Relationship between battery level and irradiance of light-curing units and their effects on the hardness of a bulk-fill composite resin

Fernanda Harumi Oku Prochnow, Patricia Valéria Manozzo Kunz, Gisele Maria Correr, Marina da Rosa Kaizer, Carla Castiglia Gonzaga

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Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the relationship between the battery charge level and irradiance of light-emitting diode (LED) light-curing units (LCUs) and how these variables influence the Vickers hardness number (VHN) of a bulk-fill resin.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four LCUs were evaluated: Radii Plus (SDI), Radii-cal (SDI), Elipar Deep Cure (Filtek Bulk Fill, 3M Oral Care), and Poly Wireless (Kavo Kerr). Irradiance was measured using a radiometer every ten 20-second activations until the battery was discharged. Disks (4 mm thick) of a bulk-fill resin (Filtek Bulk Fill, 3M Oral Care) were prepared, and the VHN was determined on the top and bottom surfaces when light-cured with the LCUs with battery levels at 100%, 50% and 10%. Data were analyzed by 2-way analysis of variance, the Tukey's test, and Pearson correlations (α = 5%).

RESULTS: Elipar Deep Cure and Poly Wireless showed significant differences between the irradiance when the battery was fully charged versus discharged (10% battery level). Significant differences in irradiance were detected among all LCUs, within each battery condition tested. Hardness ratios below 80% were obtained for Radii-cal (10% battery level) and for Poly Wireless (50% and 10% battery levels). The battery level showed moderate and strong, but non-significant, positive correlations with the VHN and irradiance.

CONCLUSIONS: Although the irradiance was different among LCUs, it decreased in half of the devices along with a reduction in battery level. In addition, the composite resin effectiveness of curing, measured by the hardness ratio, was reduced when the LCUs' battery was discharged.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere45
Number of pages10
JournalRestorative Dentistry & Endodontics
Volume47
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 03 Nov 2022

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