3 LED Curing Light Myths: Debunked
Curing lights have become an intregal part of any dental practice.
Inadequate polymerization of materials can lead to clinical failures, such as sensitivity, marginal discoloration, fractured restorations, and more, making it critical to select an ideal curing light the first time. Are you asking the right questions when considering a new LED curing light for your practice? How does one curing light differ from the next? What factors should you consider when shopping for the right curing light solution? What light intensity is required?
There are several myths surrounding dental curing lights...
How is it that these myths about dental products get started, or spread? My guess is that one person thinks he or she has a firm grasp on the technology behind the product, but is missing a crucial piece of information. That person shares the “knowledge” with a couple of colleagues and then the myth keeps spreading.
Myths about LED curing lights most likely started in exactly the same way. And it’s up to people in the (real) know to make sure these myths get busted. Here’s what I learned in a recent online search of reputable sources.
Myth #1—Light intensity is the most important factor to consider when shopping for an LED curing light.
It turns out that matching the light’s wavelength to the absorption spectrum of the dental material’s photoinitiator is way more important. Without that match—no matter the light’s intensity—the material won’t be properly cured.
Myth #2—The more LEDs the better.
Nope. Many types of LEDs exist and each is unique. So that means an individual LED of one type may be more powerful that 64 of another type. Instead, pay attention to spectral output, intensity, and optical light delivery.
Myth #3—LED curing lights are slow.
LED light curing time is comparable to halogen time. LED lights’ narrow wavelength most closely matches the photointiator used in most composite materials (see Myth #1), which means that it cures efficiently with little wasted light output.
The ideal light-curing unit features a broad-emission spectrum, sufficient light intensity, minimal drop off of energy, ease of use and easy maintanance. Shopping? You’re sure to find several great options among the 170 products listed on our LED category page.
