Curing lights: changes in intensity output with use over time

Intensity output of curing lights affects cure depth and time needed for complete polymerization of resin composites. In this study, changes in intensity output of Max Curing Lights (L.D. Caulk Co., Milford, DE) were compared over time. With a Demetron Model 100 Curing Radiometer (Demetron Research Corp., Danbury, CT), 201 curing lights (from 1 to 3 years old) were tested. The 1- and 2-year-old lights had mean outputs of 423 mW/cm2; the 3-year-old lights had a mean output of 376 mW/cm2. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc Scheffe test demonstrated a significant effect of use over time on intensity output of these lights.