Impact of Battery Levels of a Cordless LED Curing Unit on Resin Cement under Varied Lithium Disilicate Thicknesses and Translucencies

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of battery levels on the emission of a multi-peak cordless LED light-curing unit (LCU) and the effect on the degree of conversion (DC) and Knoop hardness (KH) of a light-cure resin luting agent activated through varying lithium disilicate (LiS2) ceramic thicknesses and translucencies.

METHODS

High and low translucency LiS2 discs (IPS e.max Press HT and LT, respectively; shade A1) with thickness of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mm were fabricated. Resin luting agent specimens (Variolink Esthetic LC) were prepared and cured using a Bluephase G2 LCU at different battery levels (100%, 50%, and 10%) through the LiS2 ceramics. The transmitted irradiance was evaluated using USB4000 MARC, while FTIR and a microhardness tester assessed DC and KH, respectively. After ensuring homoscedasticity, the data wee analyzed using analysis of variance and Tukey HSD test (α=0.05).

RESULTS

The study found strong positive correlations between battery levels and irradiance, particularly with no ceramic interposition and through HT ceramics (R2=0.9471), although this correlation diminished with thicker HT (R2=0.7907) and LT ceramics (R2<0.2980). Both battery levels and ceramic thickness significantly influenced transmitted irradiance (p<0.0001), resulting in lower values with decreased battery levels and increased ceramic thicknesses (p<0.0001). LT ceramics showed lower transmittance than HT. DC was significantly affected by both battery levels and ceramic thicknesses, with generally lower DC values except for LT ceramics at a 10% battery level (p<0.0001). No significant differences in DC were observed between HT and LT translucencies (p=0.548). KH was higher in HT than LT ceramics at 100% and 50% battery levels, with thicker ceramics showing lower KH values at 10% battery level (p<0.0001). Conclusion: Reduced battery levels in cordless LED curing units significantly affect the irradiance, degree of conversion, and hardness of light-curable resin luting agents. Maintaining battery levels above 50% is recommended for optimal performance. Thicker and more opaque ceramics significantly impacted incident irradiance. However, preserving radiant energy could potentially mitigate these limitations.

Effect of Battery Level During Successive Charging Cycles on the Performance of Certified and Low-cost Uncertified Light-curing Units Available on E-commerce

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the influence of battery level on power (mW), emission spectrum (mW/cm2/ nm), and light distribution on the active tip (mW/ cm2) of certified (FDA/ANVISA) and low-cost uncertified light-curing units (LCUs) purchased through e-commerce.

METHODS

Seven LCUs, three certified: VALO Grand (Ultradent); Radii Xpert (SDI); and LED.B (Woodpecker); and four uncertified: 1 Sec; BS 300; LED curing light; and VAFU (VRN, AZDENT), were used. The LCUs were evaluated by calculating the power (mW) after each sequential five exposure cycles of 20 seconds and the emission spectrum (mW/cm2/nm) in the initial and final cycles, using an integrating sphere during three battery charging cycles. Beam profiling was used to check the light distribution on the LCU tip after every 50 exposure cycles until the battery fully discharged. Data were analyzed by linear regression between power and the number of exposure times (R2).

RESULTS

The certified LCUs VALO Grand (R2=0.005), LED.B (R2=0.02), and Radii Xpert (R2=0.09) and the uncertified LCU VAFU (R2=0.002) had no significant power reduction during the three battery charging cycles. The uncertified LCUs BS 300 (R2=0.87), 1 Sec (R2=0.60), and LED curing light (R2=0.83) showed significant power reduction, decreasing the emission spectrum (mW/cm2/nm) at the end of the battery charging cycle. The light distribution on the active tip across the level battery was modified significantly with successive exposure times.

CONCLUSIONS

The certified LCUs (VALO Grand, Radii Xpert, and LED.B) and uncertified LCU (VAFU), maintained power, emission spectrum, and light distributions during the tested battery life cycles. Low-cost certified LCU LED.B exhibited inhomogeneous light concentrated at the center of the tip. Low-cost uncertified LCUs-BS 300, 1 Sec, and LED curing light-had significant power reductions during the battery cycles and increased inhomogeneous light distribution along the successive exposure times.

Depth of Cure of Resin-Based Composites Irradiated With Three Types of Light-Curing Units at Different Output Intensities

Aim Dental light-curing units (LCUs) are used at Matsumoto Dental University Hospital (MDUH). However, the time of installation of the same type of light irradiator varies, which affects the output intensity of the LCU. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of LCU with different output intensities by comparing the depth of cure (DOC) of resin-based composites (RBCs). Materials and methods The output intensities of three types of LCUs, namely Pencure 2000(Morita, Osaka, Japan), DC BlueLEX Plus (Yoshida, Tokyo, Japan)​​​​​​​, and Candelux (Morita, Osaka, Japan), were measured using a commercial dental radiometer, namely Bluephase Meter II (Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein). The units with the highest and lowest output intensities were selected and used. The RBC, either Body A3 or Opaque A3 (Premise, Kerr, Brea, USA)​​​​​​​, was inserted into a cylindrical mold with an inner diameter of 4 mm and depth of 8 mm, and light irradiation was performed using an intervening polyester strip for 30 s. After removing the unpolymerized portions of the RBC from the mold with a plastic spatula, the long axis of the cured portion was measured with a digital caliper (n=10). Results The highest DOC was observed when the RBCs were cured with Pencure 2000 at 1513 mW/cm2, the highest output intensity. The DOC was significantly greater when the LCU was positioned at 0 mm than at 8 mm from the RBC surface, and the DOC of Body A3 was greater than that of Opaque A3 (p<0.05). Moreover, a positive correlation was observed between output intensity and DOC. The output intensity of LCUs in the same model also varied, which affected the DOC. Conclusion Increasing the output intensity at the tip of the light guide of the LCU also increased the DOC of the RBC. Increasing the irradiation distance from 0 mm to 8 mm decreased the DOC of the RBC. The DOC of the opaque-shade RBC was smaller than that of the body-shade RBC when curing was conducted with the same LCU.

Influence of Battery Levels in Cordless LED Light-curing Units on Properties of Resin Cement and Glass Fiber Post Retention

PURPOSE

This study aimed to assess the impact of battery levels in single-peak and multi-peak light-curing units (LCUs) on irradiance, and their effects on glass fiber post push-out bond strength to root dentin and the degree of conversion of dual-cure universal resin cement.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Sixty bovine roots underwent endodontic treatment and were randomly distributed into 6 groups (n=10), formed by combining two LCUs (single-peak and multipeak) and three battery levels (100%, 50%, and 10%). A spectrophotometer measured irradiance (mW/ cm2) and spectral irradiance (mW/cm2/nm). Push-out bond strength (PBS) tests occurred at three root regions (cervical, middle, and apical), with optical and scanning electron microscopy for failure mode analysis. Degree of conversion (DC) was evaluated across the root regions. Data were analyzed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA and the Tukey HSD test. The Fisher exact test verified failure modes (α=0.05).

RESULTS

As multipeak LCU battery levels decreased, emitted irradiance also diminished, with notable PBS reductions in the apical thirds. Failure modes were influenced by different conditions, primarily exhibiting mixed modes. Battery levels significantly impacted DC in the multipeak LCU, particularly in the cervical region, while the single-peak LCU exhibited DC reduction at the 10% battery level in the cervical region.

CONCLUSIONS

Emitted irradiance, resin cement DC, and glass fiber post bond strength to root dentin may be influenced by varying cordless LCUs and battery levels.

Bulk-fill composite in challenging cavities: conversion rate, solubility, and water absorption analysis

In a deep, curved cavity, polymerization of a bulk fill composite can be challenging. The aim of this study was to investigate the solubility, water absorption, and conversion rate of bulk-fill composite samples prepared using molds with various slope angles. Bulk-fill composite resin (Filtek One Bulk Fill) was placed into cylindrical Teflon molds with a depth of 4 mm, angled at varying degrees (90°, 75°, 60°, 45°). Two different LED light-curing units (VALO Cordless, iLed Curing Light) were used to cure the samples. Polymerizations were performed at three different distances (0 mm, 2 mm, and 4 mm). Five samples per group were used, resulting in a total of 24 groups. The Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer was utilized to evaluate the conversion levels of the samples. Water sorption and solubility values were determined by storing the composites in distilled water at 37 °C for 21 days. The VALO light-curing unit applied closest to samples inserted in a 90° angulation mold had the highest mean degree of conversion (41.55%), while iLED light-curing unit group that applied from 4 mm to the samples inserted in a 45° angulation mold had the lowest mean conversion (8.97%). The angle of the cavity and the distance at which the light-curing unit is applied significantly affected bulk-fill composite resin conversion. In addition, the choice of light-curing unit impacted the conversion levels. However, with the tested conditions, the water sorption and solubility values of polymerized composite resin samples remain unaffected by these factors.

Effect of four different mono and multi-wave light-curing units on the Knoop hardness of veneer resin composites

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effect of mono and multi-wave light-curing units (LCUs) on the Knoop hardness of resin-based composites (RBC) that use different photoinitiators.

METHODS

Central incisor-shaped specimens 12 mm long, 9 mm wide, and 1.5 mm thick were made from 2 RBCs that use different photoinitiators: Tetric N-Ceram (Ivoclar Vivadent) - and Vittra APS (FGM), both A2E shade. They were light-cured with 4 different LCUs: two claimed to be multi-wave - VALO Grand (Ultradent) and Emitter Now Duo (Schuster); and two were monowave - Radii Xpert (SDI) and Elipar DeepCure-L (3 M Oral Care) using 2 different light exposure protocols: one 40 s exposure centered over the specimen; and two 20 s light exposures that delivered light from two positions to better cover the entire tooth. 16 groups with 10 specimens in each group were made. The Knoop hardness (KH, kg/mm2) was measured at the top and bottom of the specimen in the center and at the cervical, incisal, mesial, and distal peripheral regions. The active tip diameters (mm) and spectral radiant powers (mW/nm) of the LCUs were measured with and without the interposition of the RBC, as well as the radiant exposure beam profiles (J/cm²) delivered to the top of the RBCs. The data was analyzed using Three-way ANOVA and Tukey's tests (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

The VALO Grand (1029 mW) emitted twice the power of the Radii Xpert (500 mW). The KH values of VI and TN resin composite specimens were significantly affected by the LCU used (p < .001), the measurement location (p < .001), and the surface of the specimen (p < .001). LCUs with wider tip diameters produced greater Knoop hardness values at the peripheries of the 12 mm of long, 9 mm wide specimens. In general, the VALO Grand produced the highest KH values, followed by Elipar DeepCure-L, then by Radii Xpert. The Emitter Now Duo LCU produced the lowest values. Exposing the veneers from two locations reduced the differences between the LCUs and the effect of the measurement location. Only the VALO Grand could fully cover the composite veneer with light when the two locations were used.

SIGNIFICANCE

The light tip must cover the entire restoration to photocure the RBC beneath the light tip.

Influence of Tip Diameter and Light Spectrum of Curing Units on the Properties of Bulk-Fill Resin Composites

Objective  The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different light-curing units (LCUs) with distinct tip diameters and light spectra for activating bulk-fill resins.

Materials and Methods  The specimens ( n  = 10) were made from a conventional composite (Amaris, VOCO) and bulk-fill resins (Aura Bulk Fill, SDI; Filtek One, 3M ESPE; Tetric Bulk Fill, Ivoclar Vivadent) with two diameters, 7 or 10 mm, × 2 mm thickness. Following 24 hours of specimen preparation, the degree of conversion (DC) was evaluated using the Fourier-transform infrared unit. Knoop hardness (KHN) readings were performed on the center and periphery of the specimens. Data were assessed for homoscedasticity and submitted to one-way and three-way analysis of variance followed by the Tukey's and Dunnett's tests, depending on the analysis performed (α = 0.05).

Results  LCUs and specimen diameter significantly affected the DC. The Tetric Bulk Fill provided increased DC results when light-cured with Valo (54.8 and 53.5%, for 7 and 10 mm, respectively) compared with Radii Xpert (52.1 and 52.9%, for 7 and 10 mm, respectively). No significant differences in KHN results were noted for the conventional resin composite ( Amaris ) compared with LCUs ( p  = 0.213) or disc diameters ( p  = 0.587), but the center of the specimen exhibited superior KHN ( p ≤ 0.001) than the periphery.

Conclusion  The light spectrum of the multipeak LCU ( Valo ) significantly increased the DC and KHN of the bulk-fill resin composite with additional initiator to camphorquinone ( Tetric Bulk Fill ) compared with the monowave LCU ( Radii Xpert ). The tip size of the LCUs influenced the performance of some of the resin composites tested.

Relationship Between the Cost of 12 Light-curing Units and Their Radiant Power, Emission Spectrum, Radiant Exitance, and Beam Profile

OBJECTIVES

To correlate the radiant power (mW), radiant exitance (or tip irradiance in mW/cm2), emission spectrum (mW/cm2/nm), and beam irradiance profile of 12 light-curing units (LCUs) available in the Brazilian market with their market cost.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Six LCUs that cost more than US$900 (Bluephase G4,VALO Grand, VALO Cordless, Radii Xpert, Elipar DeepCure-S, and Radii plus) and six low-cost LCUs costing less than US$500 (Radii Cal, Optilight Max, High Power LED 3M, Emitter D, Emitter C, and LED B) were examined. Radiant power (mW) and emission spectrum (mW/nm) were measured using an integrating sphere connected to a fiber-optic spectroradiometer. The internal tip diameter (mm) of each LCU was measured using a digital caliper and was used to calculate the average radiant exitance (mW/cm2). Irradiance profiles at the light tip were measured using a commercial laser beam profiler. The cost of each LCU in Brazil was correlated with internal tip diameter, radiant power, and tip irradiance.

RESULTS

None of the low-cost LCUs were broad spectrum multiple peak LCUs. There was no correlation between the cost of the LCUs and their averaged tip irradiance; however, there was a high positive correlation between the cost of the LCUs and the radiant power and tip diameter. The VALO Grand, Elipar DeepCure-S, VALO Cordless, and Bluephase G4 all emitted a higher radiant power. They also had a significantly greater tip diameter than other LCUs. For the LCUs with a nonuniform output, some areas of the light tip delivered less than 400 mW/cm2, while other areas delivered more than 2500 mW/cm2.

CONCLUSIONS

In general, LCUs that had a higher cost (US$971-US$1800) delivered more power (mW) and had a greater tip diameter (mm), which covered more of a tooth. In general, the low-cost LCUs (US$224-US$470) emitted a lower radiant power and had a smaller tip diameter.

The light-curing unit: An essential piece of dental equipment

INTRODUCTION

This article describes the features that should be considered when describing, purchasing and using a light-curing unit (LCU).

METHODS

The International System of Units (S.I.) terms of radiant power or radiant flux (mW), spectral radiant power (mW/nm), radiant exitance or tip irradiance (mW/cm² ), and the irradiance received at the surface (also in mW/cm² ) are used to describe the output from LCU. The concept of using an irradiance beam profile to map the radiant exposure (J/cm² ) from the LCU is introduced.

RESULTS

Even small changes in the active tip diameter of the LCU will have a large effect on the radiant exitance. The emission spectra and the effects of distance on the irradiance delivered are not the same from all LCUs. The beam profile images show that using a single averaged irradiance value to describe the LCU can be very misleading. Some LCUs have 'hot spots' of high radiant exitance that far exceed the current ISO 10650 standard. Such inhomogeneity may cure the resin unevenly and may also be dangerous to soft tissues. Recommendations are made that will help the dentist when purchasing and then safely using the LCU.

CONCLUSIONS

Dental manufacturers should report the radiant power from their LCU, the spectral radiant power, information about the compatibility of the emission spectrum from the LCU with the photoinitiators used, the active optical tip diameter, the radiant exitance, the effect of distance from the tip on the irradiance delivered, and the irradiance beam profile from the LCU.