Advances in light-curing units: four generations of LED lights and clinical implications for optimizing their use: Part 2. From present to future.
The first part of this series of two described the history of light curing in dentistry and developments in LED lights since their introduction over 20 years ago. Current second- and third-generation LED light units have progressively replaced their halogen lamp predecessors because of their inherent advantages. The background to this, together with the clinical issues relating to light curing and the possible solutions, are outlined in the second part of this article. Finally, the innovative features of what may be seen as the first of a new fourth-generation of LED lights are described and guidance is given for the practitioner on what factors to consider when seeking to purchase a new LED light activation unit.


CONCLUSIONS
Adequate curing in depth is fundamental to clinical success with any light-activated restoration. To achieve this goal predictably, an appropriate light source needs to be combined with materials knowledge, requisite clinical skills and attention to detail throughout the entire restoration process. As dentists increasingly use light-cured direct composites to restore large posterior restorations they need to appreciate the issues central to effective and efficient light curing and to know what to look for when seeking to purchase a new light-curing unit.
The Dental School, University of Birmingham, St Chad's Queensway, Birmingham B4 6NN, UK.
Adrian C
AC
Shortall
Will M
WM
Palin
Bruno
B
Jacquot
Bruno
B
Pelissier
D003188:Composite Resins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000528:radiation effects*; D055117:Curing Lights, Dental / Q000145:classification / Q000639:trends*; D003764:Dental Materials / Q000737:chemistry / Q000528:radiation effects*; D017267:Dental Prosthesis Design; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent / Q000639:trends; D055615:Electrical Equipment and Supplies; D004735:Energy Transfer; D004867:Equipment Design; D004869:Equipment Safety; D006244:Hardness; D006801:Humans; D055115:Light-Curing of Dental Adhesives / Q000639:trends*; D016910:Orthodontic Brackets; D058567:Photoinitiators, Dental / Q000737:chemistry / Q000528:radiation effects; D058105:Polymerization; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D013997:Time Factors
D003188:Composite Resins; D003764:Dental Materials; D058567:Photoinitiators, Dental