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The use of light to initiate bonding reactions has become an integral part of orthodontic practice. Different technologies are available to cure dental composite, each with advantages and drawbacks. The efficacy of light-curing is affected by a range of factors and it is important for orthodontists to understand these concepts, alongside common problems with light-cure units, to aid in troubleshooting. Periodic testing of light-curing equipment can help to identify defective units that can potentially contribute to bond failure.
CPD/Clinical Relevance: An understanding basic materials science in relation to dental light-curing technology is important in allowing orthodontists to maintain safe and effective equipment. The choice of light-curing equipment and method of use can influence bond strength and, therefore, treatment success.
Article
Historically, fixed orthodontic appliances were retained through circumferential bands chemically bonded to enamel with a luting cement. In the 1960s, enamel conditioning with acid was shown to facilitate effective micromechanical bonding with resin composite,1 which has since become the most widely used method of retaining orthodontic appliances. Devices which exploit light to initiate such bonding reactions have become a key piece of equipment in any orthodontic clinic. Dental light-curing units (or more precisely: ‘powered polymerization activators’2) have evolved from the early use of UV light to a wide range of units, using a variety of light sources to produce visible light. Such developments have resulted in safer, more efficient curing that orthodontists have come to rely on daily.
The importance of light-curing in relation to the clinical effectiveness of bracket bonding is often overlooked in favour of other important factors, such as the bonding material, bracket surface structure and the technique sensitivity of the bonding process. It is important for clinicians to have a working knowledge of different types of light-curing unit, in addition to the light-curing process itself, because this allows dentists to identify potential problems that may lead to an increased bond failure rate.
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