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Updated: May 7, 2026
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Accuracy in Dental Medicine, A New Way to Measure Trueness and Precision
Published on: April 29, 2014
Time dependent accuracy of dental radiometers
Danijela Marović1, Sanja Matić, Katarina Kelić
1Department of Endodontics and Restorative Dentistry, School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, Croatia. marovic@sfzg.hr
Acta Clinica Croatica
|September 24, 2013
Summary
Dental curing light intensity is crucial for restoration quality. Two commercial radiometers (Bluephase meter and Cure Rite) tended to overestimate light output compared to a reference device, with measurement timing impacting accuracy.
Area of Science:
- Dental Materials Science
- Biomedical Optics
- Clinical Dentistry
Background:
- Inadequate polymerization light intensity compromises dental composite restoration quality and longevity.
- Regular control of photopolymerization units is essential for maintaining optimal dental device strength.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the accuracy of two handheld radiometers (Bluephase meter and Cure Rite) against a reference integrating sphere.
- To evaluate the influence of measurement time points (initial, 10s, 40s) on light intensity readings from dental curing lights.
Main Methods:
- Light intensity measurements were taken from 16 halogen and 8 LED curing lights.
- Measurements were performed using two commercial radiometers (Bluephase meter, Cure Rite) and an integrating sphere (reference).
- Readings were recorded at the start, 10 seconds, and 40 seconds after illumination initiation.
Main Results:
- Both commercial radiometers (Bluephase meter, Cure Rite) generally overestimated light intensity compared to the integrating sphere.
- The Bluephase meter showed significantly higher values initially and at 10 seconds versus the reference.
- The Cure Rite showed higher values at 10 and 40 seconds compared to the reference; measurement time influenced readings.
Conclusions:
- Commercial radiometers may inaccurately assess dental curing light intensity, potentially overestimating output.
- The time point of measurement significantly affects the recorded light intensity values.
- Radiometer heating is a potential cause for observed inaccuracies in light intensity measurements.
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