Dental curing lights are essential for hardening polymer-based restorations and ensuring lasting, beautiful smiles. First introduced in the 1970s, curing lights has come a long way since the early days of ultraviolet and halogen. While laser technologies are emerging, the most commonly used dental curing lights are still broad-spectrum LEDs.
In this article, we will take a look at how dental curing lights work, ways to ensure the safety of patients and practitioners, and how to choose the right product for any practice.
Dental curing lights are used to harden photoactivated materials, such as composite resins, cements, and sealants. These materials require exposure to certain light wavelengths to polymerize and cure. How does this work? Photoinitiators in the materials are activated by specific light energy – typically in the visible blue spectrum – which then triggers the polymerization.
LED lights have become the standard, versus their halogen predecessors, since LEDs are energy efficient, emit less heat, and have a higher output intensity that is easier to control and refine. LEDs also provide better light uniformity and consistency overall.
Light-cured dental materials need the right amount of light in the right wavelength range to make the polymerization occur. This requirement is where safety is a key consideration. The American Dental Association (ADA) states that dental curing lights in the wavelengths between 455-481 nm are the most effective. But this is also the blue light range where retinal injury can occur. Intensity is a key concern when it comes to exposure to these wavelengths. Duration is also an issue since using a lower light for longer periods can lead to retinal damage. Safety glasses should be worn to protect the eyes from exposure, particularly ones that meet the ISO standard for the type of light in use. A shield on the curing light can also help.
LEDs emit low heat, reducing the risk of tissue damage, yet they still generate some warmth. Curing only for the recommended time, using the correct settings, allowing a few seconds between cycles, and maintaining accurate light positioning will help keep patients safe from damage to the pulp and surrounding tissue.
This versatile cordless LED curing light features three power modes, full, ramping, and pulse, with a working time of 5, 10, 15, or 20 seconds. Its replaceable large-capacity battery is fully charged and enables 400+ continuous uses under the 10-second setting. It also uses minimal standby power. With an output of 1200-1400 mW/cm2, this unit delivers a steady light consistency and includes a pedestal with a built-in light intensity indicator and radiometer.
This powerful cordless LED curing light provides an optical output ranging from 1000mW/cm2 all the way up to 2500mW/cm2 in turbo mode. With two power settings and six time settings (1, 3, 5, 10, 15, and 20 seconds), this unit has the ability to cure 2 mm of resin in just 1 second. It provides steady, consistent light and features a swivel light probe that rotates 360 degrees. Additionally, the large-capacity battery allows 400+ continuous uses under the 10-second setting with one charge.
The right dental curing light can provide lasting service to any practice, and there are many good choices on the market. Opt for a curing light with outputs in wavelengths and intensities that are compatible with the restorative materials used in the practice. Also, consider factors such as ergonomics, ease of use, and safety features to protect practitioners and patients while ensuring beautiful, solid handiwork.