Dentists assume that activating a dental curing light device reliably and predictably light cures restorative materials. There are many factors that must be considered when light-curing resin adhesives, resin-based composites, resin cements, etc., to ensure the quality and durability of the restorations being placed. Clinicians have choices in the light-curing devices they use.

Despite appearances that all curing lights are adequate, research has demonstrated that not all light-curing devices are equivalent! Recent studies demonstrate that the light probe tip diameter and its orientation can significantly impact the degree of light curing with respect to better physical properties and improved adhesion.

Most composite resin or porcelain veneer placement articles elaborate extensively on technique, yet mention only five words: “and then you light cure”, for the most critical phase of the technique. Light curing is more complex than those five words. It involves specific devices and dental equipments, not all of which are equivalent. This article provides an understanding to the successful management of these variables.
Light curing has often been perceived to be as simple as using an on and off switch. In some cases, polymerization is delegated to the chairside assistant while the clinician focuses on other aspects of treatment.

Resin composites are light cured when a specific dose of energy is delivered to the resin, with the dosage varying significantly between different brands and shades. While seemingly simple and routine, the process involved is complex. The durability and longevity of the restoration is greatly dependent on the accurate delivery of the energy required to polymerize the resin.

Currently, the International Standards Organization (ISO) has very few requirements pertaining to curing light performance, all related to limiting ultra-violet range emissions. No lower or upper limits exist for the intensity of the violet/blue light used to activate the resin photoinitiators. In addition, ISO performance measurements are always taken at the light tip; clinically, the curing light is rarely that close to the composite surface.