Curing lights are often considered the supporting cast for restorative materials, but make no mistake, they’re a vital component of a restoration’s success. Light curing units are essential for the successful polymerization of direct composite restorations. While they’re rarely in the spotlight, a closer look at why these curing lights are so vital in the success of direct composite restoration is surely worth your while. It’s important to know what types of curing lights are available, what you can do to get the most out of them, and what steps need to be taken to ensure proper curing.
Polymerization is crucial for composite materials, and when it isn’t sufficient, it reduces the strength of your restorations. Insufficient polymerization can also result in water absorption, increased solubility of the composite and reduced hardness of the cured material.
Take a look here as we present some of the best curing lights on the market. There are a variety of styles, with different features, benefits and powers. Find out if one these can help improve the results of your restorations and to help both you and your patients along the way.
PinkWave™
- Equipped with patented QuadWave™ Technology, PinkWave covers four different wavelengths: UV, Blue, Red, and Near-infrared. These combined wavelengths decrease composite shrinkage by 37% while increasing microhardness by 23%
- Decreased shrinkage and shrinkage stress provide superior restorations with a reduced chance of failure and postoperative sensitivity
- Weighing in at just 88 g, it is a durable yet lightweight curing light with a low-profile design. Top and bottom on/off buttons further PinkWave’s ergonomics
- Features the largest curing area in its class (113m2), allowing you to thoroughly cure large restoration in one curing cycle; features three curing modes: Standard, Ramp, and a three-second Boost mode
Apex Dental Products
877-273-9123 | apexdentalmaterials.com/pinkwave
S.P.E.C. 3
- Chair time can be effectively reduced due to rapid and deep polymerization on various light cured materials
- The sealed construction of the S.P.E.C. 3’s anodized aluminum body ensures quick and easy disinfection between patients
- Features multiple curing modes for maximum functionality in any clinical situation. Standard Mode: Ideal for most composite curing scenarios; 3K Mode: For rapid curing when time is an issue, like pedo or patients with gag reflex; Ortho Mode: Cures an entire full-arch of brackets with 2 three second intervals per bracket
- Cures 2 mm deep in 1 second
Coltene
330-916-8800 | coltene.com
Demi™ Ultra
- U-40 Ultracapacitor re-energizes to full power in under 40 seconds, for incomparable convenience
- C.U.R.E Technology delivers uniform depth of cure with industry-leading low temperatures
- Easy Suite provides for simple, intuitive operation in a durable yet lightweight design
Kerr Corp.
800-KERR-123 | Kerrdental.co
3M™ Elipar™ DeepCure-S Curing Light
- Features optimized optics, delivering a more uniform light beam. It creates a more even distribution of energy throughout the restoration, causing a complete and uniform cure at clinically relevant distances
- Updated light guide geometry allows easy access to all tooth surfaces to ensure better depth of cure even when light positioning is difficult. With the high-performing 1470 mW/cm2 intensity, the light provides a uniform cure–from center to rim and from surface to cavity bottom
- It also provides 720 10-second cures with constant light output, regardless of battery charge. Additionally, the 1-piece, high-quality stainless steel case is robust and easy to disinfect
3M
800-634-2249 | 3M.com/Dental
VALO™ Grand
- Features everything you’ve come to expect from the VALO curing light family, but with a larger lens. The 12-mm lens is designed to easily cover a 10-mm molar for quick and effective curing
- The power button on the underside allows for more intuitive operation
- Uses a custom, multi-wavelength light-emitting diode (LED) for producing high-intensity light at 385–515 nm capable of polymerizing all light-cured dental materials. This intensity will also penetrate porcelain and is capable of curing underlying resin cements similar to a quality halogen light
- The unibody construction ensures durability and provides unsurpassed heat dissipation. Elegant, ergonomic, and streamlined design enables great access
Ultradent Products, Inc.
800-552-5512| ultradent.com
Celalux® 3
- At a mere 2.5 ounces within a graceful and elegant design, the compact and ergonomic Celalux 3 covers wavelengths ranging from 450 nm to 480 nm with a powerful light intensity output of approximately 1300 mW/cm2
- The Celalux 3 is easy to use and includes many beneficial features such as multiple cure times, vibration notifications, a built-in radiometer, a second battery and more
VOCO America, Inc.
888-658-2584 | vocoamerica.com
Dr’s Light2 LED Multi-Function Curing Light
- Features 6 curing modes with soft start that ramps up the power to deliver deep and even cures that are reliable and repeatable
- Patented 11 mm wide autoclavable silicone soft lens tip assures full coverage, and helps prevent patient discomfort if accidentally tapped on a tooth as compared to the hard glass light guides used by others manufacturers. It’s three adjustable angles and rotatable tip provide user comfort
- Large capacity Lithium Ion battery provides optimal between charges
- The 2500 mW/cm2 high power, dual 405-nm & 460-nm wavelengths, 3 to 20 second timer, and 6 programmable curing modes (low, soft start, high, pulse, Turbo, and Ortho) provide everything you’ll need for today’s various light cured materials
Good Doctors USA
844-448-5050 | Gooddrs.us
Bluephase® G4
- Automated assistance system detects if the handpiece moved during the curing process. Depending on the extent of movement, the Bluephase G4 Polyvision™ either emits a vibration alert and, if necessary, automatically extends the curing time by 10%, or—if it moves too much (eg, slips off the tooth)—interrupts the curing cycle by automatically shutting off so the cycle can be repeated correctly
- Features Polywave™ technology to enable curing of all dental materials. With Polyvision technology, the uniquely stylish, user-friendly, and efficient device facilitates reliable and complete curing during polymerization procedures
- Features a light output of 1200 mW/cm2, Polywave LED technology in a broadband spectrum of 385 to 515 nm, and a 10-mm wide light guide
Ivoclar Vivadent
800-533-6825 | ivoclarvivadent.us
Radii Xpert
- Developed in consultation with dentists, Radii Xpert delivers targeted, consistent light, enabling practitioners to be confident of an optimally cured restoration
- Target assist technology delivers precision curing. Activating the positioning light ensures light is correctly positioned with the right angulation over the restoration being cured
- With an optimally collimated beam, the light’s intensity is maintained on the restoration being cured
- Features a light intensity of 1500 mW/cm2 over a 4 mm aperture and covers a wavelength range of 440 nm to 480 nm. It will reliably cure all commercially available composites without the need for extended wavelengths
SDI Limited
800-228-5166 | sdi.com.au
Flashlite Magna 4.0
- Powered by an LED engine that delivers advanced beam collimation in a small and lightweight design. With beam collimation maximize curing power in deep preps, with more focused, more powerful and more effective curing
- Offers 1300 mW/cm2
- 10 mm beam width ideal for full tooth coverage
- Short head angle allowing access to posterior teeth
- Advanced lithium-ion battery for hours of hassle free operation
- Cordless operation
- 2-year warranty
DenMat
800-433-6628 | denmat.com
Slimax-C Plus®
- Provides an innovative built-in digital radiometer that gives you an instant output measurement. You will be more confident than ever when calculating the curing time
- This system is also equipped with an LED display panel to give you the control that you need
- Powered by a rechargeable Samsung Lithium-ion battery that provides up to 850 cures per charge. It also generates powerful output up to 2000 mW/cm2 ± 10%
- Durable: Solid aluminum body sets it apart from all its plastic competitors; Portable: Cordless design with a long-lasting battery
- 3 colors give the clinician a décor choice with a personal touch
Beyes
416-281-1888 | Beyes.ca
SmartLite Pro
- Features a unique modular device in an all-metal housing, and state of the art optics provide leading quality of cure for reliable outcomes. Optimized 4 LED design provides a uniform light distribution over the whole active curing area
- Single-button simplicity metal housing; intuitive one-button operation with audible and tactile signals that allows you to focus on what really matters
- The SmartLite® Pro comes with a modern-design charging base with a built-in Radiometer and room for extra tips. The intuitive battery management system includes two quick connect batteries for constant availability
- Features a modular design with interchangeable tips for a variety of clinical indications. These quick connect, 360º rotational tips are easy to change
Dentsply Sirona
844-848-0137 | dentsplysirona.com
FUSION5 Curing Light
- A 3-second curing light built on an advanced modular photonic platform. A powerful, dependable and versatile light with 4000 mW/cm2 uniform intensity and drop-proof aircraft aluminum construction
- Patented flat optic lenses control a laser-sharp curing beam with minimum dispersion for up to 10-mm curing depth
- Ergonomic and simple to use with an LCD interface, low-profile 90° angle head, snap-on tacking tip and curing caps
- Its 360° swivel and interchangeable head allows the user expanded curing, oral exams and cold laser therapy
- Popular add-ons include FUSION Grand, FUSION-DOE and FUSION PBM
DentLight
800-763-6901 | dentlight.com
D-LUX CORDLESS LED CURING LIGHT
- A cordless, high-powered LED curing light with an aluminum housing that docks onto a charging base. Made from high quality aluminum, it dissipates heat quickly to prevent overheating and to safely produce the maximum light intensity
- D-Lux produces a light intensity of 1600 mW/cm² in the range of 420 to 490 nm
- An 11 mm light guide is included
- The LED display panel indicates curing mode and battery life and acts as a rocker switch to change modes and activate the light
- Features a fast charging system, requiring only 90 minutes
- Five curing modes include 5-second Max, 10-second Max, 20-second Mid, 20-second Soft, and 20-second Pulse
DiaDent
604-451-8851 | diadent.com
The CURE
- The latest in high-power LED technology provides up to 1400 mW/cm2 high intensity and 700 mW/cm2 low
- The lens is designed to easily cover a larger area such as a molar for a fast cure
- The flat-back head and low-profile design ensure easy access to all areas of the mouth. The front and back power buttons allow for easy operation
- The LED has 4 diodes in the tip to provide a wavelength capable of polymerizing most light-cured dental materials and will also penetrate porcelain to cure underlying resin cements and allow for a 6-second uniform cure
- The digital timer readout can be set from 2 to 20 seconds. The durable all metal housing is easy to disinfect and virtually unbreakable
Spring Health Products
800-800-1680 | springhealthproducts.com
PreviousNextLEDs dominating the curing lights category
When grouping today’s dental curing lights, we often do so by the types of lights these devices use. Over the years, different halogen and plasma models took turns with high usage among dentists, but more recently the category has been dominated by LED curing lights.
Halogen curing lights use blue light wavelengths between 400 and 500 nm. Because they generate heat, they often come equipped with cooling fans. Today’s LED lights provide a wide array of wavelengths for curing a variety of material types, while also not generating much heat and therefore don’t typically need a cooling fan. In addition to reduced heat, LED curing lights provide other advantages over halogen lights such as increased power, cordless options and quieter operation. Plasma curing lights also are designed to deliver high speed curing.
But there are more things to consider when choosing the best curing light for your practice. You’ll want to find a light compatible with your preferred restorative materials. Some lights operate at a variety of wavelengths and therefore cure plenty of different materials, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it will work with the photoinitiators in the materials you use in your practice.
Other key considerations include cordless versus noncordless, ergonomics of the light and access to areas of the mouth, as well as methods to ensure the device is properly calibrated and that you’re confident in its ability to deliver a proper cure.
When choosing a curing light, there are a lot of factors to consider, including functionality, access, light intensity, cost—the list goes on. Narrowing down what you want is a matter of personal preference, but it’s important to consider the type of light and if it will create adequate polymerization.
Remember the importance of proper curing when you want to ensure the best, long-lasting restorations for your patients.