Evaluation of a dual peak third generation LED curing light.

This study compared 3 light-emitting diode curing lights (UltraLume 5, FreeLight 2, LEDemetron I) with a quartz-tungsten-halogen light (Optilux 401) to determine which was the better at photopolymerizing 5 resin composites. The composites were 2 mm thick and were irradiated for the manufacturers' recommended curing times at distances of 2 mm and 8 mm from the light guide. The Knoop hardness at each of 22 points over a 10-mm diameter footprint at the top and bottom of the composites was used to compare the lights. The 4 curing lights and irradiation distances did not have the same effect on all the composites (P < .001). It was concluded that overall the UltraLume 5 dual peak third generation LED curing light was able to polymerize these 5 resin composites as well as or better than the other curing lights.