Carlos Alberto Kenji Shimokawa1, Míriam Lacalle Turbino2, Marcelo Giannini3, Roberto Ruggiero Braga4, Richard Bengt Price5. 1. University of São Paulo, School of Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. Electronic address: carlos.shimokawa@usp.br. 2. University of São Paulo, School of Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. Electronic address: miturbin@usp.br. 3. University of Campinas, Piracicaba Dental School, Restorative Dentistry, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil. Electronic address: giannini@fop.unicamp.br. 4. University of São Paulo, School of Dentistry, Biomaterials and Oral Biology, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. Electronic address: rrbraga@usp.br. 5. Dalhousie University, Faculty of Dentistry, Dental Clinical Sciences, 5981 University Ave., Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2, Canada. Electronic address: richard.price@dal.ca.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine the potential effect of four different light curing units (LCUs) on the curing profile of two bulk fill resin-based composites (RBCs). METHODS: Four LCUs (Bluephase 20i, Celalux 3, Elipar DeepCure-S and Valo Grand) were used to light cure two RBCs (Filtek Bulk Fill Posterior Restorative and Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill). The effective tip diameter, radiant power, radiant emittance, emission spectrum and light beam profile of the LCUs were measured. Knoop microhardness was measured at the top and bottom surfaces of RBC specimens that were 12-mm in diameter and 4-mm deep (n=5). The distribution of the spectral radiant power that was delivered to the surface of the specimen and the light transmission through the 4-mm thick specimens was measured using an integrating sphere. Two-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (α=0.05) were applied. RESULTS: The Valo Grand produced the most homogeneous microhardness across the surfaces of the RBCs (p>0.05). When the Celalux 3, Bluephase 20i and Elipar DeepCure-S lights were used, the center of the specimens achieved greater hardness values compared to their outer regions (p<0.05). Approximately 10% of the radiant power delivered to the top reached the bottom of the specimen, although almost no violet light passed through 4mm of either RBC. A positive correlation was observed between the radiant exposure and microhardness. SIGNIFICANCE: The characteristics of the LCUs influenced the photoactivation of the RBCs. The use of a wide tip with a homogeneous light distribution is preferred when light curing RBCs using a bulk curing technique.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the potential effect of four different light curing units (LCUs) on the curing profile of two bulk fill resin-based composites (RBCs). METHODS: Four LCUs (Bluephase 20i, Celalux 3, Elipar DeepCure-S and Valo Grand) were used to light cure two RBCs (Filtek Bulk Fill Posterior Restorative and Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill). The effective tip diameter, radiant power, radiant emittance, emission spectrum and light beam profile of the LCUs were measured. Knoop microhardness was measured at the top and bottom surfaces of RBC specimens that were 12-mm in diameter and 4-mm deep (n=5). The distribution of the spectral radiant power that was delivered to the surface of the specimen and the light transmission through the 4-mm thick specimens was measured using an integrating sphere. Two-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (α=0.05) were applied. RESULTS: The Valo Grand produced the most homogeneous microhardness across the surfaces of the RBCs (p>0.05). When the Celalux 3, Bluephase 20i and Elipar DeepCure-S lights were used, the center of the specimens achieved greater hardness values compared to their outer regions (p<0.05). Approximately 10% of the radiant power delivered to the top reached the bottom of the specimen, although almost no violet light passed through 4mm of either RBC. A positive correlation was observed between the radiant exposure and microhardness. SIGNIFICANCE: The characteristics of the LCUs influenced the photoactivation of the RBCs. The use of a wide tip with a homogeneous light distribution is preferred when light curing RBCs using a bulk curing technique.