A new method for quantifying the intensity of the C=C band of dimethacrylate dental monomers in their FTIR and Raman spectra

The degree of conversion (DC) of methacrylate dental resins is typically determined by spectroscopically measuring the decrease of the vinyl (C=C) stretching band at 1640 cm(-1), ratioed before and after polymerization to an internal standard (aromatic ring quadrant stretching vibration (Ph)) at around 1609 cm(-1). While standard methods exist for measuring the intensity of the C=C and Ph peaks from the FTIR or Raman spectrum, these methods either fail under certain circumstances, or lack a physical basis, being purely based on spectral features. In this study, we present a rigorous method (named rotational isomerism method) for determining the intensity of the vinyl and aromatic bands from the FTIR and Raman spectra of dental monomer mixtures, and compare it to a standard baseline method (SBM) and a standard curve fitting method. Model triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA)/2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane (Bisphenol-A) and TEGDMA/2,2-bis(4-(2-hydroxy-3-methacryloxypropoxy)phenyl)propane (Bis-GMA) mixtures with a series of known C=C/Ph molar ratios were prepared in order to simulate the effect of curing. The accuracy of the new method for measuring the DC was found to be as good as the commonly used SBM. The standard curve fitting method was shown to be inappropriate for measuring C=C/Ph ratios by FTIR spectroscopy due to its inability to realistically simulate the features of the spectra. The insight gained through the use of this new method may be useful for the characterization of other methacrylate biomaterials.     

Effects of resin composite composition and irradiation distance on the performance of curing lights

This study determined the effect of using five resin composites and two irradiation distances to test the performance of dental curing lights. Three types of curing lights with similar spectral distributions, but each delivering a different power density, were used for irradiation times ranging from 3 to 60 s. Power densities were measured at 2 and 9 mm from the tip of the light guide. Five composites 1.6 mm thick and of the same shade were irradiated at 2 and 9 mm from the light guide with energy densities of 1.2-38.0 J/cm(2). The Knoop hardness at the top and bottom of the composite specimens was measured 15 min after irradiation and again after immersion in water at 37 degrees C for 24 h. There was a linear relationship between the hardness and the logarithm of the energy density received by the composite (r2 > 0.81). The analysis of variance showed that the composite, the side tested, the distance from the light guide, and the curing light/irradiation time combination all had a significant effect on the hardness (p < 0.01). Plots of the hardness at the bottom 15 min after irradiation by each light were generated for all the composites. These plots illustrated that the effects of the different curing light/irradiation time combinations on hardness were not the same for each composite. The effects of each curing light/time combination on hardness were also different at 2 and 9 mm from the light guide. In conclusion, when comparing the effects of different light sources on resin polymerization, several different composites should be irradiated at clinically relevant distances from the light guide. Using high-powered curing lights for 3 or 5 s did not deliver sufficient energy to cure the 1.6-mm thick specimens of composites used in this study.     

The effect of different power densities and method of exposure on the marginal adaptation of four light-cured dental restorative materials

PURPOSE: To determine whether marginal adhesion is sensitive to different irradiation parameters, we investigated the in vitro adhesion values of four dental resins on metal surfaces. METHODS: Four groups of eight specimens each of Z250, Filtek flow, Dyract AP and Dyract flow were placed in pre-treated stainless steel cavities and irradiated using different methods of exposure. The curing lights used were a Spectrum 800 halogen curing light at settings of 800 and 450 mW/cm(2) and an Optilux 501 ramping light. The maximum amount of push-out force required to displace the resin from the metal cavity was equated with adhesive value (shear bond strength). Comparisons (ANOVA, p<0.0001) were made within the same material and between the different materials when using different curing protocols. RESULTS: Significant lower bond strengths were recorded when curing was done by gradually increasing the intensity (ramping method) compared to curing with the fixed intensities (p>0.0001) Comparing the fixed intensities, significant lower bond strength values were obtained at 800 mW/cm(2) compared to 450 mW/cm(2) (p<0.0001). For all exposures, the two flowable materials demonstrated weaker values when compared to the higher filled materials. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The advantage of initial slow polymerization (more elasticity and less tension) obtained by the so-called "soft start" method, was offset by a rise in total polymerization shrinkage, when final curing was completed at 1130 mW/cm(2). These tests demonstrated that using halogen units, exposure for 40s with an intensity of 450 mW/cm(2) appeared to be the most promising for light-curing dental resin composites.     

Color changes of dental resin composites by a salivary enzyme

The objective of this study was to evaluate the color change (DeltaE(ab) (*)) of dental resin composites immersed in a salivary enzyme of esterase (ETE, porcine liver esterase, 400 mU/ml) compared to those immersed in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). The colors of three brands of resin composites of 13 shades were measured after polymerization and polishing with 1500-grit SiC paper and after immersion in PBS or ETE up to 9 weeks. Color was measured according to the CIELAB color scale. DeltaE(ab) (*)after immersion was calculated by the equation DeltaE(ab) (*) = [(DeltaL(*))(2) + (Deltaa(*))(2) + (Deltab(*))(2)](1/2). Surface roughness (Ra) and Vickers hardness number (VHN) were measured. DeltaE(ab) (*)values after immersion in ETE was not higher than those in PBS. Immersion in solutions more than 3 weeks resulted in perceivable color changes (DeltaE(ab) (*) > 3.3) in one material, and immersion in solutions up to 9 weeks resulted in not-perceivable color changes in the other materials. Discoloration generally increased as the immersion period increased. For one composite, the value increased abruptly in the period of 3 days to 3 weeks of immersion. The change in Ra value after immersion was varied by the composite and shade. VHN decreased significantly after immersion in ETE for nine weeks. Immersion in PBS resulted in decreased VHN in two composites.     

Adhesive layer properties as a determinant of dentin bond strength

The goal of this study is to evaluate the hypothesis that the properties of the resin adhesive might affect the microtensile bond strength (MTBS) of multibottle dental adhesive system. In order to alter the properties, the experimental resin adhesives containing 2,2-bis (4-2-hydroxy-3-methacryloyloxypropoxyphenyl)propane (Bis-GMA) and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) at various ratios were prepared. Degree of conversion immediately after curing (DC-immed), degree of conversion at 48 h after curing (DC-48h) of a thin coat of the experimental adhesives, the flexural strength (FS) of the bulk specimens made of the experimental adhesives, pH, viscosity at shear rate of 1 S(-1), and the microtensile bond strength (MTBS) values of the adhesives to dentin were investigated. The maximum MTBS and FS values of the resin adhesives were observed when the ratio of Bis-GMA/TEGDMA was 60/40. However, pH and viscosity values increased with increasing Bis-GMA content in the adhesives. When Bis-GMA content was more than 60 wt %, the viscosity increased exponentially and restricted the DC and FS, and accordingly decreased the bond strength. The stronger the resin adhesives were, the higher the bond strength to dentin could be obtained.     

Mechanical properties of two orthodontic adhesive materials polymerized with halogen and plasma curing

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to compare the efficiency of two polymerization techniques (halogen curing--Astralis 7 and plasma curing--Flipo), with two orthodontic adhesive materials (Enlight, a composite resin, and Fuji Ortho LC, a glass ionomer cement). METHODS: The efficiency of the polymerization techniques was shown by two mechanical tests. The hardness test was carried out on the exposed and non-exposed surfaces using 10 x 4 x 3-mm samples, polymerized either by halogen curing (40 seconds) or by plasma curing (5 seconds). The three-point bending tests were carried out on 2 x 2 x 25-mm samples polymerized as above. The samples were kept 1 hr at room temperature, then for 24 hrs in distilled water at 37 degrees C. RESULTS: Whatever the polymerization technique used, the results are similar for hardness and flexion, with the exception of the hardness tests carried out after polymerization with the Flipo light on the surface not directly exposed. CONCLUSION: In orthodontic practice, both polymerization techniques can be used. But a multi-bracket session can be long, and the reduction of time spent in the chair obtained by using plasma lamps seems to make this technique preferable.     

Effects of irradiance, wavelength, and thermal emission of different light curing units on the Knoop and Vickers hardness of a composite resin

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of irradiance, light emission wavelength, and heating of different light curing units on the Knoop and Vickers hardness of a hybrid composite resin. The specimens were irradiated during 40 s with ten different light curing units, LEDs, and halogen lights. The spectral emission of each light curing unit was assessed by a spectrometer, the irradiance was measured by two commercial radiometers, and the heating measured with a thermocouple. After 48 h of storage in a dark recipient under a 100% humidity condition, the Knoop and Vickers hardness tests were carried out. The hardness results were analyzed by ANOVA, and Tukey HSD test (p < 0.05). The results showed that the surface hardness of the composite resin depends not only on the irradiance, but strongly on the emission wavelength and heating of the light curing units. It was observed, a linear correlation between the conversion degree and radiant exposure. In addition, it is suggested that the well known base to top surface hardness ratio convention of 80-90% is not appropriate to evaluate curing efficiency of composites, since the top surface is not always sufficiently polymerized.     

两种嵌体加工技术对树脂嵌体机械性能的影响

背景：复合树脂作为一种既美观又实用的嵌体修复材料,其机械性能的改进成为研发的热点。 目的：用CERAMAGE与TESCERA两种嵌体固化机制作树脂试件,比较两种加工技术对嵌体材料机械性能的影响。 方法：选取两种机器的配套树脂,与两种机器进行交叉配对,分成4组：A、B两组用Tescera树脂分别与TESCERA嵌体机和CERAMAGE嵌体机配对;C、D两组用Ceramage树脂分别与CERAMAGE嵌体机和TESCERA嵌体机配对,分别制作标准试件,测试试件的表面硬度,抗压强度和挠曲强度。 结果与结论：在表面硬度,抗压强度上,A组高于其他3组;B组高于C、D两组(P <0.05)。在挠曲强度上,C、D两组高于A、B两组(P < 0.05),C、D组间及A、B组间差异无显著性意义。结果表明,用TESCERA嵌体机加工其配套树脂,所得试件的机械性能最佳。     

Knoop hardness of ten resin composites irradiated with high-power LED and quartz-tungsten-halogen lights

This study compared a high-power light-emitting-diode (LED) curing light (FreeLight 2, 3M ESPE) with a quartz-tungsten-halogen (QTH) light (TriLight, 3M ESPE) to determine which was the better at photo-polymerising 10 resin composites. Class I preparations were prepared 4-mm deep into human teeth and filled with 10 different composites. The composites were irradiated for 50% or 100% of their recommended times using the LED light, and for 100% of their recommended times with the QTH light on either the high or medium power setting. Fifteen minutes later, the Knoop hardness of the composites was measured to a depth of 3.5 mm from the surface. When irradiated by the LED light for their recommended curing times, the Knoop hardness of all 10 composites stayed above 80% of the maximum hardness of the composite to a depth of at least 1.5 mm; three composites maintained a Knoop hardness that was more than 80% of their maximum hardness to a depth of 3.5 mm. Repeated measurements analysis of variance indicated that all the two-way and three-way interactions between the curing light, depth, and composite were significant (p < 0.01). To eliminate the choice of composite as a factor, an overall comparison of the lights was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test and distribution free multiple comparisons of the ranked hardness values. The LED light, used for the composite manufacturer's recommended time, was ranked the best at curing the composites to a depth of 3mm (p < 0.01). The LED light used for 50% of the recommended time was not significantly different from the QTH light used for 100% of the recommended time on the high power setting.     

Effects of resin formulation and nanofiller surface treatment on the properties of experimental hybrid resin composite

This study evaluated the effects of nanofiller surface treatment and resin viscosity on the early and long-term properties of experimental hybrid composites. Three resin formulations (low, medium and high viscosity) were prepared by varying the ratio of TEGDMA:UDMA:bis-GMA (47:33:16 wt%; 30:33:33 wt%; 12:33:51 wt%). Composites contained 71.3 wt% silanated strontium glass (1-3 microm) and 12.6 wt% of either silanated or unsilanated silica (OX-50; 0.04 microm). Specimens (n=10) for flexural strength, flexural modulus, fracture toughness and Knoop hardness were tested after 24 h, 1 and 6 months exposure to water at 37 degrees C. Degree of conversion (DC) was determined 24 h after photoinitiation using FTIR. Resin viscosity only had a marginal influence on the mechanical response of composites but it can be adjusted to achieve a balance between DC and mechanical properties. Adding non-bonded nanofiller to hybrid composites had no systematic effect on DC. Non-bonded nanofillers had no significant effect on the long-term properties of hybrid composites.     

Microhardness of superficial and deep sound human dentin

Our purpose in this study was to determine the microhardness of superficial and deep dentin by means of two indentation methods (Knoop and Vickers) under two different applied loads. Twelve dentin discs approximately 2-mm thick were obtained from both superficial and deep dentin by transversally sectioning the crowns of sound, extracted human third molars with a diamond blade under water irrigation. Dentin surfaces were sequentially polished, and indentations (n = 20 per surface) were performed with either Vickers indentor at loads of 300 and 500 g, respectively, or Knoop indentor at loads of 50 and 100 g, respectively. Average Vickers hardness number (VHN) and Knoop hardness number (KHN) were calculated and treated with two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Student's t test. Microhardness of dentin was not influenced by the different loads applied for both indentation methods. Knoop hardness was significantly higher for superficial than for deep dentin (p < 0.05). Conversely, Vickers hardness was not significantly different for both substrates (p > 0.05). Differences in dentin hardness as a function of depth exist, but they might not be relevant, and no alteration of the distribution of stresses along the adhesive interface is expected.     

Viability of fibroblasts cultured under nutritional stress irradiated with red laser, infrared laser, and red light-emitting diode

Phototherapy is noninvasive, painless and has no known side effect. However, for its incorporation into clinical practice, more well-designed studies are necessary to define optimal parameters for its application. The viability of fibroblasts cultured under nutritional stress irradiated with either a red laser, an infrared laser, or a red light-emitting diode (LED) was analyzed. Irradiation parameters were: red laser (660 nm, 40 mW, 1 W/cm(2)), infrared laser (780 nm, 40 mW, 1 W/cm(2)), and red LED (637 ± 15 nm, 40 mW, 1 W/cm(2)). All applications were punctual and performed with a spot with 0.4 mm(2) of diameter for 4 or 8 s. The Kruskal-Wallis test and analysis of variance of the general linear model (p ≤ 0.05) were used for statistical analysis. After 72 h, phototherapy with low-intensity laser and LED showed no toxicity at the cellular level. It even stimulated methylthiazol tetrazolium assay (MTT) conversion and neutral red uptake of fibroblasts cultured under nutritional stress, especially in the group irradiated with infrared laser (p = 0.004 for MTT conversion and p < 0.001 for neutral red uptake). Considering the parameters and protocol of phototherapy used, it can be concluded that phototherapy stimulated the viability of fibroblasts cultured under nutritional deficit resembling those found in traumatized tissue in which cell viability is reduced.     

The effect of curing modes on polymerization contraction stress of a dual cured composite

Although a lower curing rate is often cited as the reason why a chemical cured (CC) dental composite produces lower polymerization contraction stress (PCS) than a light cured (LC) composite, the exact mechanism is still unclear. In addition, the comparison is often made by using different brands of composites. The comparison's fairness is questionable because the two composites have different compositions and preparation procedures. The goal of the present work was to determine if the curing mode alone can produce different PCS. We formulated a dual cured composite and prepared it the same way for both CC and LC modes. We measured PCS by a strain gauge method, shrinkage by a video-imagining technique, degree of conversion (DC) by infrared spectroscopy, and flexural modulus by the three-point bending test. The CC specimens showed lower PCS and lower flexural modulus than the LC specimens, although both possessed an identical chemical composition and physical texture before cure. This finding indicates that the curing mode alone can affect PCS. Because the CC and LC specimens produced a similar shrinkage and DC, the lower modulus is considered to be one of the reasons for the lower stress. Using a structural inhomogeneity model, we explained how a resin composite with an identical DC can have different physical properties such as the modulus.     

Effect of light-cure time of adhesive resin on the thickness of the oxygen-inhibited layer and the microtensile bond strength to dentin

A thick oxygen-inhibited layer (OIL) on a cured adhesive layer (AL) is believed to result in both good adaptation of composite resin (CR) and high bond strength. A high degree of conversion (DC) of the AL is also needed for durable bonding. This study evaluated the hypothesis that increasing the DC by prolonging the light-curing time of adhesive bonding resin might decrease the bond strength of the adhesive to dentin because of the subsequent thinning of the OIL thickness. The OIL thickness and the DC of solvent-removed One Step and D/E bonding resin of All Bond 2 (Bisco, USA) were measured simultaneously with FT-NIR spectroscopy according to increasing light-cure times (10, 20, 30, and 60 s) so as to evaluate their effect on the microtensile bond strength. The bonded interfaces were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy. Excessive irradiation of light-curing adhesives increased the DC, but decreased the OIL thickness. When the OIL was significantly thin by curing the adhesives for 30 or 60 s, defects were observed at the interface between the AL and the CR, as well as at the interface between the AL and the hybrid layer. When the OIL was thick, free radicals from the overlying CR may have diffused into the unreacted monomer mixtures of the OIL, chemically connecting the cured AL and the newly curing composite. It was found that to obtain maximum dentin bond strength, light-curing adhesives should be cured for the irradiation time recommended by the manufacturer.     

Effect of type of polymerization on different properties of dental composites

The aim of this study is to assess the influence of plasma lamps on the properties of the composites compared to the influence of conventional polymerization. Vickers hardness tests, three-point bending tests, and measurement of the shrinkage marginal gap by scanning electron microscopy were carried out on three resin composites (Tetric Ceram, Z-100 and Inten-S) irradiated with to lamps (Flipo) plasma and Astralis 7 halogen lamps). With a 3-second exposure, the results of Vickers hardness and resistance to flexion (excepting values for Z-100) were lower for the composites cured by the Flipo plasma lamp, than after 40-second curing by the conventional halogen lamp (Astralis 7), notably at a depth of 3 mm. With a 5-second exposure the results of Vickers hardness and resistance to flexion obtained using the plasma lamp approached those obtained by using the halogen lamp. Whatever the polymerization protocol used, the measurements of the gap between the tooth and the filling are very similar except for Z-100/Astralis 7, for which shrinkage results are more important. For any one resin composite and lamp used, the shrinkage values obtained at a depth of 4 mm are twice higher than those obtained at the surface. In conclusion, for a 3-second exposure the level of polymerization obtained by plasma curing is lower than the one obtained by halogen curing, particularly in depth. On the other hand, 5-second plasma curing results recommends the use of this kind of lamp.     

Effect of LED curing on the microleakage, shear bond strength and surface hardness of a resin-based composite restoration

To determine the effect of Light emitting diode (LED) curing on dental resins, microleakage, shear bond strength and surface hardness of a dental composite cured with different LEDs were determined and compared with conventional halogen curing. For microleakage, Class V cavities were restored with Esthet-X, divided into groups, and exposed to one of the curing protocols (Elipar Freelight in soft start and standard modes; Ultra-Lume 2; Spectrum 800). Standard dye penetration tests were performed and the data summarised in a 2-way contingency table of observed frequencies. The Chi-square test was used (p<0.05) to test for significant differences between the lights. For surface hardness, samples of Esthet-X were exposed to the light-curing units (LCUs). Vickers hardness was determined on the upper and the bottom surfaces. Data was subjected to statistical analysis using ANOVA (p<0.05). Shear bond strength was determined using a push out method. Comparisons (ANOVA, p<0.05) were made between the different curing protocols. No significant difference in microleakage could be demonstrated between the different LCUs at the enamel side (p=0.60). At the dentin side only the Elipar Freelight (soft start), could significantly reduce microleakage (p<0.01). The hardness score for the halogen light was significantly lower than for the LED lights (p<0.01). The Spectrum 800 and the Elipar Freelight (soft start) have significantly higher shear bond strengths than the others (p<0.01). It was concluded that the LED source is more efficient for a comparable overall power output.     

The curing reaction of poly(ether-sulfone)-modified epoxy resin

One of the useful methods to improve the toughness of epoxy resin is by mixing the resin with poly(ether-sulfone) (PES). In the present work, two hydroxyl-terminated PESs with molecular weights M _n = 28 600 and 4 200 were used for blending with epoxy resin. The curing reaction of diglycidyl ether/bisphenol-A (DGEBA) with 4,4′-diaminodiphenyl sulfone (DDS) in the presence of hydroxyl-terminated PES was studied by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and gel-permeation chromatography (GPC). For the DGEBA-DDS-PES system with a stoichiometric ratio of epoxy and amino groups the DSC experimental results showed that at a fixed molecular weight of PES the curing reaction rate decreases with increasing PES concentration. At a fixed PES concentration (in the range of between 0 and 20 wt.-% of PES), the DGEBA-DDS system modified with hydroxyl-terminated PES with lower molecular weight had a faster curing reaction rate at low conversion and a slower curing reaction rate at high conversion. The GPC results showed the evidence of etherification between low-molecular-weight PES with epoxy resin. However, very little etherification of high-molecular-weight hydroxyl-terminated PES with epoxy resin was found. Based on the experimental results, a curing reaction mechanism of DGEBA with DDS in the presence of hydroxyl-terminated PES is proposed.     

Effects on microstrain and conversion of flowable resin composite using different curing modes and units

The flowable resin composite, Tetric Flow, was used to measure microstrain and degree of conversion after hardening with each of three curing machines: XL3000(XL) for 10, 20, 30, and 40 s; Optilux 501 using conventional mode (OC) for 10, 20, 30, and 40 s, as well as Optilux boost (OB, 10 s) and ramp modes (OR, 20 s); and LEDemetron (LEDe) for 10, 20, 30, and 40 s. The emitted power density and spectral distribution of the three light curing units were also measured. The LEDe output energy spectrum was centralized between 425 and 490 nm, which encompasses the excited wavelength of camphorquinone. The microstrain produced by the curing process is as a second-degree polynomial for each light source. The OB microstrain was highest, while the OR microstrain was lower. The ranking in order of degree of monomer conversion was as follows: XL10 相似文献   

Photoinitiator dependent composite depth of cure and Knoop hardness with halogen and LED light curing units

Light curing units (LCUs) are used for the polymerization of dental composites. Recent trends in light curing technology include replacing the halogen LCUs with LCUs using light emitting diodes (LEDs) reducing curing times and varying the LCUs light output within a curing cycle. This study investigated the time dependence of the Knoop hardness and depth of cure of dental composites polymerized with a halogen LCU (Trilight) and two LED LCUs (the commercial Freelight and custom-made LED LCU prototype). The halogen LCU was used in the soft-start (exponential increase of output power) and standard mode. Four dental composites (Z100, Spectrum, Definite, Solitaire2) were selected, two of them (Definite, Solitaire2) contain co-initiators in addition to the standard photoinitiator camphorquinone. The depth of cure obtained with the Trilight in the standard mode was statistically significantly greater (p < 0.05) than that obtained with the LED LCUs for all materials and curing times. The custom made LED LCU prototype (LED63) achieved a statistically significantly greater depth of cure than the commercial LED LCU Freelight for all materials and curing times. There was no statistical difference in Knoop hardness at the 95% confidence level at the surface of the 2 mm thick sample between the LED63 or Trilight (standard mode) for the composite Z100 for all times, and for Spectrum for 20s and 40s curing time. The composites containing co-initiators showed statistically significantly smaller hardness values at the top and bottom of the samples if LED LCUs were used instead of halogen LCUs. The experiment revealed that the depth of cure test does not and the Knoop hardness test does discriminate between LCUs, used for the polymerization of composites containing photoinitiators in addition to camphorquinone.     

Light-activation of resin cement through ceramic: relationship between irradiance intensity and bond strength to dentin

This study investigated the relationship between the irradiance transmitted through ceramic and the bond strength of a resin cement to dentin. After application of an adhesive system, elastomer molds with cylindrical orifices (1.2 mm in diameter) were placed onto bovine dentin surfaces and filled with a photoactivated luting agent (Enforce; Dentsply Caulk). Light-activation was performed through a 0.6-mm-thick ceramic disc using different intensities: 250, 400, 550, 700, or 850 mW/cm(2). Control specimens were irradiated without ceramic (1050 mW/cm(2)). The radiant exposure was kept at 30 J/cm(2). Light spectral distribution was analyzed with a spectrometer. Microshear test was conducted and modes of failure were classified under SEM. Bond strength data were analyzed with ANOVA and Student-Newman-Keuls' test (alpha < or = 0.05), and failure scores with the Kruskal-Wallis test (alpha < or = 0.05). A linear regression model assessed the relationship between irradiance and bond strength. Groups light-cured at 250 and 400 mW/cm(2) presented lower bond strengths than groups activated at 850 and 1050 mW/cm(2). The linear regression showed that a decrease in light irradiance predicts a decrease in bond strength (r(2) = 0.955; p = 0.004). A predominance of mixed failures was observed. No significant alteration in the spectral wavelengths was observed. Despite the constant energy dose, the bond strength was dependent upon the irradiance level.