Light-curing time reduction with a new high-power halogen lamp

Comparison of the temperature changes in pulp using monophasic light-emitting diode curing unit at different exposure times: An in vivo study

INTRODUCTION

This in vivo study evaluated the temperature changes in the pulp chamber at different exposure times using a monophasic light-emitting diode curing unit.

METHODS

Forty-five patients (aged 13-25 years) requiring extraction of maxillary first premolars for orthodontic reasons were included in the study. After access opening, the temperature rise was recorded when exposed to monophasic light-emitting diode curing light (Elipar 3M ESPE; Pymble, New South Wales, Australia) at 5, 10, 15, and 20 seconds with K-type thermocouple probe. Teeth were atraumatically extracted on the same day. The results were analyzed with an analysis of variance and the Bonferroni test.

RESULTS

There was a significant increase of 2.1°C ± 0.5°C of pulpal temperature in the maxillary first premolar tooth during exposure to a light curing unit from baseline to 20 seconds. The mean baseline temperature was 35.7°C ± 0.52°C. The highest mean temperature was recorded at 20 seconds (37.8°C ± 0.57°C), and the lowest mean temperature was recorded at 5 seconds (36.1°C ± 0.61°C). There were significant differences among each group (P <0.001) with a mean increase in pulpal temperature from baseline to exposure mode of 5, 10, 15, and 20 seconds.

CONCLUSIONS

The study results reveal a statistically significant increase in pulpal temperature with a monophasic curing light, which can be used for up to 20 seconds without causing any detrimental effects on the pulp.

High-Intensity Light-Emitting Diode and Reduced Curing Times—An In Vitro Study

Objective:

To evaluate and compare the effect of high-intensity light-emitting diode (LED) light-curing unit at different curing times on the shear bond strength (SBS), surface enamel loss, and degree of polymerization of a light-cure and dual-cure adhesive system.

Materials and Methods:

One hundred and twenty extracted human premolar teeth were divided into 2 groups— group 1 (light cure) and group 2 (dual cure), depending on the adhesive system used. These groups were further subdivided into 3 subgroups with 20 teeth each, depending on the duration of curing. A high-intensity LED curing unit was used to bond metal brackets onto the teeth. The samples were tested on a universal testing machine to measure the SBS. The samples were then observed under a simple microscope and modified adhesive remnant index scores were assigned. The bracket bases were mapped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry to evaluate the amount of enamel present. Cured adhesive was scraped and was subjected to Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy to assess the degree of cure (%DC).

Results:

An increase in curing durations increased mean SBS values, %DC, and calcium-phosphorous ratios (Ca:P). Similarly, these parameters were higher for dual-cure subgroups when compared to light-cure subgroups.

Conclusion:

High-intensity LEDs can be used successfully for bonding orthodontic brackets with reduced curing duration. These LEDs help to reduce chairside time and can minimize damage to enamel without compromising bond strength.

Shear bond strength of a bracket-bonding system cured with a light-emitting diode or halogen-based light-curing unit at various polymerization times

Purpose

To determine and compare the shear bond strength (SBS) of bracket-bonding system cured with light-emitting diode (LED) and halogen-based light-curing unit at various polymerization times.

Materials and methods

Ninety six human maxillary premolar teeth extracted for orthodontic purpose were divided into four groups, according to the light-curing unit and exposure times used. In the halogen group, the specimens were light cured for 20 and 40 seconds. In the LED group, the specimens were light cured for 5 and 10 seconds. Stainless steel brackets were bonded with Enlight bonding system, stored in distilled water at 37°C for 24 hours and then submitted to SBS testing in a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/minute. Adhesive remnant index (ARI) was used to evaluate the amount of adhesive remaining on the teeth determined by stereomicroscope at 10× magnification.

Results

The highest mean SBS was obtained with the halogen 40 seconds (18.27 MPa) followed by halogen 20 seconds (15.36 MPa), LED 10 seconds (14.60 MPa) and least with LED 5 seconds (12.49 MPa) group. According to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s multiple-comparison test, SBS of halogen 20 seconds group was not significantly different from halogen 40 seconds group, LED 5 seconds group and LED 10 seconds group, whereas halogen 40 seconds group was significantly different from LED 5 seconds and LED 10 seconds group. The method of light curing did not influence the ARI, with score 2 being predominant.

Conclusion

Polymerization with both halogen and LED resulted in SBS values that were clinically acceptable for orthodontic treatment in all groups. Hence, for bonding orthodontic brackets, photoactivation with halogen for 20 seconds and LED for 5 seconds is suggested.

Influence of Light Source, Thermocycling and Silane on the Shear Bond Strength of Metallic Brackets to Ceramic

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different light sources, thermocycling and silane on the bond strength of metallic brackets to ceramic. Cylinders of feldspathic ceramic were etched with 10% hydrofluoric acid for 60 s. Half of the cylinders (Groups 1 to 4) received two layers of silane. Metallic brackets were bonded to the cylinders using Transbond XT and divided into 8 groups (n=20), according to light source (Radii Plus LED - 40 s; Groups 1, 2, 5 and 6 and XL 2500 halogen light - 40 s; Groups 3, 4, 7 and 8) and experimental conditions with (Groups 2, 4, 6 and 8) without thermocycling (Groups 1, 3, 5 and 7). Shear bond testing was carried out after 24 h of deionized water storage (Groups 1, 3, 5 and 7) and thermocycling (Groups 2, 4, 6 and 8; 7,000 cycles - 5°/55 °C). Date were submitted to three-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test (α=0.05). The Adhesive Remnamt Index (ARI) was evaluated at 8× magnification. The application of silane was effective in increasing the shear bond strength of the brackets to ceramic (p<0.05). Significant difference (p<0.05) on the bond strength was observed between light sources with or without thermocycling. The ARI showed a predominance of scores 0 for all groups, with an increase in scores 1, 2 and 3 for the silane groups. In conclusion, silane improved significantly the shear bond strength of the brackets to ceramic. The thermocycling and light sources influence on the bond strength.

Effect of Composite Containing an Iodonium Salt on the Bond Strength of Brackets to Bovine Enamel

This study investigated the effect of the incorporation of an iodonium salt in experimental composites, on the bond strength of metallic brackets bonded to bovine teeth. Two hundred and seventy bovine teeth were embedded in self-curing acrylic resin and divided into 18 groups (n=15), according to the experimental composite with an iodonium salt at molar concentrations 0 (control), 0.5, or 1%; the light-activation times (8, 20 and 40 s); and the storage times (10 min or 24 h). Metallic brackets were fixed on the tooth surface using experimental composites. Photoactivation was performed with a quartz-tungsten-halogen light-curing unit curing unit for 8, 20 and 40 s. The specimens were stored in distilled water at 37 °C for 10 min or 24 h and submitted to bond strength test at 0.5 mm/min. The data were subjected to three-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α=0.05). The Adhesive Remnant Index (ARI) was used to classify the failure modes. The shear bond strengths (MPa) at 10 min for light-activation times of 8, 20 and 40 s were: G1 - 4.6, 6.9 and 7.1; G2 - 8.1, 9.2 and 9.9; G3 - 9.1, 10.4 and 10.7; and at 24 h were: G1 - 10.9, 11.1 and 11.7; G2 - 11.8, 12.7 and 14.2; G3 - 12.1, 14.4 and 15.8. There was a predominance of ARI score 3 for groups with 10 min storage time, and ARI score 2 for groups with 24 h storage time. In conclusion, the addition of iodonium salt (C05 and C1) to the experimental composite may increase the bond strength of brackets to bovine enamel using reduced light exposure times

Use of light-curing units in orthodontics

Because of their wide field of applications, light-curing units are now indispensable for orthodontists and general dentists; thus, it is important to be familiar with the various types of light-curing units, their history, specifications, advantages, and disadvantages. For this review, a search of the PubMed database (from 1966 to March 2010) was conducted using the search term "curing lights orthodontics". Eligibility of the selected studies was determined by reading the abstracts of articles identified by the search. All the articles that met the inclusion criteria were selected, and the articles collected. The reference lists of the retrieved articles were also hand searched for any applicable studies that might have been missed in the database searches. When selecting curing lights for an office, many variables need to be considered. Armed with knowledge about each curing-light category, orthodontists can evaluate their unique practice style and select the appropriate light/lights.

Contemporary issues in light curing

This review article will help clinicians understand the important role of the light curing unit (LCU) in their offices. The importance of irradiance uniformity, spectral emission, monitoring the LCU, infection control methods, recommended light exposure times, and learning the correct light curing technique are reviewed. Additionally, the consequences of delivering too little or too much light energy, the concern over leachates from undercured resins, and the ocular hazards are discussed. Practical recommendations are provided to help clinicians improve their use of the LCU so that their patients can receive safe and potentially longer lasting resin restorations.

Effect of short curing times with a high-intensity light-emitting diode or high-power halogen on shear bond strength of metal brackets before and after thermocycling

OBJECTIVE

To test the hypothesis that short curing times using a high-intensity light-emitting diode (LED) or high-power halogen are not associated with compromised shear bond strength (SBS) of metal brackets before and after thermocycling.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two hundred forty extracted human premolar teeth were divided into six groups of 40 each. Metal brackets were bonded using a light-cured composite (Transbond XT). In group 1 a conventional halogen light (Hilux) was used for 40 seconds. In groups 2, 3, and 4 a high-power halogen light (Swiss Master) was used for 2, 3, and 6 seconds, respectively. In groups 5 and 6 a high-intensity LED (Bluephase) was used for 10 and 20 seconds, respectively. After bonding, half of the specimens in each group were thermocycled, and all specimens were tested for SBS. After debonding, the bracket bases and the enamel surfaces were scored according to the Adhesive Remnant Index.

RESULTS

Two-way analysis of variance detected significant differences in SBS values with respect to curing method (type of light-curing unit and curing time) (P  =  .0001) and thermocycling (P  =  .01). Tukey post hoc analysis showed that with or without thermocycling the mean SBS values of groups 1, 4, 5, and 6 were not significantly different, whereas group 2 showed the lowest SBS values. The predominant failure site for groups 2 and 3 was between the bracket and the adhesive and for groups 4, 5, 6 it was at the tooth/adhesive interface.

CONCLUSION

Curing time can be reduced to 6 seconds with high-power halogen light and to 10 seconds with high-intensity LED without compromising in vitro SBS of metal brackets.

Effects of thermocycling and light source on the bond strength of metallic brackets to bovine teeth

This study evaluated the effects of thermocycling and different light sources on the bond strength of metallic brackets to bovine tooth enamel using an adhesive resin. Bovine teeth were etched with 35% phosphoric acid gel for 20 s. After application of primer, metallic brackets were bonded to the buccal surface using Transbond XT, forming 8 groups (n=20), depending on the light source used for photoactivation (AccuCure 3000 argon laser - 20 s, Apollo 95E plasma arc - 12 s, UltraLume 5 LED - 40 s and XL2500 halogen light - 40 s) and experimental conditions without (Groups 1 to 4) or with thermocycling (Groups 5 to 8). Shear bond testing was carried out after 24 h of distilled water storage (Groups 1 to 4) or storage and thermocycling in distilled water (groups 5 to 8; 1,500 cycles - 5o/55oC). Data were subjected to two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test (α=0.05). The Adhesive Remnant Index (ARI) was evaluated at ×8 magnification. No significant differences (p>0.05) in bond strength were found when the conditions without and with thermocycling were compared for any of the light sources. No significant differences (p>0.05) in bond strength were found among the light sources, irrespective of performing or not thermocycling. There was a predominance of ARI scores 1 in all groups. In conclusion, light sources and thermocycling had no influence on the bond strength of brackets to bovine enamel.

In vitro lingual bracket evaluation of indirect bonding with plasma arc, LED and halogen light

OBJECTIVES

Evaluate the shear bond strength (SBS) and the adhesive remnant index (ARI) of indirect bonded lingual brackets using xenon plasma arc light, light-emitting diode (LED) and conventional quartz-tungsten-halogen light.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Lingual brackets were bonded indirectly to 60 premolars divided to three groups according to the curing light used: Group 1, plasma arc for 6 s; Group 2, LED for 10 s; and Group 3, halogen light for 40 s. After bonding, the specimens were subjected to a shear force until debonding. The debonding pattern was assessed and classified according to the ARI scores. The mean shear bond strengths were accessed by anova followed by the Student-Newman-Keuls test for multiple comparisons. ARI scores were assessed using the chi-square test.

RESULTS

The three groups showed significant differences (p < 0.001), with the averages of group 1 < group 2 < group 3. Groups showed no differences regarding ARI scores.

CONCLUSION

Bonding lingual brackets indirectly with plasma arc, during 60% of the time used for the LED, produced lower SBS than obtained with the latter. Using LED during 25% of the time of the halogen light produced lower SBS than obtained with the latter. These differences did not influence the debonding pattern and are clinically acceptable according to the literature.

Kinetics of light-cure bracket bonding: power density vs exposure duration

INTRODUCTION

Recent technologic advances make it possible to increase the light power density to reduce the necessary exposure duration. The kinetics of polymerization are complex. The special case of indirectly curing the thin layler of composite below the metallic bracket base further increases this complexity. It was hypothesized that the concept of "total energy,"--the reciprocity between power density and exposure duration--does not hold for orthodontic light-cure bracket bonding.

METHODS

Stainless steel brackets were bonded on deciduous bovine incisors with a standard light-cured composite. A calibrated, powerful halogen lamp allowed for modification of power density from 300 to 3000 mW/cm2. Metallic brackets were bonded in 8 groups of 20 incisors each with various combinations of power densities and exposure durations to obtain 3 levels of energy density (6000, 12000, and 24000 mJ/cm2). Another group of 20 incisors served as the positive control with a conventional powerful halogen lamp (1000 mW/cm2) for 40 seconds. After storage for 24 hours at 37 degrees C in water, the bracket shear bond strength (SBS) and the adhesive remnant index (ARI) were measured.

RESULTS

It was confirmed that bracket SBS mainly depends on the energy density of the light cure. All groups with an energy density of 6000 mJ/cm2 had significantly lower SBS than the groups with higher energy densities (P <0.01). The dependence of SBS on exposure duration for the same energy density followed an exponential model of nonlinear regression (r2 = 0.98).

CONCLUSIONS

The concept of "total energy" does not hold for orthodontic light-cure bracket bonding. An exposure time of less than 4 seconds, irrespective of the power density, cannot guarantee sufficient bracket bond strength. There seems to be an advantage of power density over exposure duration in the context of metallic bracket bonding. These results show that, for an efficient light-cure bracket bonding, there is an absolute lower limit of exposure duration (4 seconds) and an upper limit of useful power density (3000 mW/cm2).

Effect of blue light on the proliferation of human gingival fibroblasts

OBJECTIVES

Previous studies have reported that blue light, under conditions similar to those used for orthodontic bonding, influences several aspects of cellular physiology. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the exposure to blue light curing sources, i.e. halogen, light emitting diode (LED) and plasma arc irradiation, on the proliferation of human gingival fibroblasts.

METHODS

Primary cultures of human gingival fibroblasts were exposed to halogen, LED and plasma arc irradiation for 240, 180 and 120 s, respectively. The effect of blue light on DNA synthesis and cell proliferation was estimated by tritiated thymidine incorporation and direct cell counting, respectively. The possible involvement of an oxidative stress on the effect of blue light irradiation was studied by using N-acetyl-cysteine. Finally the formation of DNA double-strand breaks after irradiation was studied by immunofluorescence with an antibody against histone H2A.x phosphorylated in Ser139.

RESULTS

Blue light showed no immediate effect on the regulation of DNA synthesis. However, exposure of cells to these light sources inhibits cell proliferation measured one week after irradiation. This phenomenon is not attributed to the formation of DNA double strand breaks and cannot be annulled by N-acetyl-cysteine.

SIGNIFICANCE

The results presented here indicate a mild inhibition of gingival fibroblasts' proliferation after exposure to blue light and necessitate further study to clarify the exact mechanism underlying this effect.

Long-term Failure Rate of Brackets Bonded with Plasma and High-intensity Light-emitting Diode Curing Lights

Objective: To comparatively assess the long-term failure rate of brackets bonded with a plasma or a high-intensity light-emitting diode (LED) curing light.

Materials and Methods: Twenty-five patients with complete permanent dentitions with similar treatment planning and mechanotherapy were selected for the study. Brackets were bonded according to a split-mouth design with the 3M Ortholite Plasma or the high-power Satelec mini LED Ortho curing light. Irradiation with the two curing lights was performed for 9 seconds at an alternate quadrant sequence so that the bonded brackets cured with either light were equally distributed on the maxillary and mandibular right and left quadrants. First-time bracket failures were recorded for a mean period of 15 months (range 13–18 months) and the results were analyzed with the chi-square test and binary logistic regression.

Results: The failure rate for brackets was 2.8% for the plasma light and 6.7% for the LED light source. Although significantly more failures were found for the mandibular arch, no difference was identified in failure rate between anterior and posterior teeth.

Conclusions: High-intensity LED curing lights present a 2.5 times higher failure rate relative to plasma lamps for nominally identical irradiation time. Mandibular teeth show almost 150% higher failure incidence compared with maxillary teeth. No effect from the arch side (right vs left) and location (anterior vs posterior) was identified in this study.