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The Effect of Distance From Light Source on Light Intensity from Curing Lights.

The Effect of Distance From Light Source on Light Intensity from Curing Lights.

Authors :
Felix, C. A.
Price, R. B. T.
Source :
Journal of Esthetic & Restorative Dentistry. May2006, Vol. 18 Issue 3, p163-164. 2p.
Publication Year :
2006

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate how light intensity changes with distance from the tip of the light guide. Materials and Methods: Ten different curing light (ie, QTH, LED, plasma arc) and light-guide combinations (ie, standard and turbo fiberoptic) were used to investigate how light intensity varies with distance through air. The light irradiance was measured at 0, 3, 6, and 10 mm from the tip of the light guide using a radiometer (Cure Rite, Dentsply Caulk, Milford, DE, USA). Measurements were repeated in five separate trials and the mean irradiance and standard deviation were calculated. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to test for significant differences in the rate and extent of change in irradiance with increasing distance from the tip of the light guide. The irradiance produced by each curing light was ranked at each distance with Tukey’s Studentized Range test (α=0.05). The number of fibers per square millimeter of the entrance and exit ports of the light guides was measured for the light guides using a photomacrographic camera (Zeiss, Oberkochen, Germany). Results: As the distance increased, the irradiance decreased more rapidly from the turbo than from standard light guides. Turbo light guides delivered higher irradiance at distances of 0 and 3 mm, but at distances of 6 and 10 mm, the standard light guides delivered higher irradiance. The cross-sectional area of the entrance fibers was larger than that of the exit fibers for the turbo light guides. Not all light guides are assembled in the same manner, with some containing regular fibers and others containing irregular fibers. Conclusions: This study showed that the light irradiance over distance is dependent on the type of light guide. Although turbo light guides may successfully boost the irradiance of a curing light, that advantage might be quickly lost at greater curing distances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
14964155
Volume :
18
Issue :
3
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Journal of Esthetic & Restorative Dentistry
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
21274528
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1708-8240.2006.00009_2.x