The profound impact of light curing on dentistry is indisputable. The advent of light-cured composite resins has revolutionized dental practice, allowing dental professionals to perform minimally invasive procedures with precision and efficiency.
A key aspect of light curing is achieving a high degree of polymerization of the composite resins. This is fundamental to ensuring the durability and predictability of restorations, both in terms of aesthetics and functionality. Critical factors influencing the success of polymerization include energy density, the degree of light collimation, the types of photo initiators present in the composite resin, and the uniformity of the light beam. Inadequate attention to these elements during polymerization can cause problems such as microleakage, discoloration, increased wear of the restorative material, and even pulp sensitivity.
Another fundamental aspect of the light-curing procedure is ensuring that the composite absorbs a sufficient amount of energy from the light. The speed and safety of this procedure obviously depend on the operator and the device used.
It is known that for different shades of composite, an energy dose between 10 and 15J should be sufficient to provide adequate polymerization.1 New devices, such as the VALO™ X light-curing lamp, are capable of offering a similar energy dose in less time. In its standard mode, VALO™ X can deliver 13J in 10 seconds. Similarly, when choosing the Xtra Power mode, the same energy dose is delivered in a curing cycle of approximately 5 seconds—twice as fast.
In a recently published article, the VALO™ X Xtra Power mode (5-second cycle) proved to be the best curing option, producing polymerization values at the deepest point of the composite samples statistically similar to those obtained with traditional 20-second exposures.2
However, it is important to remember that the dental professional must always refer to the material's instructions for use to ensure that the energy required for correct polymerization is delivered correctly.
In addition to being a light-curing device, the VALO™ X lamp also acts as a diagnostic device: the possibility of using different wavelengths is a great help in situations where one wants to identify cracks, stains, or enamel defects.
For example, when evaluating older composites, the UV black light mode is a fundamental tool for detecting differences in fluorescence between tooth and composite (Fig. 1).
Fig. 1
Similarly, the orange Translume lens offers good contrast between different structures, especially in the detection of enamel cracks, for example (Fig. 2).
Fig. 2
VALO™ X also features a white light mode, balanced between 5000 and 6000K, which is known to be the best illuminant for correct shade taking and shade matching (Fig. 3).
Fig. 3
When used with the interproximal lens, it also allows for dynamic visualization of the depth of enamel structures, such as microfractures, and/or the visualization of old composite restorations (Fig. 4).
Fig. 4
For over a decade, the VALO™ family of light-curing lamps has offered the best composite polymerization possibilities, thanks to its characteristics of coverage, power, and beam collimation and homogeneity. With the VALO™ X light-curing lamp, it is also possible to use the diagnostic aid mode.
The Author
Dr. Rafael Beolchi Ultradent EMEA Clinical Affairs Manager
Graduated in dentistry from the University of São Paulo, Brazil, in 2000. Since 2001, he has maintained a private practice, specializing primarily in aesthetic dentistry. In 2009, he earned a Master’s degree in Biomaterials from the Institute of Energy and Nuclear Research at the University of São Paulo. Currently, he conducts courses and lectures on aesthetic dentistry at international institutes. Dr. Beolchi has written several articles on topics regarding direct aesthetic conservative dentistry and light curing. He collaborates with international universities and is the Clinical Affairs Manager for Ultradent Products Inc. for Europe and the Middle East.
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