing units on the sealing ability and bond strength of fiber posts

This study evaluated the sealing ability and push-out bond strength of two luting cements cured with two different types of light curing units (LCU): light-emitting diode (LED) versus quartz tungsten halogen (QTH). Forty teeth were divided into four groups(n=10/group). Quartz fiber posts (D. T. Light-Post) were luted to coronal or apical section of root canals using two types of resin cements (Panavia F or RelyX) cured with either LED LCU (Elipar FreeLight II) or QTH LCU (Optilux 501). Highest push-out bond strength was exhibited by QTH-cured RelyX, which was not significantly different from LED-cured RelyX but was higher than QTH-cured Panavia F. The push-out bond strength of Panavia F did not differ with LCU type (p>0.05), but exhibited lower values than both QTH- and LED-cured RelyX. Fluid filtration test revealed that sealing ability was not influenced by luting cement type, but was significantly influenced by LCU type in favor of QTH light source: QTH-cured specimens displayed better seal than LED-cured ones (p<0.05).

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.

Evaluation of microhardness, surface roughness, and wear behavior of different types of resin composites polymerized with two different light sources

The microhardness, surface roughness and wear resistance of different types of resin composites, polymerized by a Quartz Tungsten Halogen (QTH) or Light Emitting Diode (LED) light curing units (LCU) were evaluated in this in vitro study. Cylindrical blocks were prepared from composites (8 mm in diameter, and 2 mm in thickness) and polymerized by a LED or a QTH LCU. Vickers hardness was measured on the top and bottom surfaces of the specimens. Surface roughness was measured with a surface profilometer on the top of the specimens. For the wear test, specimens were tested in a conventional pin-on-disc tribology machine under 15 N loads. The statistical analyses were performed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and t-tests, including the Bonferroni correction. Nanocomposite material Clearfil Majesty Posterior showed the highest hardness values in all polymerization types at the top and bottom surfaces (p < 0.05). Microhybrid Clearfil APX and hybrid Quixfil composites demonstrated the greatest surface roughness. Wear resistance of Clearfil Majesty Posterior was found to be the highest among the other tested resin composites. The results indicated that Clearfil Majesty Posterior demonstrated higher microhardness, less surface roughness, and higher wear resistance when compared with the other tested materials for both polymerization types.

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.

Stability and Reproducibility of Radiometric Properties of Light Curing Units (LCUs). Part I: QTH LCUs

The present study, divided into two parts, analyses the stability and reproducibility of the spectral and energy emission of the present light-curing units (LCUs), quartz tungsten halogen (QTH) and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). In part I, QTH LCUs were studied. The results showed that the QTH LCUs studied presented high stability and reproducibility in terms of their spectral emission with VAF (variance accounting for) values from the Cauchy-Schwarz inequality, all close to 100%. With respect to the energy stability, the QTH LCUs studied can be considered stable under practical clinical conditions, although for some devices the initial irradiance value is critical. This result should be taken into account in those works which is researched in polymerization kinetics of dental materials as well as in clinical practice.

Influence of Light Curing Unit and Ceramic Thickness on Temperature Rise during Resin Cement Photo-activation

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different ceramic thickness on heat generation during resin cement photo-activation by QTH (quartz-tungsten-halogen), LED (light emitting diode), and PAC (plasma arc-curing) LCUs (light curing units). The resin cement used was Rely X ARC (3M-ESPE), and the ceramic was IPS Empress Esthetic (Ivoclar-Vivadent), of which 0.7-, 1.4- and 2.0-mm thick disks, 0.8 mm in diameter were made. Temperature increase was recorded with a type-K thermocouple connected to a digital thermometer (Iopetherm 46). An acrylic resin base was built to guide the thermocouple and support the 1.0-mm thick dentin disk. A 0.1-mm thick black adhesive paper matrix with a perforation 6 mm in diameter was placed on the dentin to contain the resin cement and support the ceramic disks of different thicknesses. Three LCUs were used: QTH, LED and PAC. Nine groups were formed (n=10) according to the interaction: 3 ceramic thicknesses, 1 resin cement and 3 photo-activation methods. Temperature increase data were submitted to Tukey's test (5%). For all ceramic thicknesses, a statistically significant difference in temperature increase was observed among the LCUs, with the highest mean value for the QTH LCU (p<0.05). For all the LCUs, a thickness of 0.7 mm produced the highest temperatures (1.4 and 2.0mm, p<0.05). There was no difference in temperature values between the latter two thicknesses (p>0.05). The interaction of higher energy density with smaller ceramic thickness showed higher temperature increase values.

Effect of Type of Light Curing Unit on Shear Bond Strength of Resin Composite.

Aims: To compare the shear bond strength (SBS) of composite bonded to dentin cured by three light curing units (LCUs), which are quartz tungsten halogen (QTH) and two types of light emitting diode (LED) machines. Materials and Methods: Buccal dentin of 90 upper premolars was exposed, prior to restorative procedure. Samples divided into 3 groups, restoration of each group cured by Astralis 5 [Austria], Top Light, [Taiwan] and Ultradent [USA]. Each group further subdivided into three subgroups. After bonding application, each subgroup of every group restored by one of 3 composites: Point 4™, Tetric and Degufill mineral. Composite applied and cured for 40 seconds. Samples thermocycled and loaded at tooth–composite interface. Results: Analysis of variance (ANOVA) with significance p < 0.05 followed by Duncan Multiple Range Test, showed that SBS of subgroups that cured by Ultradent (400 mW/cm2) was significantly higher than Astralis 5 (405 mW/cm2) and Top Light (141 mW/cm2). The SBS of Astralis 5 was significantly higher than Top Light. No significant differences found among subgroups those cured by same LCU. Conclusions: Shear bond strength of resin composite bonded to dentin is directly proportional with the light intensity. However, better result obtained by a high intensity LEDs compared with an equivalent intensity QTH–LCUs.