Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

Efficacy testing of visible-light-curing units

C S Fowler1, M L Swartz, B K Moore

  • 1Indiana University School of Dentistry, Department of Dental Materials, Indianapolis 46202-5186.

Operative Dentistry
|March 1, 1994
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Differentiated service delivery for TB treatment.

The international journal of tuberculosis and lung disease : the official journal of the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease·2026
Same author

Mixed impact of Xpert(®) MTB/RIF on tuberculosis diagnosis in Cambodia.

Public health action·2016
Same author

Keratocystic Odontogenic Tumour of the Mandible: a case report of decompression with a customised removable tube and review of literature.

The New Zealand dental journal·2015
Same author

Rollout of Xpert(®) MTB/RIF in Northwest Cambodia for the diagnosis of tuberculosis among PLHA.

Public health action·2015
Same author

Epidemiology of drug-resistant tuberculosis among children and adolescents in South Africa, 2005-2010.

The international journal of tuberculosis and lung disease : the official journal of the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease·2015
Same author

The disconnect between a national tuberculosis drug resistance survey and treatment outcomes: a lost opportunity.

The international journal of tuberculosis and lung disease : the official journal of the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease·2014
Same journal

Academy of Operative Dentistry: Award of Excellence.

Operative dentistry·2026
Same journal

Effects of Charcoal-Based Mouthwashes on Color Change and Surface Roughness of a Stained Resin Composite.

Operative dentistry·2026
Same journal

Influence of Endodontic Access and Thermocycling on the Fracture Resistance of CAD/CAM Lithium Disilicate Anterior Crowns.

Operative dentistry·2026
Same journal

Color Match of Single-Shade and Group-Shade Resin Composites: A Visual and Instrumental Analysis.

Operative dentistry·2026
Same journal

Effect of Surface Treatment on the Characterization Layer of 3D-Printed and CAD/CAM Resin Composite Materials.

Operative dentistry·2026
Same journal

Cuspal Coverage Direct Resin Composite Restorations for Cracked Teeth: A Five-Year Clinical Study.

Operative dentistry·2026
See all related articles

Dental curing light intensity is crucial for resin polymerization. Reduced light output significantly impacts bottom surface hardness, and clinicians cannot reliably detect these deficits by touch, highlighting the need for light meters.

Area of Science:

  • Dental Materials Science
  • Polymerization Technology
  • Clinical Operative Dentistry

Background:

  • Adequate light output from curing lights is essential for complete resin polymerization.
  • Clinician's ability to assess curing light efficacy through tactile methods is often assumed but unproven.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of reduced curing light output on resin depth of cure.
  • To assess the clinical detectability of diminished curing light performance using tactile assessment.

Main Methods:

  • Curing light output was attenuated using neutral density filters (10-70% reduction).
  • Resin hardness was measured to determine the depth of cure after different exposure times (30s vs. 60s).
  • Clinicians used explorers to compare the hardness of top and bottom surfaces of cured resin specimens.

Related Experiment Videos

Main Results:

  • Top surface hardness was largely unaffected by reduced light output.
  • Bottom surface hardness was significantly reduced, particularly with shorter (30s) cure times.
  • Clinicians could not reliably detect hardness differences below 20-30 Barcol units.

Conclusions:

  • Significant reductions in curing light output can compromise resin polymerization, especially at depth.
  • Tactile assessment by clinicians is insufficient for detecting clinically relevant decreases in curing light performance.
  • Regular monitoring of curing light output with a light meter is recommended for ensuring adequate performance.