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Light transmission through all-ceramic dental materials: a pilot study
Flavio H Rasetto1, Carl F Driscoll, Vince Prestipino
1Department of Restorative Dentistry, Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, University of Maryland, 21202, USA. fhr001@dental.umaryland.edu
The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry
|May 22, 2004
Summary
High-intensity light sources like plasma arc or high-intensity halogen units are crucial for effective polymerization of resin luting agents through ceramic veneers. Conventional halogen units may not provide sufficient light transmission for adequate curing, especially with thicker veneers.
Area of Science:
- Dental Materials Science
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Photochemistry
Background:
- Light transmission through dental restorations is critical for the degree of polymerization of light-cured resin luting agents.
- All-ceramic restorations require adequate light penetration for proper bonding and longevity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure light transmission through various all-ceramic veneers using three different light-polymerization units.
- To evaluate the impact of ceramic type, thickness, and polymerization unit on light transmission and potential degree of polymerization.
Main Methods:
- Measured power output and intensity of conventional halogen, plasma arc, and high-intensity halogen light units.
- Assessed light intensity after transmission through different thicknesses (0.25-0.60 mm) of Procera copings and 1-mm disks of feldspathic, aluminous, and castable pressed ceramics.
- Compared light transmission through Procera-aluminous porcelain combinations.
- Analyzed light intensities using ANOVA and Scheffé tests.
Main Results:
- Light intensity from polymerization units varied significantly (conventional halogen: 660 mW/cm², high-intensity halogen: 1050 mW/cm², plasma arc: 2475 mW/cm²).
- Light transmission decreased with increasing ceramic thickness.
- Only plasma arc and high-intensity halogen units provided sufficient light energy for resin luting agent polymerization (P=.045).
Conclusions:
- Light intensity transmitted through ceramic veneers depends on the polymerization unit, ceramic type, and thickness.
- Conventional halogen units may be inadequate for curing resin luting agents through thicker ceramic veneers or all-ceramic crowns.
- Selection of appropriate high-intensity light sources is essential for successful light-cured resin luting agent polymerization in all-ceramic restorations.