[The type testing of light-polymerization equipment, I: the testing protocol].
With the spread of light polymerisation in dentistry for curing light-activated filling and luting materials the visible-light curing unit has become a standard device in the dental office. The light intensity is the main factor for the degree of polymerisation. However, there are other factors like comfort, handling and intensity control influencing daily use. The light curing unit industry is large and always changing. Consumer information is rare and often out of date. Considering these facts the present study presents a concept of investigating light curing units. In a further study all light curing units available on the Swiss market will be investigated using this protocol. Newly released light curing units should be investigated in this manner to actualize the existing results. Initially specifications and features are summarised using a questionnaire. Several tests are performed to investigate the parameters of the units. The light intensity emitted from the curing tip is analysed by the radiant power, the radiance and the light distribution across the face of the light curing tip as a function of time. Precise radiometers and a camera for picture processing are used for these measurements. Density filters are used to reduce the radiant power. The measurements of the precise radiometer are compared with those of the integrated radiometer of the light-curing unit. In this way the precision of integrated radiometers is controlled at maximum and reduced output. For evaluating the presence and the quality of integrated voltage stabilizer, the line voltage is varied from 230 V down to 207 V and up to 244 V and the radiant power is measured. The integrated timer is measured for its accuracy in each unit. The time intervals are controlled using a stopwatch. Finally the cooling device is tested. Using a phonometer the noise of the cooling fan is measured. Furthermore, the overheating protector is controlled by recording the activating and resetting time.
Thormann
J
J
Klinik für Präventivzahnmedizin, Parodontologie und Kariologie, Zentrum für Zahn-, Mund- und Kieferheilkunde, Universität Zürich.
Lutz
F
F
D003748:Dental Equipment; D003764:Dental Materials / Q000528:radiation effects; D004867:Equipment Design; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D008027:Light; D011874:Radiometry / Q000295:instrumentation
D003764:Dental Materials
Typenprüfung von Lichtpolymerisationsgeräten I: Prüfungsprotokoll.