Curing depth of visible light-activated composites

Abstract

Abstract

Three composites, two microfilled (Heliosit® and Silux®) and one macrofilled (Prisma-Fil®), were exposed to visible light from three different light units. The depth of the cure was estimated by measuring the length of the test specimen after removing the uncured material. The macrofilled composite cured to a greater depth than the microfilled materials. The curing depth of Heliosit was lower, of Silux about the same, and of Prisma-Fil higher than the values of curing depth given by the manufacturers. The shade of the pastes influenced the curing depth of the macrofilled more than that of the microfilled composites. Doubling the exposure time increased the curing depth by about 1/3. Exposure through tooth substance reduced the curing depth by at least 1/3. The curing effectivity of Prisma-Lite® was slightly greater than that of Heliomat® and the 3M® unit. D Composite resins; dental fillings; dental materials