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Thermal Effects of Rapid High-Intensity Light Curing on Bulk-Fill Resin-Based Composites: A Systematic Review and
Samille Biasi Miranda1, Marina Rodrigues Santi2, Giovana Lordsleem de Mendonça1
1Departament of Dental Materials, School of Dentistry, University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil, ufpe.br.
Thescientificworldjournal
|January 7, 2026
Summary
High-intensity, short-duration light curing of bulk-fill resin-based composites (RBCs) may be thermally safe, but evidence is limited. Avoid this method in deep cavities to prevent thermal damage.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Materials Science
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Bulk-fill resin-based composites (RBCs) are widely used in dental restorations.
- Standard light-curing protocols can be time-consuming.
- High-intensity, short-duration light curing offers a potential time-saving alternative.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the temperature increase in bulk-fill RBCs when using high-intensity, short-duration light curing compared to standard protocols.
- To synthesize existing in vitro evidence on the thermal effects of different light-curing strategies for bulk-fill RBCs.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of in vitro studies.
- Searches conducted in major scientific databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Virtual Health Library) up to April 2025.
- Two meta-analyses performed comparing 3s/10s and 3s/20s light-curing protocols for various increment thicknesses (1-4mm).
Main Results:
- Six studies were included, with a high risk of bias in most.
- A meta-analysis showed a statistically significant temperature increase for 3s vs. 10s curing (p=0.008).
- Another meta-analysis found no significant difference for 3s vs. 20s curing (p=0.20).
- The overall certainty of evidence was rated as very low.
Conclusions:
- High-intensity, short-duration light curing of bulk-fill RBCs appears thermally applicable based on limited in vitro data.
- The certainty of this evidence is very low.
- Clinical use in deep cavities with thin residual dentin should be avoided due to potential thermal damage risk.
