An Evaluation of the Light Output from 22 Contemporary Light Curing Units

Abstract

This study measured the radiant power (mW), irradiance (mW/cm 2 ) and emission spectra (mW/cm 2 /nm) of 22 new, or almost new, light curing units (LCUs): -Alt Lux II, BioLux Standard, Bluephase G2, Curing Light XL 3000, Demetron LC, DX Turbo LED 1200, EC450, EC500, Emitter C, Emitter D, KON-LUX, LED 3M ESPE, Led Lux II, Optilight Color, Optilight Max, Optilux 501, Poly Wireless, Radii cal, Radii plus, TL-01, VALO Cordless. These LCUs were either monowave or multiple peak light emitting diode (LED) units or quartz-tungstenhalogen LCUs used in anterior and posterior teeth. The radiant power emitted by the LCUs was measured by a laboratory grade laser power meter. The tip area (cm²) of the LCUs was measured and used to calculate the irradiance from the measured radiant power source. The MARC-Patient Simulator (MARC-PS) with a laboratory grade spectrometer (USB4000, Ocean Optics) was used to measure the irradiance and emission spectrum from each LCU three times at the sensor located on the facial of the maxillary central incisors and then separately at the occlusal of a maxillary second molar. The minimum acceptable irradiance level was set as 500 mW/cm 2 . Irradiance data was analyzed using two-way ANOVA and the radiant power data was analyzed by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey test (α=0.05). In general, the irradiance was reduced at the molar tooth for most LCUs. Only the Valo, Bluephase G2 and Radii Plus delivered an irradiance similar to the anterior and posterior sensors greater than 500 mW/cm 2 . KON-LUX, Altlux II, Biolux Standard, TL-01, Optilux 501, DX Turbo LED 1200 LCUs delivered lower irradiance values than the recommended one used in molar region, KON-LUX and Altlux II LCUs used at the maxillary incisors. Bluephase G2 and Optilight Max delivered the highest radiant power and KON-LUX, Altlux II and Biolux Standard delivered the lowest power. The emission spectrum from the various monowave LED LCUs varied greatly. The multi-peak LCUs delivered similar emission spectra to both sensors.

Color Stability and Micro-Hardness of Bulk-Fill Composite Materials after Exposure to Common Beverages

“…However, the bonding procedure and the application of the resin composite material is time-consuming due to the limited depth of cure of conventional resins [5]. This necessitates the use of an incremental application of universal composites, which are marketed to be used in both the anterior and posterior regions of the oral cavity, in order to maintain adequate degree of conversion which has been reported previously to be very crucial for the longevity of resin composite restorations [6,7]. Low degree of conversion due to undercuring is the primary cause of resin restorations' failures [3].…”

Analysis Methods Regarding the Polymerization Properties of Composite Resins

“…Lazer ışık cihazları polimerizasyon süre-sini ısı artışına sebep olmaksızın kısaltırlar, ancak pahalı olmaları yaygın kullanımlarını engellemektedir. 6,7 Klinikte kullanılacak ışık cihazı dikkatli seçimesinde teknik koşulların doğruluğu, ışık cihazı ucunun temizliği, ağız içinde doğrultu ve restorasyona yakınlığı gibi manipulasyonu restorasyon başarısını etkilemektedir.…”

How biomechanics can affect the endodontic treated teeth and their restorative procedures?

“…The correct selection of the dental light-curing unit (LCU) and how it is used is an essential part of the process of photocuring an adhesive system, composite resin, resin cement involved on the restorative procedure of endodontic treated teeth. 61 The light attenuation deep areas of the root canals may compromise the polymerization of the resin cement used for fixing fiber glass post. 62 The use of dual cure resin cement is essential for achieve adequate curing and integration between post-resin cement and root dentin.…”

“…Using protective eyewear allows the user to have both hands free to manipulate the instruments and materials so that they can focus their attention on the tooth to which the light is directed, and deliver the intended amount of light to the resin. 61,63 Fiber post -Factors that influence the selection and the effect on the biomechanical performance…”