Intensity of quartz-tungsten-halogen light polymerization units used in dental offices in Brazil.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the intensity of quartz-tungsten-halogen light polymerization units in dental offices in El Salvador, Brazil.


METHODS
A team of researchers visited 100 offices in 2003. The team measured light intensity with a radiometer. The age and make of the units and the availability of light meters were recorded.


RESULTS
One hundred twenty quartz-tungsten-halogen units were tested. Intensity ranged from 10 to 1,000 mW/cm2, with mean of 255.8 mW/cm2. Almost half (48%) of the units had values equal to or less than 200 mW/cm2. Their age ranged from 1 to 21 years. None of the offices had light meters.


CONCLUSIONS
Clinicians should periodically monitor light intensity and carry out maintenance on their light polymerization units.
Santos
Gildo Coelho
GC
Department of Dental Clinic, Federal University of Bahia, Faculty of Dentistry, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
Santos
Maria Jacinta Moraes Coelho
MJ
El-Mowafy
Omar
O
El-Badrawy
Wafa
W
D003188:Composite Resins / Q000528:radiation effects; D003748:Dental Equipment; D006219:Halogens; D006244:Hardness; D008027:Light; D044367:Phase Transition; D010783:Photometry
D003188:Composite Resins; D006219:Halogens