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An Assessment of 1067 Light Curing Units Measured Twice Between 2015 and 2021
R B Price1, J L Ferracane2, C Felix3
1Faculty of Dentistry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2, Canada.
Summary
Most dental light curing units (LCUs) initially had tip damage or debris. Resolving these issues significantly increased LCU irradiance, improving performance for dental professionals.
Area of Science:
- Dental materials science
- Biomedical engineering
- Clinical dentistry
Background:
- Light curing units (LCUs) are essential in modern dentistry.
- The physical condition of LCU tips can impact their performance.
- Irradiance levels are critical for effective polymerization of dental resins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the physical condition and irradiance of dental LCUs.
- To determine the relationship between LCU tip condition and irradiance output.
- To evaluate changes in LCU performance over time.
Main Methods:
- 1067 LCUs from 544 dental clinics were assessed twice between 2015 and 2021.
- The CheckMARC (BlueLight) radiometer was used to measure tip irradiance.
- Paired Student's t-test analyzed irradiance value changes (α = 0.05).
Main Results:
- A wide range of irradiance values were observed (200 to 3,777 mW/cm²).
- Initially, 74% of LCUs had tip damage or debris; this improved to 70% resolution over time.
- Resolving tip damage or debris led to increased LCU irradiance.
Conclusions:
- Most LCUs exhibit tip damage or debris, affecting performance.
- Maintenance and cleaning of LCU tips are crucial for optimal irradiance.
- Improved LCU tip condition directly correlates with enhanced light output.
