Curing lights are used primarily in the dental industry, where they are used in fillings, sealants, and adhesives for various dental procedures. Other versions of the dental curing light can be seen in use in manufacturing, where rapid and even curing can be an important part of the manufacturing process. A number of companies produce curing lights which have been custom designed for particular applications, ranging from electronics to dentistry.

UV Curing is defined as ‘a speed curing process in which high intensity ultraviolet light is used to create a photochemical reaction that instantly cures inks, adhesives, coatings and other materials’. The incorporation of UV curing technology into a manufacturer’s production process can have enormous advantages including cost efficiency, enhanced quality, increased safety and boosted production.

One of the greatest draws of UV Curing technology is its rapid cure speed. Since the mouth usually needs to be held open wide and may be dry for the procedure, patients usually want the procedure to end as quickly as possible so that they can close their mouths and remoisturize the dried oral membranes. Using a curing light gets patients in and out of the portable folding chair quickly so that the experience of irritation and pain is limited.

Another significant perk of UV curing technology is its simplicity. No racking or ovens are required and UV curing dispensing equipment tends to be less expensive than required for the heat curing process. In addition, since UV curing materials are single component, there is no need for mixing and issues with pot life are avoided, leading to less waste.

A final benefit of UV light curing technology is that it is environmentally friendly since it provides a safe alternative to the use of harmful chemicals.

Manufacturers of dental curing lights make models which are designed to be sterilized between patients, with controls which allow the dentist to adjust focus and intensity. Replacement bulbs, special filters, and other fixtures are usually available through dental supply catalogs.