Evaluation of a new curing light on the shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets

With the introduction of photosensitive (light-cured) restorative materials in dentistry, various methods were suggested to enhance their polymerization and to shorten the curing time including layering and the use of more powerful light-curing devices. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of using a new light-curing apparatus that uses a light-emitting diode (LED) on the shear bond strength of an orthodontic adhesive. The new light-curing apparatus used in the study was UltraLume 2 (Ultradent USA, South Jordan, Utah) that has an 8-mm footprint and can simultaneously cure two orthodontic brackets. Forty teeth were etched with 37% phosphoric acid, washed and dried, and sealant applied, and then precoated brackets with the Transbond adhesive (APC II, 3M Unitek, Monrovia, Calif) were placed. The teeth were randomly divided into two groups according to the curing light used. In group I (control), 20 brackets were cured using an Ortholux (3M Unitek) halogen curing light for 20 seconds. In group II, 20 brackets were cured using the new LED light for 20 seconds. The findings indicated no significant (P = .343) differences in the shear bond strength between the Ortholux halogen light (5.1 +/- 2.5 MPa) and the UltraLume 2 LED light when the two groups were compared using Student's t-test (t = -0.961). In conclusion, the advantages of the new unit include the ability to cure two brackets at a time and a smaller light-emitting apparatus for the clinician to handle.