A CLINICAL STUDY ON THE MAINTENANCE OF LIGHT INTENSITY OF VISIBLE-LIGHT CURING MACHINES FOR THE POLYMERIZATION OF COMPOSITE RESINS

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Journal of the Korean Academy of Pediatric Dentistry 2001;28(3):363-368.
Published online August 31, 2001.

A CLINICAL STUDY ON THE MAINTENANCE OF LIGHT INTENSITY OF VISIBLE-LIGHT CURING MACHINES FOR THE POLYMERIZATION OF COMPOSITE RESINS

복합레진 중합용 가시광선 광중합기의 적정 광강도 유지를 위한 임상적 고찰

이동수, 정태성, 김신

부산대학교 치과대학 소아치과학교실

Abstract

It is well known that numerous factors influence the light output of curing units, but many dentists are un aware that the output of their curing lights are inadequate. This study was conducted to evaluate the light in tensity of visible-light curing units in some private dental clinics and hospital dental clinics. In order to determine the maximum light intensity of the curing units, lamps, filters and fiber optic bundles, they were replaced with new ones and light intensity was remeasured. Light intensity was measured by employing a digital radiometer (EFOS model #8000, USA). Light intensity ranged in 29~866mW/cm² (below 150mW/cm² ; 17.8%, 150~300mW/cm² : 46.6%, above 300mW/cm² ; 35.6%). The replacement of the components increased the light intensity, with maximum increases of 94.8% for lamps, 82.3% for filters, 200.8% for fiber optics and 361.5% for all three parts. According to the manufacturer of radiometer, curing light is considered as unsuitable for use with a reading of above 300mW/cm² by the radiometer. Applying these criteria to the present study, 64.4% of the curing units required repair or replacement. The results of this study indicated that the light intensities of the curing units used in dental practice were lower than optimum level.

Key Words: Light intensity, Light curing units, Radiometer, Maintenance