Comparison of composite curing parameters: effects of light source and curing mode on conversion, temperature rise and polymerization shrinkage

This study analyzed the degree of conversion, temperature increase and polymerization shrinkage of two hybrid composite materials polymerized with a halogen lamp using three illumination modes and a photopolymerization device based on blue light emitting diodes. The degree of conversion of Tetric Ceram (TC) (Ivoclar Vivadent) and Filtek Z 250 (F) (3M/ESPE) was measured by Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy at the surface and 2-mm depth; temperature rise was measured by digital multimeter, and linear polymerization shrinkage was measured during cure by digital laser interferometry. Composite samples were illuminated by quartz-tungsten-halogen curing unit (QTH) (Astralis 7, Ivoclar Vivadent) under the following modes: "high power" (HH) 40 seconds at 750 mW/cm2, "low power" (HL) 40 seconds at 400 mW/cm2 and "pulse/soft-start" (HP) increasing from 150 to 400 mW/cm2 during 15 seconds followed by 25 seconds pulsating between 400 and 750 mW/cm2 in 2-second intervals and by light emitting diodes (LED) (Lux-o-Max, Akeda Dental) with emitted intensity 10 seconds at 50 mW/cm2 and 30 seconds at 150 mW/cm2. A significantly higher temperature increase was obtained for both materials using the HH curing mode of halogen light compared to the HP and HL modes and the LED curing unit after 40 seconds. Significantly lower temperature values after 10-second illumination were obtained when LED was used compared to all halogen modes. For all curing modes, there was no significant difference in temperature rise between 20 and 40 seconds of illumination. Results for the degree of conversion measurements show that there is a significant difference in the case of illumination of resin composite samples with LED at the surface and 2 mm depth. For polymerization shrinkage, lower values after 40 seconds were obtained using LED compared to QTH.     

Effect of light curing modes and light curing time on the microhardness of a hybrid composite resin

AIMS: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the influence of light curing modes and curing time on the microhardness of a hybrid composite resin. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Forty-five Z250 composite resin specimens (3M-ESPE Dental Products, St. Paul, MN, USA) were randomly divided into nine groups (n=5): three polymerization modes (conventional-550 mW/cm2; light-emitting diodes (LED)-360 mW/cm2, and high intensity-1160 mW/cm2) and three light curing times (once, twice, and three times the manufacturer's recommendations). All samples were polymerized with the light tip 8 mm from the specimen. Knoop microhardness measurements were obtained on the top and bottom surfaces of the sample. RESULTS: Conventional and LED polymerization modes resulted in higher hardness means and were statistically different from the high intensity mode in almost all experimental conditions. Tripling manufacturers' recommended light curing times resulted in higher hardness means; this was statistically different from the other times for all polymerization modes in the bottom surface of specimens. This was also true of the top surface of specimens cured using the high intensity mode but not of conventional and LED modes using any of the chosen curing times. Top surfaces showed higher hardness than bottom surfaces. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to increase the light curing time and use appropriate light curing devices to polymerize resin composite in deep cavities to maximize the hardness of hybrid composite resins.     

The effectiveness of cure of LED and halogen curing lights at varying cavity depths

This study compared the effectiveness of cure of two LED (light-emitting diodes) lights (Elipar FreeLight [FL], 3M-ESPE and GC e-Light [EL], GC) to conventional (Max [MX] (control), Dentsply-Caulk), high intensity (Elipar TriLight [TL], 3M-ESPE) and very high intensity (Astralis 10 [AS], Ivoclar Vivadent) halogen lights at varying cavity depths. Ten light curing regimens were investigated. They include: FL1-400 mW/cm2 [40 seconds], FL2-0-400 mW/cm2 [12 seconds] --> 400 mW/cm2 [28 seconds], EL1-750 mW/cm2 [10 pulses x 2 seconds], EL2-350 mW/cm2 [40 seconds], EL3-600 mW/cm2 [20 seconds], EL4-0-600 mW/cm2 [20 seconds] --> 600 mW/cm2 [20 seconds], TL1-800 mW/cm2 [40 seconds], TL2-100-800 mW/cm2 [15 seconds] --> 800 mW/cm2 [25 seconds], AS1-1200 mW/cm2 [10 seconds], MX-400 mW/cm2 [40 seconds]. The effectiveness of cure of the different modes was determined by measuring the top and bottom surface hardness (KHN) of 2-mm, 3-mm and 4-mm thick composite (Z100, [3M-ESPE]) specimens using a digital microhardness tester (n = 5, load = 500 g; dwell time = 15 seconds). Results were analyzed using ANOVA/Scheffe's post-hoc test and Independent Samples t-Test (p < 0.05). For all lights, effectiveness of cure was found to decrease with increased cavity depths. The mean hardness ratio for all curing lights at a depth of 2 mm was found to be greater than 0.80 (the accepted minimum standard). At 3 mm, all halogen lights produced a hardness ratio greater than 0.80 but some LED light regimens did not; and at a depth of 4 mm, the mean hardness ratio observed with all curing lights was less than 0.80. Significant differences in top and bottom KHN values were observed among different curing regimens for the same light and between LED and halogen lights. While curing with most modes of EL resulted in significantly lower top and bottom KHN values than the control (MX) at all depths, the standard mode of FL resulted in significantly higher top and bottom KHN at a depth of 3 mm and 4 mm. The depth of composite cure with LED LCUs was, therefore, product and mode dependent.     

Curing efficiency of three different curing modes at different distances for four composites

This study investigated the influence of the different curing distances with three polymerization modes in terms of the surface microhardness of four resin composites as a function of energy density. A hybrid resin composite and flowable composite from each of two manufacturers were evaluated. The specimens were polymerized with one of two light-curing units: 1) Mini LED AutoFocus (1500 mW/cm2) with a fast curing mode, for which two polymerization regimens were used: a) one AutoFocus function cycle and b) two AutoFocus function cycles, and 2) LEDemetron I (950 mW/cm2) with a 20-second curing time. Polymerization was performed with the curing tip at a distance of 0 mm, 3.0 mm, 6.0 mm, and 9.0 mm from the top surface of the specimen, and the power density of each light source was measured with a spectrophotometer. All specimens were stored in distilled water in a light-proof container at 37°C for 24 hours, and their top and bottom surface Knoop hardness numbers were determined. Microhardness data were submitted to two-way analysis of variance and multiple comparisons with a Tukey test. All statistical analyses were performed at a significance level of 0.05. Though the curing lights tested exhibited a decrease in power density with distance, the rate and extent of power density loss were not the same. The polymerization mode and curing tip distance had a significant effect on the composite microhardness. There was also a significant interaction among polymerization mode, curing tip distance, and microhardness. The curing ability of the three polymerization modes was ranked in terms of the hardness percent values: the LEDemetron I > two cycles of the Mini LED AutoFocus > one cycle of the Mini LED AutoFocus.     

Effect of LED curing modes on the microleakage of a pit and fissure sealant

PURPOSE: To evaluate in vitro the curing effect of a very high intensity light-emitting diode (LED) unit and a conventional LED unit (including "soft-start" modes) on the microleakage of a pit and fissure sealant. METHODS: 120 intact caries-free human molars were randomly divided into six groups (n=20), sealed with Fissurit-F and polymerized using either a conventional halogen unit (Optilux) (Control group) in standard mode (40 seconds @ 600 mW/cm2); a very high intensity LED unit (Mini LED) in fast (10 seconds @ 1,100 mW/cm2) or soft-start mode (pulse mode: ten 1-second flashes @ 1,100 mW/cm2; exponential mode: exponential increase from 0 to 1,100 mW/cm2 within 10 seconds followed by 10 seconds @1,100 mW/cm2); or a conventional LED unit (Elipar Freelight) in standard (40 seconds @ 400 mW/cm2) or exponential mode (exponential increase from 0 to 400mW/cm2 within 12 seconds followed by 28 seconds @ 400 mW/cm2). Restored specimens were stored in distilled water at 37 degrees C for 24 hours. Specimens were then immersed in a 0.5% fuchsin dye solution for 24 hours, with half of the specimens from each group subjected to thermocycling (5/55 degrees C; x 1000) prior to dye immersion. After removal from the dye solution, specimens were sectioned and the degree of dye penetration scored. Data was statistically analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis H test and the Mann-Whitney U-test (P< 0.05). RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in microleakage of pit and fissure sealant polymerized using various curing techniques. Thermocycling regimens had no effect on either LED- or halogen-cured specimens.     

The Knoop hardness of a composite resin polymerized with different curing lights and different modes

AIM: The purpose of this study was to compare the surface hardness of a hybrid composite resin polymerized with different curing lights. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Two 3.0 mm thick composite resin discs were polymerized in a prepared natural tooth mold using: (1) a conventional quartz-tungsten halogen light (QTH- Spectrum 800); (2) a high-intensity halogen light, Elipar Trilight (TL)-standard/exponential mode; (3) a high-intensity halogen light, Elipar Highlight (HL)-standard/soft-start mode; (4) a light-emitting diode, Elipar Freelight (LED); and (5) a plasma-arc curing light, Virtuoso (PAC). Exposure times were 40 seconds for the halogen and LED lights, and three and five seconds for the PAC light. Following polymerization, the Knoop hardness was measured at the bottom and the top surfaces of the discs. RESULTS: Significant differences were found between top and bottom Knoop Hardness number (KHN) values for all lights. The hardness of the top and bottom surfaces of both specimens cured by the PAC light was significantly lower than the other lights. No significant hardness differences were observed between the remaining curing units at the top of the 2.0 mm specimens. Significant differences were found between the LED and two modes of HL on the bottom surfaces. For the 3.0 mm thick samples, while significant differences were noted between LED and TL standard mode and between the two TL curing modes on the top, significant differences were only observed between QTH and the standard modes of TL and HL at the bottom.     

Effect of high-powered LED polymerization on the shear bond strength of a light-polymerized resin luting agent to ceramic and dentin

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: A newly introduced high-powered light-emitting diode (LED) light-polymerization unit with various polymerization modes is purported to polymerize dental resins more quickly than standard units. However, there is insufficient information about the effects of this type of light source and its polymerization modes on resin luting agents (RLAs). PURPOSE: This in vitro study evaluated the effects of different modes of a high-powered LED polymerization unit on the shear bond strength of a light-polymerized RLA to ceramic and dentin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty ceramic cylinders (3 x 3 mm) were fabricated from a heat-pressed ceramic (IPS Empress 2). Specimen surfaces were abraded using 600-grit silicon carbide paper and airborne-particle abraded with 50-mum desiccant alumina particles, cleaned ultrasonically, etched using hydrofluoric acid, and treated with a silane coupling agent (Ceramic primer). Sixty noncarious, freshly extracted, permanent human molar teeth were embedded in autopolymerizing acrylic resin, and their dentin surfaces were wet-ground using a grinding and polishing machine fitted with 180-grit abrasive disks. The ground dentin surfaces were then etched with 37% phosphoric acid gel, and an adhesive agent (Single Bond) was applied. Ceramic specimens (n = 15) were bonded to dentin surfaces with a dual-initiated RLA (Rely-X ARC) and individually polymerized by 1 of 4 different modes, as follows: Halogen standard mode (Control) (600 mW/cm2 for 40 seconds); high-powered LED fast mode (1100 mW/cm2 for 10 seconds); high-powered LED pulse mode (1100 mW/cm2 for 10 seconds); and high-powered LED exponential mode (1100 mW/cm2 for 20 seconds). Cemented specimens were subjected to shear loading until fracture using a universal testing machine. A stereomicroscope (x25) was used to identify the mode of fracture. Bond strength (MPa) data were analyzed using 1-way analysis of variance and the Tukey HSD test (alpha = .05). RESULTS: Specimens polymerized using halogen standard mode (23.9 +/- 1.3 MPa) and LED exponential mode (23.0 +/- 1.1 MPa) had significantly higher ( P < .001) mean shear bond strengths compared with both LED fast (15.1 +/- 1.3 MPa) and pulse (14.6 +/- 1.3 MPa) modes. The Tukey HSD tests showed no significant differences in shear bond strength between specimens polymerized using high-powered LED exponential mode and halogen standard mode. Most failures were adhesive failures at the dentin-RLA interface or the RLA-ceramic interface in specimens polymerized using high-powered LED fast or pulse modes. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, the shear bond strength of an RLA to ceramic and dentin was found to be similar when polymerized using halogen light in standard mode and high-powered LED light in exponential mode, whereas shear bond strength was significantly lower when polymerized using LED in fast or pulse mode.     

Effect of different intensity light curing modes on microleakage of two resin composite restorations

This in vitro study evaluated the marginal leakage of two resin composites light cured in four different polymerization modes. Standardized Class V cavities were prepared on the buccal enamel surface of 80 sound, freshly extracted inferior bovine incisors. The teeth were randomly divided into eight experimental groups: two resin composites (Z250 Charisma) and four polymerization modes (conventional-680 mW/cm2/30 seconds; soft start-380mW/cm2/10 seconds + 680 mW/cm2/20 seconds; plasma arc curing- 1480mW/cm(2)-3 seconds; combined- 380mW/cm2-10 seconds + 1480mW/cm(2)-3 seconds). All specimens were thermocycled (1,000 cycles at 5 degrees C and 55 degrees C) with a dwell time of one minute at each temperature and immersed in a 2% methylene blue solution for more than 12 hours. The specimens were then washed and prepared for spectrophotometric analysis to quantify the dye concentration. Soft start and combined polymerization modes presented better results and were statistically different from conventional and plasma arc curing polymerization methods for both resin composites. There were no statistical differences between the two resin composites.     

Influence of light-polymerization modes on the degree of conversion and mechanical properties of resin composites: a comparative analysis between a hybrid and a nanofilled composite

This study analyzed the influence of the light polymerization mode on the degree of conversion (DC) and mechanical properties of two resin composites: a hybrid (Filtek P60) and a nanofilled composite (Filtek Supreme). The composites were light activated by three light polymerization modes (Standard-S: 650 mW/cm2 for 30 seconds; High intensity-H: 1000 mW/cm2 for 20 seconds and Gradual-G: 100 up to 1000 mW/cm2 for 10 seconds + 1000 mW/cm2 for 10 seconds). The DC (%) was measured by FT-Raman spectroscopy. Flexural strength and flexural modulus were obtained from bar-shaped specimens (1 x 2 x 10 mm) submitted to the three-point bending test. Microhardness was evaluated by Knoop indentation (KHN). Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Student-Newman-Keuls multiple range test and linear regression analysis. The results showed the following DC: H > S > G (p < 0.0001) and hybrid > nanofilled (p < 0.005). Correlation was found between DC and the radiant exposure (R2 = 0.92). With respect to mechanical properties, only KHN was significantly influenced by the light polymerization mode, as follow: H > S = G (p < 0.0001). The hybrid composite presented higher flexural strength and flexural modulus than the nanofilled composite (p < 0.0001). No significant difference was found in KHN between thetwo composites (p = 0.1605). The results suggest that nanofilled composites may present a lower degree of conversion and reduced mechanical properties compared to hybrid composites.     

Effectiveness of composite cure associated with different curing modes of LED lights

This study compared the effectiveness of cure of two LED (light-emitting diodes) lights (Elipar FreeLight [FL], 3M-ESPE; GC e-Light [EL], GC) to conventional (Max [MX], Dentsply-Caulk [control]), high intensity (Elipar TriLight [TL], 3M-ESPE) and very high intensity (Astralis 10 [AS], Ivoclar Vivadent) halogen lights. The 10 light-curing regimens investigated were: FL1 400 mW/cm2 [40 seconds], FL2 0-400 mW/cm2 [12 seconds] --> 400 mW/cm2 [28 seconds], EL1 750 mW/cm2 [10 pulses x 2 seconds], EL2 350 mW/cm2 [40 seconds], EL3 600 mW/cm2 [20 seconds], EL4 0-600 mW/cm2 [20 seconds] --> 600 mW/cm2 [20 seconds], TL1 800 mW/cm2 [40 seconds], TL2 100-800 mW/cm2 [15 seconds] --> 800 mW/cm2 [25 seconds], AS1 1200 mW/cm2 [10 seconds], MX 400 mW/cm2 [40 seconds]. Effectiveness of cure with the different modes was determined by measuring the top and bottom surface hardness (KHN) of 2-mm thick composite (Z100, [3M-ESPE]) specimens using a digital microhardness tester (n=5, load=500 g; dwell time=15 seconds). Results were analyzed using one-way ANOVA/Scheffe's post-hoc test and Independent Samples t-test (p<0.05). At the top surface, the mean KHN observed with LED lights ranged from 55.42 +/- 1.47 to 68.54 +/- 1.46, while that of halogen lights was 62.64 +/- 1.87 to 73.14 +/- 0.97. At the bottom surface, the mean KHN observed with LED and halogen lights ranged from 46.90 +/- 1.73 to 66.46 +/- 1.18 and 62.26 +/- 1.93 to 70.50 +/- 0.87, respectively. Significant differences in top and bottom KHN values were observed between different curing regimens for the same light, and between LED and halogen lights. Although curing with most modes of EL resulted in significantly lower top and bottom KHN values than the control, no significant difference was observed for the different modes of FL. Hence, the effectiveness of composite cure with LED LCUs is product dependent.     

Shrinkage stress of three composites under different polymerization methods

The aim of this study was to evaluate the shrinkage stress of three composites under different polymerization methods: halogen conventional polymerization (G1), halogen "soft-start" polymerization (G2) and LED polymerization (G3). The composites tested were Filtek Z-100 (3M/ESPE), Filtek Z-250 (3M/ESPE) and Solitaire 2 (Heraeus Kulzer). For G1, an XL-3000 (3M/ESPE) curing unit with light intensity of 507 mW/cm2 was employed. In G2, the same light unit was used, but with a reduced light intensity in the first 20 s (166 mW/cm2). In G3, an Ultrablue I (DMC) LED curing unit with light intensity of 125 mW/cm2 was used. The test was performed with a DL 2000 (EMIC) universal testing machine and two metallic molds with a 1 mm space between them. The composites were inserted in the space between the molds and light cured according to the protocols mentioned above. Stress was registered in different periods of time: 10, 20, 40, 60, 90 and 120 s. A significant linear increase of the shrinkage stress over time was observed, except for Z-100 in G2. Generally, LED polymerization (G3) reduced the generated stress when compared to conventional halogen polymerization (G1). In G3, the composite with the additional co-initiator presented lower stress when compared to the other composites tested. The combination between composite and polymerization method produced different patterns of stress behavior. LED polymerization reduced the initial shrinkage stress of the three materials and was influenced by the presence of co-initiators in the composites.     

Influence of curing rate of resin composite on the bond strength to dentin

This study determined whether the strength with which resin composite bonds to dentin is influenced by variations in the curing rate of resin composites. Resin composites were bonded to the dentin of extracted human molars. Adhesive (AdheSE, Ivoclar Vivadent) was applied and cured (10 seconds @ 1000 mW/cm2) for all groups. A split Teflon mold was clamped to the treated dentin surface and filled with resin composite. The rate of cure was varied, using one of four LED-curing units of different power densities. The rate of cure was also varied using the continuous or pulse-delay mode. In continuous curing mode, in order to give an energy density totaling 16 J/cm2, the power densities (1000, 720, 550, 200 mW/cm2) emitted by the various curing units were compensated for by the light curing period (16, 22, 29 or 80 seconds). In the pulse-delay curing mode, two seconds of light curing at one of the four power densities was followed by a one-minute interval, after which light cure was completed (14, 29, 27 or 78 seconds), likewise, giving a total energy density of 16 J/cm2. The specimens produced for each of the eight curing protocols and two resin composites (Tetric EvoCeram, Ivoclar Vivadent; Filtek Supreme XT, 3M ESPE) were stored in water at 37 degrees C for seven days. The specimens were then either immediately subjected to shear bond strength testing or subjected to artificial aging (6,000 cycles between 5 degrees C and 55 degrees C baths) prior to testing. Failure modes were also assessed. The shear bond strengths were submitted to factorial analysis of variance, and the failure modes were submitted to a Chi-square test (alpha = 0.05). All but power density (curing mode, resin composite material and mode of aging) significantly affected shear bond strength. The curing mode and resin composite material also influenced the failure mode. At the selected constant energy density, pulse-delay curing reduced bonding of the resin composite to dentin.     

Composite cure and shrinkage associated with high intensity curing light

This study investigated the effectiveness of cure and post-gel shrinkage of three visible light-cured composite resins (In Ten-S [IT], Ivoclar Vivadent; Z100 [ZO], 3M-ESPE; Tetric Ceram [TC], Ivoclar Vivadent) when polymerized with a very high intensity (1296 +/- 2 mW/cm2) halogen light (Astralis 10, Ivoclar Vivadent) for 10 seconds. Irradiation with a conventional (494 +/- 3 mW/cm2) halogen light (Spectrum, Dentsply) for 40 seconds was used for comparison. The effectiveness of cure was assessed by computing the hardness gradient between the top and bottom surfaces of 2-mm composite specimens after curing. A strain-monitoring device was used to measure the linear polymerization shrinkage associated with the various composites and curing lights. A sample size of five was used for both experiments. Data was analyzed using ANOVA/Scheffe's post-hoc and Independent Samples t-tests at significance level 0.05. Results showed that the effect of the curing method on the effectiveness of cure and shrinkage was material-dependent. Polymerization of IT and TC with Spectrum for 40 seconds resulted in significantly more effective cure than polymerization with Astralis for 10 seconds. Polymerization of ZO with Spectrum for 40 seconds resulted in significantly more shrinkage than polymerization with Astralis for 10 seconds. In view of the substantial time saving, using high intensity lights may be a viable method to polymerize composites.     

Hardness and diametral tensile strength of a hybrid composite resin polymerized with different modes and immersed in ethanol or distilled water media

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the microhardness and diametral tensile strength of a hybrid composite resin (Z250, 3M ESPE) polymerized with four different modes of light exposure and immersed in two different media. METHODS: Composite resin specimens were randomly polymerized according to the experimental groups (conventional, 550 mW/cm(2)/30 s; soft start, 300 mW/cm(2)/10 s + 550 mW/cm(2)/20 s; high intensity, 1060 mW/cm(2)/10 s; pulse delay, 550 mW/cm(2)/1 s + 60 s of waiting time + 550 mW/cm(2)/20 s) and immersed in one of two media (distilled water or absolute ethanol) for 24 h. After that, microhardness (M) and diametral tensile strength (DTS) tests were performed. RESULTS: For DTS, there were no statistical differences among the polymerization modes, however, ethanol medium groups presented statistically lower DTS (p < 0.05) than water medium. For the M test, samples immersed in ethanol medium presented lower M for almost all groups. Conventional mode presented higher M values for the groups immersed in water medium. In ethanol medium, conventional and pulse delay groups presented higher M values, statistically different (p < 0.05) from the high intensity group. For all experimental conditions, the top surface showed higher M than the bottom surface. SIGNIFICANCE: Different polymerization modes can be related to the different polymer structures formed, and consequently with different physical properties of resin composite. The immersion media can alter the physical properties of resin composites of different polymer structures.     

Marginal adaption of Class V restorations with and without "softstart-polymerization"

Polymerization shrinkage causing marginal gap formation is still a major problem in light curing restorations. The aim of the present study was to test the influence of "softstart polymerization" (prepolymerization at a low light intensity followed by a final cure at a high light intensity) on the marginal integrity of polyacid-modified resin and composite resin restorations in Class V cavities using a commercially available curing unit with two defined curing intensities. Sixty standardized Class V cavities were prepared. Twenty cavities at a time were filled either with a composite resin [Spectrum + Prime & Bond 2.1 (SP)], or with polyacid-modified resins [Dyract + Prime & Bond 2.1 (DY); Hytac + OSB Primer (HY)]. Ten fillings of each group were either conventionally cured (40 seconds, 800 mW/cm2), or they were cured with a lower starting intensity (10 seconds, 150 mW/cm2) and then with the full intensity (30 seconds, 800 mW/cm2). Margins were evaluated before and after thermomechanical loading (TCML) by quantitative margin analysis. Microleakage was assessed by dye penetration. The softstart polymerization showed no significant influence on gap formation for each material and interface before and after TCML. Quantitative margin analysis after TCML showed significantly fewer marginal gaps at the enamel/restoration interface for SP (0%) compared to DY (15.5%) and HY (44.5%) using softstart polymerization. At the dentin/restoration interface the corresponding results for gap formation were 29.6% for SP, 8.5% for DY, and 21.0% for HY. These results were not significantly different from each other. Dye penetration was significantly higher for SP at the dentin/restoration interface. SP showed significantly more marginal swelling at the dentin/restoration interface compared to DY. In conclusion, softstart polymerization using a very low starting intensity did not improve the marginal adaptation of polyacid-modified resins or composite resins in Class V cavity preparations. The best marginal adaptation in Class V cavities at the enamel/restoration interface was achieved with SP, using the acid-etch technique. In dentin, however, the polyacid-modified resins showed a superior marginal adaptation.     

Comparative depths of cure among various curing light types and methods

This study evaluated the depth of cure associated with commercial LEDs (light-emitting diodes) (Elipar FreeLight [FL], 3M-ESPE; GC e-Light [EL], GC), high intensity (Elipar TriLight [TL], 3M-ESPE) and very high intensity (Astralis 10 [AS], Ivoclar Vivadent) Quartz Tungsten Halogen (QTH) curing lights. Depth of cure of the various lights/curing modes were compared to a conventional QTH light (Max [Mx], Dentsply-Caulk). Ten exposure regimens were investigated: FL1 - 400 mW/cm2 [40 seconds]; FL2 - 0-400 mW/cm2 [12 seconds] --> 400 mW/cm2 [28 seconds]; EL1 - 750 mW/cm2 [10 pulses x 2 seconds], EL2 - 350 mW/cm2 [40 seconds]; EL3 - 600 mW/cm2 [20 seconds]; EL4 - 0 - 600 mW/cm2 [20 seconds] --> 600 mW/cm2 [20 seconds]; TL1 - 800 mW/cm2 [40 seconds]; TL2 - 100- 800 mW/cm2 [15 seconds] --> 800 mW/cm2 [25 seconds]; AS1 - 1200 mW/cm2 [10 seconds]; MX - 400 mW/cm2 [40 seconds]. Depth of cure was determined by penetration, scraping and microhardness techniques. The results were analyzed using one-way ANOVA/Scheffe's post-hoc test and Pearson's correlation at significance level 0.05 and 0.01, respectively. All light curing regimens met the ISO depth of cure requirement of 1.5 mm with the exception of EL1-EL3 with the microhardness technique. Curing with most modes of EL resulted in significantly lower depths of cure than the control [MX]. No significant difference in depth of cure was observed among the control and the two modes of FL. Curing with TL1 resulted in significantly greater depth of cure compared to MX with all testing techniques. No significant difference in depth of cure was observed between the control and AS1 for all testing techniques except for the penetration technique. The depth of composite cure is light unit and exposure mode dependent. Scraping and penetration techniques were found to correlate well but tend to overestimate depth of cure compared to microhardness.     

EFFECT OF LIGHT CURING MODES AND ETHANOL IMMERSION MEDIA ON THE SUSCEPTIBILITY OF A MICROHYBRID COMPOSITE RESIN TO STAINING

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the susceptibility of a hybrid composite resin (Filtek Z250 – 3M ESPE) to staining, when light cured in four different modes and immersed in two different media. Composite resin specimens were randomly prepared and polymerized according to the experimental groups (conventional - 550 mW/cm² / 30 seconds; soft start - 300mW/cm²/ 10 seconds + 550 mW/cm² / 20 seconds; high intensity - 1060 mW/cm² – 10 seconds; pulse delay – 550 mW/cm² – 1 seconds + 60 seconds of waiting time + 550 mW/cm² – 20 seconds) and immersed in one of two media (distilled water or absolute ethanol) for 24h. Next, the specimens were immersed in a 2% methylene blue solution for 12 hours. Afterwards, the specimens were washed and prepared for the spectrophotometric analysis. For statistical analysis, two-way ANOVA (4×2) and Tukey''s test were performed on the data at 0.05 confidence level. Soft start showed the least staining, and was statistically different from the high intensity and pulse delay light curing modes (p<0.05). Conventional light curing unit did not show statistically significant differences from any other groups (p>0.05). There were no significant differences between the two immersion media (p>0.05). The soft start polymerization mode showed lower susceptibly of the composite resin to staining than high intensity and pulse delay, irrespective of the immersion medium.     

A light curing method for improving marginal sealing and cavity wall adaptation of resin composite restorations.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the method of light curing could influence: (a) marginal sealing and resin composite adaptation to the cavity wall; (b) polymerization contraction rate; and (c) the hardness at the top and bottom surfaces of a body of resin composite. METHODS: Standard cylindrical cavities, 1mm deep and 3mm in diameter were prepared on flat superficial dentin surfaces in bovine teeth. The teeth were bonded with one of two adhesive systems (Clearfil Photo Bond, and Super-Bond D Liner) and filled with a hybrid resin composite. The resins were cured using three light intensities of 600, 270 and 20mW/cm(2), and various curing times. After thermal cycling, the specimens were subjected to a dye penetration test to evaluate marginal sealing and adaptation of the resin composite to the cavity walls. In addition, using the same curing conditions, the rate of polymerization contraction was measured. The difference of hardness over time of composite specimens was measured using Knoop hardness measurements taken at the top and bottom surfaces of resin specimens made in a Teflon mold the same dimensions as the cavity prepared in dentin. RESULTS: When the composite was light cured with an initial light intensity of 270mW/cm(2) for 10s, a 5s interval then a light intensity of 600mW/cm(2) for 50s, the best marginal sealing and cavity wall adaptation was observed compared with the other curing modes. Earlier hardening occurred at the resin composite base compared with the top surface of the composite, and most of the polymerization contraction was completed during the initial flowable stage of the resin composite. All other methods demonstrated results with some degree of marginal opening and cavity wall gap formation, the worst being 600mW/s for 60s. SIGNIFICANCE: The use of a low initial light intensity (270mW/cm(2)) for 10s followed by high intensity light (600mW/cm(2)) for 50s provides the best adaptation of resin composite to cavity walls and possibly the least polymerization contraction stress.     

Shrinkage stress and degree of conversion of a dental composite submitted to different photoactivation protocols

The aim of this study was to evaluate the polymerization stress and degree of conversion of a composite submitted to different photoactivation protocols. The composite Filtek Z350 was placed in the central perforation of a photoelastic disc and polymerized using a LED-based curing unit (BluePhase II--Ivoclar Vivadent) with energy density of 12, 24 or 36 J/cm2 using the following photopolymerization protocols: continuous high intensity (HI: 1200 mW/cm2 during 10, 20 or 30s), continuous low intensity (LI: 650 mW/cmz during 18, 36 or 54s) and soft-start (SS: 150 mW/cm2 during 5 s + 1200 mW/cm2 during 9, 19 or 29s) (n = 5). Photoelastic analysis was used to evaluate polymerization shrinkage stress and FTIR was performed to determine the degree of conversion of the composite. ANOVA 3-way procedure was used to determine the significance of the main effects and their interactions followed by two-way ANOVA for each time was performed (p < 0.05). Shrinkage stress increased with higher values of energy. No statistically significant differences on polymerization shrinkage stress were found between high and low intensity activation modes. Soft-start method generated stresses that were statistically lower than continuous modes except when 12 J/cm2 was applied. Similar degree of conversion was observed for photoactivation modes used, except for soft-start mode with 12, 24 and 36J/cm2 that showed lowest levels of conversion. Energy density and activation mode influenced polymerization shrinkage stress, but no benefit on degree of conversion was observed.