Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 25, 2026

Evaluating the Effects of Different Polishing Methods on Color Stability of Dental Restorations in Pediatric Dentistry
Published on: June 6, 2025
EFFECT OF LIGHT INTENSITY ON THE CURE CHARACTERISTICS OF PHOTO-POLYMERISED DENTAL COMPOSITES
B A Kassim1, B K Kisumbi, W R Lesan
1Department of Conservative and Prosthetic Dentistry, College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.
Objective:
To determine the light intensity emitted by light curing units (LCUs) and its effect on the cure characteristics of composites polymerised with it.
Design:
A laboratory based cross sectional study.
Setting:
Public and private dental clinics in Nairobi, Kenya.
Results:
Thirty five (42.17%) LCUs produced light of intensity ≤300mWcm⁻² while 43 (51.8%) LCUs had their intensities between 300 and 1200mWcm⁻². Mean DOC and surface hardness for the 0-300mWcm⁻² LCUs was 1.34mm and 46.60VHN respectively. The mean DOC increased steadily from the lowest intensity group (1.34mm) to the 1200-15OOmWcm⁻² group (2.32 mm) and then declined to 1.98mm for the 1500-1800mWcm⁻² group. Statistical analysis showed significant differences in the mean DOC (p=0.000) and surface micro-hardness (p=0.002) for the different intensity groups.
Conclusion:
Light intensity output of LCUs has a significant influence on the cure characteristics of dental composites with both DOC and surface micro-hardness increasing with increase in light intensity up to 1500mWcm⁻².
Related Concept Videos
Accelerated Curing of Concrete
Variables Affecting Phosphorescence and Fluorescence
Pharmacokinetic–Pharmacodynamic Relationship: Intensity of Dose-Effect Relationship

