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October 2009 | dentalproductsreport.com More power, shorter curing times Ivoclar Vivadent’s bluephase 20i offers both. There is an unmistakable trend in dentistry today toward easier, faster applications as well as shorter reaction or processing times. This development affects the curing times of high-power curing lights, but the question is, does this trend make sense? Yes, depending on how users interpret it and how they capitalize on it. Ivoclar Vivadent’s bluephase 20i, a cordless high-performance LED light featuring a halogen-like emission spectrum and offering a maximum light intensity of 2,000 mW/cm2, is available to users (Fig. 1). The curing light’s polywave technology allows consistent curing of all composites regardless of the initiator system used and offers, above all, a reliable restorative therapy. The fact reliability is achieved in a relatively short time is a positive side effect of the light’s high intensity (Fig. 2).  The bluephase 20i allows certain composites, such as Tetric EvoCeram/IPS Empress Direct, to be polymerized in 5 seconds (Figs. 3 to 5). Other materials are polymerized in 10 seconds at most. Again, it must be emphasized that the maximum capacity of bluephase 20i does not need to be applied in every situation; rather, the Turbo program’s 2,000 mW/cm2 intensity must be seen as a “hidden reserve” that can be used if needed and in particular situations. To prevent the tissue from overheating, the Turbo program is limited to 5 seconds. This is an additional measure to increase treatment reliability. For clinicians who don’t feel comfortable with the Turbo program’s curing times because of concerns regarding polymerization stress forming in the composite, they can use the High Power program (1,200 mW/cm2), the Low Power program (650 mW/cm2) or the Soft Start program, which features a reduced intensity (at most 650 mW/cm2) during the first 5 seconds and then ensures complete curing in the following 10 seconds by emitting an intensity of 1,200 mW/cm2 (Figs. 6 to 9). However, particularly with indirect restorations, the bluephase 20i offers a reliable penetration of the ceramic restoration and more confidence of thorough luting composite curing because of the optional high intensity (Figs. 10 to 13). Of course, clinicians won’t plan for a shorter treatment time just because the application time of their new adhesive is 10 seconds shorter than the old adhesive or because the curing time per composite increment is reduced from 40 to 10 seconds. However, when it comes to indirect restorations, where up to 30 seconds of curing for every aspect and millimeter of ceramic thickness may be saved compared with an old halogen light, the bluephase 20i’s time saving capacity is a factor worth considering. Despite the Turbo program’s impressive power, bluephase 20i is suitable for continuous operation because the fan is virtually noiseless and its powerful battery does not require mains operation. If the battery runs low, the battery-operated light can be transformed into a mains-operated unit in no time by attaching the cable of the charging base to the bluephase 20i handpiece (Click & Cure option) (Fig. 13). Other, less obvious features complete this curing light’s ergonomic and technically elaborate design. An example would be the integrated movement sensor, which allows the unit to switch into the power-saving stand-by mode if not used, because the light will automatically switch back into operation as soon as the user touches the unit. The new bluephase 20i can be compared to a car with a powerful engine and numerous elaborate technical features that improve safety and comfort. Just as a powerful car needs to be handled responsibly, the bluephase 20i’s high power should not be taken as an invitation to “speed” permanently in the Turbo program. Rather, it is intended as a means to make sure the required resources are available if needed. The added performance therefore fulfils a purpose. It is up to the user to employ this curing light’s full potential to meet specific needs and to improve the efficiency in the practice routine.
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