Comparison of halogen, plasma and LED curing units.

Abstract	This study evaluated the characteristics of two kinds of recently developed light-curing unit; plasma arc and blue light emitting diodes (LED), in comparison with a conventional tungsten-halogen light-curing unit. The light intensity and spectral distribution of light from these light-curing units, the temperature rise of the bovine enamel surface and the depth of cure of composites exposed to each unit were investigated. The light intensity and depth of cure were determined according to ISO standards. The spectral distributions of emitted light were measured using a spectro-radiometer. The temperature increase induced by irradiation was measured by using a thermocouple. Generally, light intensities in the range 400-515 nm emitted from the plasma arc were greater than those from other types. Light in the UV-A region was emitted from some plasma arc units. The required irradiation times were six to nine seconds for the plasma arc units and 40 to 60 seconds for the LED units to create a depth of cure equal to that produced by the tungsten-halogen light with 20 seconds of irradiation. The temperature increased by increasing the irradiation time for every light-curing unit. The temperature increases were 15 degrees C to 60 degrees C for plasma arc units, around 15 degrees C for a conventional halogen unit and under 10 degrees C for LED units. Both the plasma arc and LED units required longer irradiation times than those recommended by their respective manufacturers. Clinicians should be aware of potential thermal rise and UV-A hazard when using plasma arc units.
Authors	Rie Nomoto, John F McCabe, Susumu Hirano
Journal	Operative dentistry (Oper Dent) 2004 May-Jun Vol. 29 Issue 3 Pg. 287-94 ISSN: 0361-7734 [Print] United States
PMID	15195729 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Evaluation Study, Journal Article)
Chemical References	Clearfil AP-X Composite Resins Filtek Z250 Halogens Methacrylates Z100 composite resin Xenon Silicon Dioxide Zirconium
Topics	Animals Cattle Composite Resins (radiation effects) Dental Enamel Dental Equipment Halogens Hot Temperature Light Methacrylates (radiation effects) Radiometry Semiconductors Silicon Dioxide (radiation effects) Technology, Dental (instrumentation) Xenon Zirconium (radiation effects)

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