Orthodontic Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Orthodontic, including details on braces, retainers, treatment.

Effect of various curing lights on the degree of cure of orthodontic adhesives.

Niepraschk M, Rahiotis C, Bradley TG, Eliades T, Eliades G

Department of Developmental Sciences, Marquette University School of Dentistry, Milwaukee, Wis 53233, USA.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to compare the percentage degree of cure (%DC) of orthodontic adhesive resins irradiated with 3 types of light sources of various intensities: plasma arc, halogen, and light-emitting diode (LED). METHODS: Twenty maxillary incisor stainless steel brackets (0.018-in slot) were divided into 4 groups of 5 brackets each. A standardized amount of composite resin was applied to each bracket base, simulating its clinical application. The brackets were light-cured with a halogen light for 20 seconds (10 seconds each from the incisal and cervical bracket edges), an LED light for 20 seconds (10 seconds per edge), a plasma light for 10 seconds (5 seconds per edge), and an LED light for 10 seconds (5 seconds per edge). The %DC was assessed by using micro-multiple internal reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and the results were analyzed with 1-way ANOVA. RESULTS: Overall, the LED and the halogen lights, with the 20-second regimen, produced higher %DC. No significant difference was found in %DC between the plasma light and the 10-second LED light, whereas both showed lower %DC compared with 20 seconds of halogen or LED light. CONCLUSIONS: Significant variations in %DC are associated with the various light-curing units, which must be considered in selecting the light source and the irradiation time.

Published 10 September 2007 in Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop, 132(3): 382-4.
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